After paddling the Washington Coast in a historical replica baidarka, I paddled up the inside of Vancouver Island until I Ianded on Quadra Island. I'm now living amongst the Discovery Islands, a stone's throw from Surge Narrows, and a half day's paddle from some of the most spectacular Mountain-flanked inlets possible - Bute, Toba, and Kingcome Inlets. I'm paddling home-built, traditional qajaqs and baidarkas almost exclusively now.Currently building three skin-on-frame kayaks for client use, they should be done mid-January. They're variations on my own design. I've worked out a very good arrangement with my boat-builder friend for the use of a corner of his shop and access to his tools. I'm hoping that I can learn a bit of boat-building while I'm there as well - the man is a highly skilled craftsman. I'm taking them apart and shipping them in a box to Mexico, eventually taking them here -> 17.138,-100.646. I'll travel down on the cheap. I've made plans to spend February and March in Mexico seeing if I can help with a sea-turtle protection and preservation project that my lovely ex-wife set up a decade ago - the little village there is already involved. Though there are tourist Palapas on the beach, I plan to board with a family in La Vinata - the village. This area was once quite popular with national tourists but has suffered. Incredible estuary paddling plus good surf out front - the best of both worlds! I hope to build up a little kayaking business there eventually - this year I may just rent my kayaks out to have a presence and pay for my food. April and May I may tackle some more coastline, for the LBSB Expedtion (yep! It's still on!) June through October of 2011, I plan to be back at Quadra Island instructing and day-guiding, I'll probably finish my paddle around Vancouver Island then as well. Then it's back to Mexico again! It's been awhile and I've a lot to update on - always appreciated reading Paddlewise and my apologies for not posting my fair share. Best of life, ~daniel~ www.longboatshortboat.blogspot.com If still under construction try the 'Expedition' link or LBSB 'Facebook' link - been a busy year on the water. *************************************************************************** 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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