Ready to go!

Maiden Voyage a smashing Success!

Woohoo! We did it! With the help of Steve, at Tern of the Wheel this morning, the roofrack was mounted successfully (despite the rain) and we went home to put the boat on. By the time we had the rollers and saddles mounted to the crossbars, the rain had stopped. We took that as a sign to go for it! After a quick change, we headed out for the Mazonia lakes and the boat stayed strapped down nicely at 55 mph with no shifting at all.
It took us about 40 minutes to get to the water. There were a few cars and trucks in the parking area but the lake looked pretty empty. We got the boat off the car, put in the seats and stuff and walked it down to the water. Mike held it for me while I got in and settled, then he got in. Even though we were only in inches-deep water, we didn’t touch bottom – but ohboy, did it rock and roll for a few minutes while we got adjusted to the motion!! I thought for sure we’d go over! And we were so low in the water! Or so it seemed. We were pretty clumsy with the paddles at first – we couldn’t figure out how to go or stop or turn for a few minutes. Then the calm of the lake took over and we relaxed and started paddling very easily and moving across the water and it was WONDERFUL!! It rivals backpacking into Rustlers Gulch – the peace and beauty of the water and birds and colors of everything. The water is amazingly clear – we would come across shallow areas where we seemed to be only inches above the sandy/rocky bottom. Then it would drop off sharply to deep black then we would see grasses beneath the water – all sorts of colors. We saw (and heard) lots of birds and several turtles and a couple of muskrats. It was great floating and paddling. I tried to master the art of paddling as silently as possible.
We can’t wait to go back again. And again. And again. 

Every moment was worth this!

Isn't it beautiful?

We are ready to launch!!

Saturday, May 19 ... we put the finishing touches on the boat. Only 2 things left to do ... register it and get a cartop carrier. I ordered the carrier from Tern of the Wheel and it will be ready this week sometime. We are hoping to launch on Thursday or Friday, if all goes well. Wooohoooooooo! I am ready to go right now!

Mothers Day with the Dyslexic Left-hander and the Nubbed One

The Queen inspects the bow to determine the proper angle for christening.

The Return of the Dyslexic Left-Handed Carpenter

Spring finally arrived in Illinois and the kayak came out of the garage for final work. Mike got the varnish applied to his liking. On Mothers Day weekend a team effort brought about the completion of the hatches. There are only 3 major things remaining: complete the installation of the hardware and webbing straps for the seats, purchase a cartop carrier, register it with the State of Illinois. We have chosen our launch site: Pondo Lake at the South Unit of Mazonia Nature Preserve near Braidwood. We will try to keep you better informed as the launch date draws closer. Avast and what-ho! Aaarrrrrrrrrrrrrggghh!