Happy Holidays

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

However you celebrate this holiday season I hope it is happy and healthy. Maybe you will find a kayak under the tree. And speaking of trees....

happyholidays2010 from Paddling Otaku on Vimeo.

The first boat has arrived

For several people doing the Alaska trip with me, one of the biggest hurdles is the fact that either they don't currently own a kayak, or they own several kayaks that aren't suitable for this kind of trip. This is one of the bigger challenges. It is hard enough to buy a kayak, but add to that fact, that they are going to be sitting in it for nearly a month straight. It not only has to fit well, but the kayak needs to hold a lot of gear. Making a difficult decision more difficult is that all three of the people who need kayaks for this trip are small women.

Well last night, for one of our team mates a kayak arrived, it is now resting peacefully with the other kayaks in my yard. It is an interim kayak. A kayak for her to use to get some serious time in the cockpit while waiting for her actual trip boat to arrive. And if a trip boat shouldn't arrive, it will be a fairly suitable stand in. Many things are still going on here, but serious planning must start once January rolls around. A tentative departure date has been set for June 23rd. Ferry schedules must be consulted, a route has to be finalized. Much to do between now and June 23rd.

Delinquincy

I have been very delinquent in my writing. In part because as the holidays draw nearer I get busier. In part, because paddling wise there isn't much to happening. Plans are moving along well for the this summers Alaska trip. A car was purchased to help transport the kayaks to the north end of the inside passage.

Team mates are starting to get serious about gear, and skills. The trip is coming together nicely, but there is still much to do. I need to start going over maps and charts and really fine tuning the route. That will be most of January. People consistently talk about how they could never do a trip like this. Either it's the sitting in a kayak all day, or taking the time from work. But honestly I think the hardest part is all the prep work. The gear, the food, the boats, the logistics, and most importantly the people. Keeping the people focused - but not overwhelmed and on track. That is the biggest chore.