On Wed, Jan 12, 2011 at 12:58 AM, Dave Kruger <kdruger_at_pacifier.com> wrote: > There is much of this I agree with, Craig. And, no question that > companions are good to have for safety concerns, as well as filching their > cookies and stealing their women. [G] > > Yet, as another often-solo paddler, I know that I am more mindful of my > surroundings, more alert, more attuned to my own limits, when I can only > depend on myself. I think I am a bit more reckless when someone else is > along of similar (or better) skills and experience. Not to say I have > completely avoided trouble when alone, but my focus is so much more intense > I think I'm a better paddler and more cautious alone. Reflecting on times > when I was in over my head, and could have lost my life, every incident was > with one other paddler ... in fact close counterparts of similar > curmudgeonliness. > The luxury of having a good club doesn't preclude solo paddling. I was thinking more specifically of Mark Sanders who was a complete newbie just a few years ago but who advanced rapidly in the company of other paddlers. He writes often about how they stop for impromptu rolling sessions and they always have company for seminars (and the incentive to travel to them). Plus the apre-paddle sessions around a convivial table. You can't buy this sort of training! > > Reminds me, when are you coming back to my part of the world? When it > warms up to Moses Lake spring temps here (about June, I think) I'll show you > where the swans winter on Karlson Island, or maybe the secret lagoon over > near Miller Sands which shelters acres of goslings. They would be good for > a flatlander from the channeled scablands to know. Click on the chart image > here, Craig: http://www.pbase.com/bartenderdave/mlrsnds There be > mysteries outside, Jack. > I will be back there for sure this summer for the Kite Festival which involves much shopping by all the female family members and either bicycling or kayaking for the guys. Last year we biked the beaches because Great Grandpa (it turns out that there *is* someone older than me, after all) needed encouragement to get out on his bike more often than once or twice a year. Next year will be a paddling year for sure as I'm interested in getting out and exploring some more over there. I'll take a mtb along too, of course. I am now a multi-sport activist. :P You might consider coming this way, too. Bring a bike. I know lots of great trails which do not involve much climbing. It's good cross-training. You have, by the way, a pretty decent bike shop there in Astoria. Sue and Kristy bought their mtn bikes there in the last century. Craig *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************Received on Wed Jan 12 2011 - 08:54:19 PST
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