Re: [Paddlewise] May Paddling Adventure

Craig Jungers wrote:
> Hailey, my favorite 8-year-old, has been a kayaker since she was an infant.
> She learned to walk by using the stack of whitewater kayaks at the lake
> house, she paddled solo at age three (albeit in circles and with her mom and
> me hanging around close), and last year she paddled the Coaster and learned
> that edging made it easier to turn. So when Sue and I were told that we'd
> have her for part of the weekend I gathered up all the kayaks and gave
> Hailey her choice for a paddlling adventure. She chose the Express and
> became the frist in our group to paddle that boat.
> 
> So yesterday, after school, she and I loaded ourselves into the boats (me in
> the F-1) and set off. We paddled north... then south.... then east.... then
> west... then more south... then north.... and an impromptu race east (whcih
> I (ahem!) won)... and finally, as it was getting dark, west to find a
> campsite.
> 
> By this time it was almost dark and we felt lucky to find a place to camp
> while we could still see a little. The campsite was in a grove of trees
> (three) only 20 feet from the water's edge. We landed at a rickety dock and
> pulled the boats to safety on the shore and then set up the tent. After a
> catered dinner we retired to our tent and camp cots for a harmonica duet. It
> was getting a little nippy out and Hailey made a try at talking me out of my
> one blanket but then her bed warmed up and she decided to let me keep it.
> Once the lantern was out she asked me for a story but when I told her that
> classic old tale about "The Hook" she got mad at me for telling her a scary
> story. Go figure.
> 
> This morning (Saturday) she and I were up early and in the daylight
> discovered that we had camped in the back yard of the lake house. I guess we
> must've gotten a bit turned around what with all those changes in direction.
> The joke was on us. There was nothing left but to go inside, have breakfast,
> and watch a movie on tv. (This did explain the "catered dinner", however.)
> 
> But first Hailey wanted to hear the rest of the story about "The Hook".
> 
> Go figure.
> 
> 
> Craig Jungers
> Moses Lake, WA
> www.nwkayaking.net

Sounds great! Now that my son is in another town, and answering emails 
and returning phone calls with sporadic indifference, I miss the days 
when we'd do stuff together. <sigh>

It goes by so damn fast!!

-- 
   Darryl
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