[Paddlewise] Remember me?

Hi People,

It's been at least 5 years since I've last posted here, but some may 
still remember me. I lost my subscription when I changed providers and 
didn't bother to renew my email. I see in the "who's who" that my email 
still refers to Foxboro, although I stopped working there 9 years ago. 
Shame on me!

I got curious whether the list still existed and whether the old crowd 
was still there. I renewed my subscription yesterday; I'm honestly 
thrilled that the first post came from Doug Lloyd. I remember him 
struggling with his health, so I'm relieved that he's still live and 
kicking. I hope he's still writing those hair-curling trip reports.
I hope Matt Broze is still on the list too. Years ago, I promised myself 
to visit him in Seattle and buy a boat off him as soon as I had money to 
spare. I still don't have money, but since Matt is out of business, 
that's a mute point - alas.

Who was it that wrote about the "cursing paddle"? Who was that reverend 
that wrote such beautiful trip reports? I hope they're still here too; I 
will certainly remember their names when I see their posts.

It's good to see that the list still exists, and I'm a bit relieved that 
it hasn't been turned into a forum. I'm old enough (44) to appreciate 
low-tech and things that simply stay the same.

I may not have been posting, but I _have_ been paddling. I still give 
instruction to my local club; I guide some of the more demanding trips 
of that club (although I don't find them that demanding myself) and I 
spend at least 3 weeks every year paddling the west coast of Corsica in 
the Mediterranean.

There's some things that I deserve to be flamed for. Obviously, I 
deserve a reprimand for disappearing for a decade. More serious though:
- Not only do I paddle a plastic boat; I paddle a _comfortable_ boat. 
It's the kind that's popular as a rental. I know that will raise some 
eyebrows here. It has no rudder though; Matt is right that a good boat 
doesn't need one.
- I prefer _easy_ paddling. I like my seas windless, flat and sunny - 
although I can handle the rougher stuff well enough.
- I'm working on an kayak-related invention that will hopefully earn me 
some money, but that should certainly earn me the name of "disgrace of 
the seven seas". It's not as bad as a rudder or a sail, but still... No, 
I don't dare tell yet. I want to test these waters before diving in.

I'm looking forward to renewed friendships, discussions and trip 
reports. Some may like my pictures of Corsica: 
http://www.nibla.nl/fotoalbum/corsica .

Niels
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