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From: Doug Lloyd <dalloyd_at_telus.net>
subject: [Paddlewise] I fought the lawn and the lawn won
Date: Thu, 11 Aug 2005 22:36:55 -0700
Well, I did it. I beat the lawn _this year_. I got rid of both lawns; dug 
them up, threw them away (front and back yard, and replaced the lawns with 
rocks and drought-proof plants (and a pool). Now, I should have more time 
for paddling, and, I'm in the good books with Wavelength for not using 
chemicals anymore; as well, I can save on water costs -- which will help 
save for a kayak for my 10-year old who wants to paddle.

What have you done in your life to make more time for paddling --other than 
become a recreational map producer who gets to paddle around all day "doing 
work!" :-)

Doug Lloyd (who has a nice red Toro lawnmower for sale)
Victoria BC
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From: Melissa Reese <melissa_at_bonnyweeboaty.net>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] I fought the lawn and the lawn won
Date: Fri, 12 Aug 2005 01:09:56 -0700
Hi Doug,

On Thursday, August 11, 2005, at 10:36:55 PM PST, you wrote:

> What have you done in your life to make more time for paddling

After spending most of my life so far living in big cities, doing "big
city things" (though I always did at least insist on living in coastal
cities), I discovered the kayak, and changed my life completely in
order to accommodate my paddling needs. I moved into an oceanfront
home, where I can simply carry my boat across the beach and launch
into the lovely Pacific! :-)

I also traded the "glamorous life" of a busy musician for the very
simple life of a paddler/beach bum. While there are things I miss
about my former life, I simply can't imagine going back to it. I have
a lot less money now than I used to have, and I've let go most of the
material things I once had and enjoyed, but I find that I'm quite
happy to leave a lighter environmental footprint, and to "travel light
and quietly" through life.

I live in a beautiful place, breathe clean air, and wake up to the
sound of the surf instead of the jackhammers, car alarms, and sirens
of my former life. Just about any day of the week, I can (and do!)
paddle with whales and countless other forms of lovely and interesting
wildlife. Even my cat (actually, I'm "his human"), a born and bred New
Yorker, absolutely loves our quiet life here. Does it get any better
than this? :-)

-- 
Melissa
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From: <Rcgibbert_at_aol.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] I fought the lawn and the lawn won
Date: Fri, 12 Aug 2005 14:57:01 EDT
In a message dated 8/11/2005 10:39:18 PM Pacific Standard Time,  
dalloyd_at_telus.net writes:

Well, I  did it. I beat the lawn _this year_. I got rid of both lawns; dug 
them up,  threw them away (front and back yard, and replaced the lawns with 
rocks  and drought-proof plants (and a pool). Now, I should have more time 
for  paddling, and, I'm in the good books with Wavelength for not using  
chemicals anymore; as well, I can save on water costs -- which will help  
save for a kayak for my 10-year old who wants to paddle.

What have  you done in your life to make more time for paddling --other than 
become a  recreational map producer who gets to paddle around all day "doing 
work!"  :-)



I watch my neighbors don the ear muffs and try to nail the catch of the  
engine on the first stroke. The moss is taking over one  neighbor's backyard 
completely. In fact, the only reason he mows the  backyard is to keep the long 
hairs of the grass that manage to poke through the  moss in check. The crows gouge 
holes in the moss when its wet, to uproot worms  and such. Not a hill I want 
to die on, as they say.
 
Me, I laid down a weed barrier and dumped 35 yards of cedar bark dust on  
top, spread evenly. I then added native Swordferns, Western Red Cedar, Douglas  
Fir and some non-native Redwoods and Tasmanian Ferns. Sure I lose out on that  
American Dream of turning my yard into a manicured Kentuckey horse pasture, 
but  I have a lot of time left over for paddling and no need for the chemicals 
or  hardware necessary to keep up a lawn. Salal is taking over the side yard,  
hopefully it will crowd out my wife's roses, netting still more time saved for 
 paddling. But I doubt it.
 
Rob G
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From: Bob Carter <revkayak_at_aptalaska.net>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] I fought the lawn and the lawn won
Date: Fri, 12 Aug 2005 20:35:44 -0800
Seakayak forever,
yardwork never!
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