When this came up, I did not think much of my paddle ventures in 2004, because I did only day trips in the local area ... but it added up to quite a bit. There was the usual large number of day trips out of Aldrich Point, Brownsmead, OR, into "The Islands," a region of manifold swampy rises in the center of a huge wildlife refuge. Some other highlights: Visited Frankfort and Grays River, WA with Bernie Gerkens, discovering a "sea cave" enroute. Can a cave on a tidal estuary be a sea cave; or, is it a "river cave?"). Bernie took his new Folbot Cooper, a sweet craft, soon to be copied in my kayak loft. Yellow is a good color for a kayak. Encircled Puget Island upriver with longtime paddling buddy Jan ... a 20-mile marathon featuring gill nets galore and a sneaky cutacross, preceded by an unsuccessful mask and fins shot at retrieving a dropped radio. The radio is still there, I bet, for anybody who wants it ... right under the float at Skamokawa, WA. Helped several folks outfit their new Folbots ... craft in need of design review for paddlers who want to brace. Initiated local Lori to sea kayaking. She faded after wet exit and reentry practice ... back to WW rafting and a greater thrill per effort ratio. Ferried ice cream and fresh apple pie to the fianci's daughter and the daughter's now-defunct boy friend ... at their campsite on Long Island, WA. Them two, the beneficiaries of a loan of a 17-foot Grumman I once owned. Initiated the Wilhelms into the clan of Long Island Clam eaters, thanks to Bob of Nahcotta, and a favorable tide. Fettuccine on the sand -- yum! Assisted the ex and a longtime buddy of hers to and from a 4-day trip on Long Island. Got a dynamic deck duck in return. -- Dave Kruger Astoria, OR *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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