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Outdoor Section => The Outdoor and Survival Forum => Topic started by: Grant Lamontagne on September 09, 2007, 03:14:37 PM

Title: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on September 09, 2007, 03:14:37 PM
I am going to go a little farther than I did before, and I'll be starting out soon, and maybe gone for a while.  I'll post pictures when I get back.

The red arrow is where I start, the blue arrow is the farthest I've gone and the yellow arrow is my goal today.  I know it doesn't look like much, but it's an hour's worth of paddling to get to the blue arrow, and remember, I have to paddle back too!  I figure 4 hours should be a pretty good run....

Gotta get as much in as I can before the weather turns sour!

Def
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on September 09, 2007, 05:35:36 PM
That's a hell of a distance matey :o

I doubt your arm's will work by the time you get back ;D
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on September 09, 2007, 05:45:13 PM
Well, it was a washout today unfortunately.  I did get out, but I barely made it to the second lake before packing it in.  It took me three quarters of an hour to get to the big lake and back, something that should have only taken about twenty minutes.  The wind was much stronger than I anticipated, and the waves were pretty substantial as well.

Plus, my GPS batteries died halfway across the lake I start on, which isn't that important, but I do like to monitor my speed.  Then, when on the next lake, some twit in a powerboat dropped the hammer about 30 feet from me, making a wake that was higher than my kayak.  Fortunately I managed the 90 degree turn into the wake in time, or I would have capsized.  As it was, I was swamped pretty good.  Good thing I don't have SCUBA gear or I'd pay a little midnight, underwater visit to his boat some night soon as a thank you.

Then, when I got back to my end, the waves buffeted the boat so bad that I did capsize as I was trying to get home, which left me with lots of water in the boat, which I spent the next twenty minutes or so bailing out.

Still a damned fun day though!

Def
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: I'm Still Bison on September 09, 2007, 05:47:07 PM
Cool!!!!! Make the most of it ! This weekend starts the fall whitewater rafting season on the New and Gauley Rivers...if I can move and juggle a few things around,I'm going to give that a shot.
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on September 09, 2007, 05:51:44 PM
Whitewater huh?  I was almost doing that today!  There were more than a few whitecaps on my lake!

Good luck getting out- whitewater rafting is one of the best experiences available, and a damn site more intelligent than jumping out of a perfectly good airplane!

Def
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on September 09, 2007, 07:02:36 PM
I really, really envy the pair of you having access to lakes like that, I demand picture's ;D
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on September 09, 2007, 08:34:17 PM
I didn't get any pictures today unfortunately... I spend the whole time trying to fight the waves.

Def
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on September 09, 2007, 09:18:33 PM
I didn't get any pictures today unfortunately... I spend the whole time trying to fight the waves.

Def
It must really sap your morale comming up against the waves, at least when I'm cycling uphill I can see myself making progress, but with heavy wave's i'd guess station keeping's about as much as you can hope for ???
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on September 09, 2007, 09:20:27 PM
Yup- lots of times it seems like you aren't getting anywhere at all.  Luckily on my lake there are marker buoys for the races, so you can see that you are indeed making some progress, just not much!

Def
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on September 09, 2007, 09:23:49 PM
Yup- lots of times it seems like you aren't getting anywhere at all.  Luckily on my lake there are marker buoys for the races, so you can see that you are indeed making some progress, just not much!

Def
I'd really love to do some kayaking, there's just something about making your own progress without an engine, even if it is knackering ::)
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on September 09, 2007, 09:42:48 PM
Little to no progress today I'm afraid...

Lots of fun, but unfortunately you need to really pay attention to the weather conditions too.

Def
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on September 09, 2007, 09:45:51 PM
Little to no progress today I'm afraid...

Lots of fun, but unfortunately you need to really pay attention to the weather conditions too.

Def
Don't they do little sail's for kayak's, not much good into a head wind I know, but you'll get home quicker ;D
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on September 09, 2007, 09:59:41 PM
Some do, but they are designed for it.  If I tried to put a sail on mine I'd capsize!

Def
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on September 09, 2007, 10:06:53 PM
Some do, but they are designed for it.  If I tried to put a sail on mine I'd capsize!

Def
And you point is :P ;) ;D
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on September 09, 2007, 10:11:21 PM
Not enough explosions!

Def
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on September 09, 2007, 10:12:23 PM
Not enough explosions!

Def
Gota love the big bang don't ya :D
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on September 09, 2007, 10:14:20 PM
Almost as good as succeeding or meeting your goals!

Def
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on September 09, 2007, 10:16:02 PM
Almost as good as succeeding or meeting your goals!

Def
Well when I meet or succeed at anything I let ya know ;D
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on September 09, 2007, 10:17:13 PM
If you can't meet them, blow them the hell up!

Def
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on September 09, 2007, 10:22:02 PM
If you can't meet them, blow them the hell up!

Def
Ok well pm me your home made explosive reciepe's then please ;)
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on September 09, 2007, 10:27:04 PM
http://www.pyronfo.com/

Just Google Home Made Explosives and you'll find lots.  Personally I like improvised explosions better.  Make things explode on their own, just the way Nature intended!

Def
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on September 09, 2007, 10:29:11 PM
http://www.pyronfo.com/

Just Google Home Made Explosives and you'll find lots.  Personally I like improvised explosions better.  Make things explode on their own, just the way Nature intended!

Def
It's not the same if you've got to pay for the reciepe :D
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on September 09, 2007, 10:43:29 PM
That's a pay site?  My mistake... that was the first one that came up when I Googled it!

Take a chemistry course at the local community college, or read a few chemistry books at work and you'll find out all kinds of things that blow up- some even when you want them to!

Now if you'll excuse me, there are some black Suburbans out front and some gentlemen with dark suits at my door....

Def
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on September 09, 2007, 10:46:56 PM
That's a pay site?  My mistake... that was the first one that came up when I Googled it!

Take a chemistry course at the local community college, or read a few chemistry books at work and you'll find out all kinds of things that blow up- some even when you want them to!

Now if you'll excuse me, there are some black Suburbans out front and some gentlemen with dark suits at my door....

Def
I know how to make incendries out of cough sweet's and sugar, but not anything really boom-worthie,

I've heard plutonium's pretty good, anyone got a link to a place that sell's some? ;) ;D
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on September 09, 2007, 10:48:05 PM
Just how far of topic can we get in this thread, were me and you are almost the only one's to have posted ;D
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on September 09, 2007, 10:49:59 PM
www.eBay.com

Look under "Glow In The Dark"

:D

Def
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on September 09, 2007, 10:53:08 PM
www.eBay.com

Look under "Glow In The Dark"

:D

Def
Tried it,but it's no good :cry:, but there is a guy from kazakstak who's got some uranium going cheap, he's got 97 percent feedback so it looks a safe buy
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on September 09, 2007, 10:55:27 PM
Well when your three armed glowing postie arrives you'll know it's time to give good feedback!

Def
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on September 09, 2007, 10:59:07 PM
Well when your three armed glowing postie arrives you'll know it's time to give good feedback!

Def
Let's be honest you would leave good feedback anyway would'nt you  ;D
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on September 09, 2007, 11:00:37 PM
Not me- or do we have to revisit my recent eBay experience? :P

Def
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on September 10, 2007, 09:55:08 AM
Not me- or do we have to revisit my recent eBay experience? :P

Def
I dunno that was a very entertaining thread, so if it give you the chance to vent your spleen go for it ;D
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on September 10, 2007, 12:08:38 PM
Yes, I am tempted to order something else from him... or better yet, get all the SOSAKOnline and Multitool.org members to order something from him then default on payment.  Sure, each of us will get one bad feedback, but he'll have hundreds!  >:D

Def
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on September 10, 2007, 12:23:16 PM
Yes, I am tempted to order something else from him... or better yet, get all the SOSAKOnline and Multitool.org members to order something from him then default on payment.  Sure, each of us will get one bad feedback, but he'll have hundreds!  >:D

Def
I'll be up for that ;D

Ruining people's live's is something I take great pride in ;) :D
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on September 10, 2007, 12:25:28 PM
If I was the vindictive sort....   >:D

Def
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on September 10, 2007, 12:35:06 PM
If I was the vindictive sort....   >:D

Def
well you clearly are so what's stopping you  ;D
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on September 10, 2007, 12:36:50 PM
That's a very good question....  ;D

What was this thread about again?  ???

Def
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on September 10, 2007, 12:44:58 PM
That's a very good question....  ;D

What was this thread about again?  ???

Def
erm, ooh ooh, I know this one, ...  nope it's gone, can I have a clue please ;D
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on September 10, 2007, 12:58:31 PM
If I had a clue, it would be all yours!   :P

Def
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: I'm Still Bison on September 10, 2007, 03:43:32 PM
If I had a clue, it would be all yours!   :P

Def
I used to have a clue,but I couldn't keep up the payments ::) kayaking is one of those things I've wanted to do,but the waterways here are either too shallow(creeks),or a bit too dangerous(towboat navigation) for anything more than just short jaunts.
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on September 10, 2007, 04:01:12 PM
A kayak only has about two inches of draft- you'd be amazed where you can go with one!

That having been said, I am heading out again shortly- the lake is calm and almost mirror like!

Def
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: 665ae on September 10, 2007, 04:30:29 PM
Hey Def... give me about 12 hours and I'll go with you :)

Two fat guys kayaking sounds funny...
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on September 10, 2007, 05:07:10 PM
Hey Def... give me about 12 hours and I'll go with you :)

Two fat guys kayaking sounds funny...
:D :D :D Mind you don't sink then ;D
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: 665ae on September 10, 2007, 08:04:11 PM
Wouldn't sinking be half the fun???
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: I'm Still Bison on September 10, 2007, 08:17:51 PM
Dunc will be on stand-by...ain't nothing like a swift water rescue !
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on September 10, 2007, 09:37:35 PM
Well I bloody well did it!

I can't smurfing move my arms now, but I did the whole damned thing... I think.  Yes, looking at the map, I made it to the end of Lake Charles.  According to my GPS it is almost exactly 7 kms from my house, but then that is also straight as the crow flies, not crooked as the canal!  I figure it was more like 10, but who's counting?  Of course then it was that much to get back again...

Going for a shower, pictures if I survive....

Def
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on September 10, 2007, 10:27:25 PM
Well I bloody well did it!

I can't Colorful Enunciationing move my arms now, but I did the whole damned thing... I think.  Yes, looking at the map, I made it to the end of Lake Charles.  According to my GPS it is almost exactly 7 kms from my house, but then that is also straight as the crow flies, not crooked as the canal!  I figure it was more like 10, but who's counting?  Of course then it was that much to get back again...

Going for a shower, pictures if I survive....

Def
Well done mate :cheers: :cheers:

I bet Grant's high as a kite on endorphins right about now, so it's a good time to ask for a raise everybody ;D
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on September 11, 2007, 01:00:58 AM
I don't know if I'd be getting too excited about my good graces just yet- I think I may have overdone it a bit....

Def
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on September 11, 2007, 01:17:48 AM
Here's one pic... I actually went a little farther than that, until my GPS read 6.94 kms.  Of course that's straight and doesn't count the twists and turns of the canal, and I had to cover that distance to get back home again.

Def
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: J-sews on September 11, 2007, 01:41:08 AM
Congrats man!

Looks like you did it just in the nick of time too....don't those Canadian lakes freeze over sometime mid-September?
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on September 11, 2007, 02:09:52 AM
Had ice chasing me all the way home! :P

Cormorant anyone?

Def
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on September 11, 2007, 02:10:34 AM
DUCK!  There's a kayak coming!

Def
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on September 11, 2007, 02:21:51 AM
This one's for Mr Bison- not a great picture but you can see that I am cruising along in about three or four inch deep water.

Def
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: I'm Still Bison on September 11, 2007, 03:34:05 AM
 If you can paddle in water that shallow,then my creeks are no obstacle...still wouldn't take one out in the river,and try going mano a mano with a towboat. I can't help but think of an old movie"The Cockleshell Heroes",Jose Ferrer,Anthony Newley,and Trevor Howard.It's about the exploits of a group of Royal Marines in kayaks,the predecessor of the Special Boat Squadron.
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on September 11, 2007, 09:43:51 AM
If you can paddle in water that shallow,then my creeks are no obstacle...still wouldn't take one out in the river,and try going mano a mano with a towboat. I can't help but think of an old movie"The Colorful Enunciationleshell Heroes",Jose Ferrer,Anthony Newley,and Trevor Howard.It's about the exploits of a group of Royal Marines in kayaks,the predecessor of the Special Boat Squadron.
Bloody brave chap's they were too :)
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on September 12, 2007, 01:37:28 AM
Technically the size and configuration of my kayak puts it in the "sea kayak" category, which means you should be able to go on the ocean with it.  I am kinda tempted to take it to the local beach and see what happens when I go into some serious waves, but I can't see me going terribly far from shore with it!

The only reason I haven't done that yet is a) no way to strap it to the car to get it there and b) I really have no idea how I'd manage to turn the damn thing around in ocean swells and waves without rolling it.  If waves hit you side on, chances are you'll be upside down before you know it.  That's how I capsized the other day, and those waves were much smaller than I'd get on the ocean.

Oh yeah, and there's that whole "ocean scares the crap outta me" thing, but my spirit of adventure often overrules my fear and common sense...

Def
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: I'm Still Bison on September 12, 2007, 04:32:00 AM
And my wallet often overrules my spirit of adventure ;D :-[
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on September 12, 2007, 09:17:46 AM
Technically the size and configuration of my kayak puts it in the "sea kayak" category, which means you should be able to go on the ocean with it.  I am kinda tempted to take it to the local beach and see what happens when I go into some serious waves, but I can't see me going terribly far from shore with it!

The only reason I haven't done that yet is a) no way to strap it to the car to get it there and b) I really have no idea how I'd manage to turn the damn thing around in ocean swells and waves without rolling it.  If waves hit you side on, chances are you'll be upside down before you know it.  That's how I capsized the other day, and those waves were much smaller than I'd get on the ocean.

Oh yeah, and there's that whole "ocean scares the crap outta me" thing, but my spirit of adventure often overrules my fear and common sense...

Def
There's no bloody way I'd use a kayak on the open ocean, it not a lack of bottle on my part as doing stupid thing at speed on motorcycle's held no fear for me at all ;D, It's just the raw power of the ocean versus my feelble arm's :o

I just think you could get into a lot of trouble very quickly and before you know it your fending off bear's in alaska ;D

Mind you if you'd asked me a few year's ago before my son came along, the answer would be very different :D
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on September 12, 2007, 12:48:59 PM
And my wallet often overrules my spirit of adventure ;D :-[

Heck no, that just means you have to be more ambitious to do stuff on the cheap, rather than having proper equipment! :D

Big waves aren't a serious risk when you are going into or with them, especially not when you are well over 17" long.  You'll get swamped, sure, and it's a great time to have a spray skirt to slow down the flow of water going into your boat through the cockpit, but these boats are designed long to remain stable in those kinds of waters.  Unfortunately, they don't design them to go out 50-100 feet then figure you've had enough and turn around and go home!  The turning around is the hard bit, and that's why most boats this size are fitted with rudders.  Well, I haven't replaced my rudder yet for a variety of reasons (mostly cash) so I have to manhandle my boat around the hard way.

The other problem with rudders is the type of pedals I have.  Bear in mind, my inner Scot is very powerful and won't allow me to part with the very nice, quite expensive pedals I have in the boat since they are still functional.  The problem is, they are two piece, with the bottom part being stationary for stability, and the top part being the control for the rudder.  My father's got different pedals in his where the whole pedal moves.  That's not as good because sometimes you want a solid spot to put your feet against, but since the range of motion in my left foot is somewhat limited, I really can't use mine all that well, despite being a much more advanced system.

So, I am using all of that as an excuse while I squirrel away some money for a new rudder next year...

Def
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on September 12, 2007, 11:51:33 PM
Maybe santa will be kind ;D
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on September 12, 2007, 11:53:47 PM
Why break tradition this year? :P

Def
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on September 12, 2007, 11:59:16 PM
Why break tradition this year? :P

Def
That's the trouble when your a naughty boy, you only get coal, or some other crap like sock's or really bad aftershave ;D

And yes voice of experience talking ;)
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on September 13, 2007, 12:45:20 AM
No aftershave, but usually the socks and mouthwash.  I dunno, maybe my wife's family thinks I have poor hygiene?

Def
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on September 13, 2007, 10:19:14 AM
No aftershave, but usually the socks and mouthwash.  I dunno, maybe my wife's family thinks I have poor hygiene?

Def
If there anything like my former in-laws, they probably just want to get the insult in wherever and whenever thay can ::)

Beside's everytime you roll your kayak, that counts as a bath  ;) ;D
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on September 14, 2007, 03:24:45 PM
Going out again today- when the lake looks like this, it's criminal not to!

Def
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on September 14, 2007, 03:54:44 PM
Whoa, that look's beautiful mate, have fun :)
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on September 14, 2007, 08:47:46 PM
So how was it boss?
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on September 14, 2007, 08:49:55 PM
Great.  Remember the other day when I said that I kind of overdid it?  Well I went a little farther today... I'll post some pictures shortly.

Def
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on September 14, 2007, 08:52:12 PM
Great.  Remember the other day when I said that I kind of overdid it?  Well I went a little farther today... I'll post some pictures shortly.

Def
I wondered what muppet in a red kayak in the middle of the river medway was up too ;)

http://www.waterscape.com/River_Medway/map
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: I'm Still Bison on September 15, 2007, 05:14:42 AM
So Def,how you feelin' now? Icy Hot is a weekend warrior's best friend :multi:
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: 665ae on September 15, 2007, 06:37:49 AM
Ok... I'd like to request that we stop talking about kayaking.  There are a million (slight over estimate) rivers, lakes, streams near me and I've starting thinking about how cool it would be to kayak them...

I don't need a kayak!  (but I'm starting to want one)

With the car/motorcycle thread and this thread, I'm going to end up with a new bike and a kayak before long...
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on September 15, 2007, 01:47:44 PM
Sorry Mikey, but you may want to avoid this thread, at least for the near future!

Quote
There are a million (slight over estimate) rivers, lakes, streams near me

The city I live in (Dartmouth) is known as the City of Lakes because it has has over 20 lakes within city limits.

I got a decent sunburn on my shoulders and arms, but nothing too bad.  All in all it took me about 3 and a half hours.  I knew there was a highway not too much farther than I'd gone last time, so my goal was to go at least that far this time.  Of course by the time I got my kayak set up and ready to go, the lake wasn't quite as calm as it appears in the photo above, but it still wasn't bad.  I had a fairly nice run, but at one point my Outdoor Edge Wedge knife in the water while hauling my kayak out to portage.  Luckily I have a bright orange and white lanyard on it, because the water was just deep enough that I would never have been able to see the knife by itself.  A quick dive later and my knife was safely back on my PFD and I was on my way again.

I bumped into a cormorant again and had to take his picture.  I dunno if it was the same one as last time since there are so many of them, but it was in the same spot.

Def
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on September 15, 2007, 01:57:47 PM
They pretty well let you get within arm's length of them.  They seem a little nervous, but I've gotten close enough to almost grab him.  Not that I would mind you- on top of that respect for Mother Nature thing, that beak is pretty darn sharp and those wings are strong!

So my goal was to find the highway, which isn't much farther than the end of Lake Charles, which was where I went last week, so I decided that was my goal.  I set out a little earlier this time (last time I was pressed for time since I had to pick up my wife) so I could take the trip a little more casually, and not be quite so worn out afterwards.  It was a good idea.  I'd say I probably covered about 15 miles on the round trip.  I would have gone a little farther just out of curiosity, but rapids made me pull out, and construction on the footbridge leading to the next dock kept me from going any farther.  I suppose if I really wanted to I could have tried to climb through some trees and put in, but I really had no reason to go any further, so I didn't bother.

Of course I had to portage about 50 yards to find the highway, and realize that I wasn't putting back in- otherwise I'd have left the boat at the dock to get a picture of the highway!

Def
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on September 15, 2007, 02:02:24 PM
Those rapids drop the water level about 2 feet over a distance of about 25-25 feet, and I doubt a whitewater kayak would manage them, so there was no way in hell I was going to try and take my kayak over them!  Perhaps if the water was as high as it was a few weeks ago, I may have tried, but there were too many rocks sticking up, with less than an inch of depth in most spots, it just wasn't going to happen.  Although I will admit that I considered walking through and maybe trying to guide the boat my hand down them, but again, since i didn't have any plans (or time!) to go much farther, I decided it wasn't really worth the effort.

In case anyone doubts I actually made it to the highway... :P

Def
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on September 15, 2007, 02:09:26 PM
As you can see, when in a kayak on a nice day, just about any scenery is quite nice.  These rockpiles are everywhere in some parts of Lake Charles because the water can go from 8+ feet deep to only a few inches in no time.  The bottom of this lake is almost all rock, probably a by-product of the canal's construction a couple of hundred years ago.  The canal is mostly natural, but much of it was enhanced with locks, widened, or dredged because this was originally the best way to move cargo into much of the province.  Needless to say, with the number of powerboats on these lakes now, they needed an effective way to let folks know where the piles were, so they piled them higher until you could see them from a good distance.

This was taken just after I turned around and was heading home.  It's also about 250 yards past where I turned around last time.  As you see, I didn't really make it much farther this time.  I doubt it was more than half a kilometer farther.

Def
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on September 15, 2007, 02:12:33 PM
This I took on Lake MicMac (the next lake down from the one I live on) and I like to call it "How do you know when Def's Kayaking?" since it's a Navy rescue chopper...

All in all, a great day, and I had (as usual!) a fantastic time.  I am a little stiff, but not too bad- just enough to know it's there, but not enough to get in the way.  It's raining today, or I'd probably be stupid enough to go out again! :P  Tomorrow is supposed to be nice though....

Def
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: J-sews on September 15, 2007, 05:10:57 PM
Ugh! I'm jealous! That looks way more adventuresome than what I did yesterday. Congrats on getting as far as you did. Always interesting to discover what lies up around the next bend! 

This I took on Lake MicMac (the next lake down from the one I live on) and I like to call it "How do you know when Def's Kayaking?" since it's a Navy rescue chopper...

All in all, a great day, and I had (as usual!) a fantastic time.  I am a little stiff, but not too bad- just enough to know it's there, but not enough to get in the way.  It's raining today, or I'd probably be stupid enough to go out again! :P  Tomorrow is supposed to be nice though....

Def

(Be sure to notify the authorities before you head out..... ;D


Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on September 15, 2007, 05:15:40 PM
Fortunately, there's lots of bends left to explore!  Not much summer left maybe, but maybe next year...

Kind of annoying that I've lived here for seven years and didn't start this sooner!   :angry:

Def
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on September 15, 2007, 10:12:07 PM
Fortunately, there's lots of bends left to explore!  Not much summer left maybe, but maybe next year...

Kind of annoying that I've lived here for seven years and didn't start this sooner!   :angry:

Def
So how long is the kayaking season then? and does ice stop play?
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on September 15, 2007, 11:01:13 PM
The racers that belong to the boat clubs across the road start paddling as soon as the ice melts (sometimes even before) and keep going until the temperature drops below freezing.

I'm not that dedicated and I really really hate cold water!

Def
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on September 15, 2007, 11:30:42 PM
The racers that belong to the boat clubs across the road start paddling as soon as the ice melts (sometimes even before) and keep going until the temperature drops below freezing.

I'm not that dedicated and I really really hate cold water!

Def
So that's what, about 8 - 9 months that the lake's are navigable then ???
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on September 16, 2007, 12:24:26 AM
Yeah, something like that, but I like to wait till it warms up a bit!  You always get into the water at one point or another.

Def
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on September 16, 2007, 10:11:38 PM
Yeah, something like that, but I like to wait till it warms up a bit!  You always get into the water at one point or another.

Def
Can't say I blame ya mate :)
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on September 20, 2007, 03:09:22 PM
Here's a couple of kayaking pictures from some family friends in Alaska.  There is sooooo much about these that is wrong in my opinion!

The three seater is kind of cool though!  Don't see many of those.

Def
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on September 20, 2007, 05:17:51 PM
I'd be very wary of taking anything that floats near a big lump off ice like that :o
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on September 20, 2007, 06:08:08 PM
The tandem one look's very good, but I bet it's a right sod to carry on your car or trailer ::)
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on September 20, 2007, 06:09:49 PM
It's probably easier than a solo because with a tandem or a trip you have other people there to help you!  With a solo, it's all you!

Def
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on September 20, 2007, 06:15:05 PM
It's probably easier than a solo because with a tandem or a trip you have other people there to help you!  With a solo, it's all you!

Def
Don't you mean other people to ''delegate'' too ;D
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on September 20, 2007, 06:20:06 PM
Unless it's my wife in which case it's "supervised by."

Def
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on September 20, 2007, 06:37:34 PM
Unless it's my wife in which case it's "supervised by."

Def
:D :D

Is your lass the adventurous type then ???
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on September 20, 2007, 06:54:43 PM
Nope... she's the drone type.  Get up, go to work, come home, eat supper, watch TV, go to bed.

But I'm doing my darndest to change that.  We've taken the inflatable out to some of the places I kayak and she's enjoyed it, but we never go very far before she's ready to pack it in.

Def
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on September 20, 2007, 11:11:21 PM
Nope... she's the drone type.  Get up, go to work, come home, eat supper, watch TV, go to bed.

But I'm doing my darndest to change that.  We've taken the inflatable out to some of the places I kayak and she's enjoyed it, but we never go very far before she's ready to pack it in.

Def
Typical girl then ::) It's when she's managed to turn you into a drone as well you've got to worry ;D
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on September 20, 2007, 11:37:40 PM
Can't do it.  I'm allergic to honest work! :P

Def
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on September 21, 2007, 09:46:28 AM
Can't do it.  I'm allergic to honest work! :P

Def
Me too! and there's me think I was the only one to suffer from that affliction ;D
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: 665ae on September 22, 2007, 08:03:18 AM
What's "honest work?"
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on September 22, 2007, 09:11:22 AM
What's "honest work?"
No fun work ;D
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on October 11, 2007, 12:51:17 PM
So is the kayak in hibernation for the winter now ???
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on October 11, 2007, 01:24:17 PM
Yeah, I wrapped it up last week before heading out to the in laws' cottage.

Weather was nice enough last night that I thought about unwrapping it and taking it out, but seeing as how it was dark out I figured the wife wouldn't be overly impressed.

I keep thinking about kayaking at night, and I can't help but feel that the Gerber Hornet would make an excellent marker light for a boat. 

(http://www.lampesdepoche.com/gerber-hornet.gif)

It has a flashing red mode, and I could run some bungee cord through the legs which should keep it from falling in and getting lost.  Oh well, maybe next year!

Def
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on October 11, 2007, 01:35:54 PM
I bet it would be great to kayak at night, bit hazards though ::)
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on October 11, 2007, 01:47:57 PM
Well I'd have stuck to the big lakes, which I know fairly well.  Also, bing in the city, it wouldn't be terribly hard to flag down help- the law requires that all watercraft have a flashlight, so between the whistles, the yelling, the light on the kayak, the flashlight in my pocket, the light in my throw bag, and the glowing red of my embarrassed face if I upset, I thing I'd be ok.  I always wear my PFD, so worst comes to worst, if I somehow got knocked out, I'd just wake up in the morning down at the locks!

Def
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on October 11, 2007, 01:53:13 PM
I always wear my PFD, so worst comes to worst, if I somehow got knocked out, I'd just wake up in the morning down at the locks!

Def
Well thats one way of looking at it ;D

But I bet the waters would be dead calm at that time of night though, you could probably do a good few Km with a lot less effort :)
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on October 11, 2007, 01:58:01 PM
That's what I was thinking- also less embarrassment at paddling my beat up old boat while everyone else is out in their slick new ones!

Def
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on October 11, 2007, 02:06:05 PM
That's what I was thinking- also less embarrassment at paddling my beat up old boat while everyone else is out in their slick new ones!

Def
If your boats old and beat up, stick a ramming prow on it, and capsize any and all who cross you ;D
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on October 11, 2007, 02:13:48 PM
It wouldn't take much- most of the boats I encounter are for racing which means they are about 1cm wider than the well toned arse of the athlete rowing them, and they'll tip in a mild breeze!

The cheap boats you buy at the big box and sporting goods stores are usually 24 inches wide.  Mine is 22 inches, and let me tell you, that 2 inches makes a BIG difference.  The racing boats are 16-18 inches usually.  Very fast, but very unstable.

Def
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on October 11, 2007, 02:15:49 PM
It wouldn't take much- most of the boats I encounter are for racing which means they are about 1cm wider than the well toned arse of the athlete rowing them, and they'll tip in a mild breeze!

The cheap boats you buy at the big box and sporting goods stores are usually 24 inches wide.  Mine is 22 inches, and let me tell you, that 2 inches makes a BIG difference.  The racing boats are 16-18 inches usually.  Very fast, but very unstable.

Def
I feel mucho evil thought comming on >:D
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on October 11, 2007, 02:25:01 PM
Good luck catching them...  I manage to cruise at about 8km/hr, and at full steam I manage up to about ten for very short periods.  These folks cruise faster than I can go, and they can accelerate even faster than that.  It's a little like a one legged man trying to catch chickens in a big open field!

Def
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on October 11, 2007, 02:36:08 PM
Good luck catching them...  I manage to cruise at about 8km/hr, and at full steam I manage up to about ten for very short periods.  These folks cruise faster than I can go, and they can accelerate even faster than that.  It's a little like a one legged man trying to catch chickens in a big open field!

Def
Cheat, get a little silent little 2stroke motor to help you out ;D
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on October 11, 2007, 02:38:29 PM
Don't think I haven't thought of that!   >:D

Def
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on October 11, 2007, 02:49:32 PM
Don't think I haven't thought of that!   >:D

Def
Mind you if money was no object you could probably get a good solar powered rig on something as relatively frictionless as a kayak, and theres plenty of room for solar collectors on the hull :)
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on October 11, 2007, 02:53:18 PM
With something like Hobie's Mirage Drive system I could catch and pass them no problem.

http://www.hobiecat.com/kayaking/miragedrive.html

You wouldn't believe how fast that system can move you!

Def
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on October 11, 2007, 02:58:13 PM
With something like Hobie's Mirage Drive system I could catch and pass them no problem.

http://www.hobiecat.com/kayaking/miragedrive.html

You wouldn't believe how fast that system can move you!

Def
Up to 18 knot's that's damn impressive :)

Shame performance costs money ::)
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on October 11, 2007, 03:09:23 PM
Yes, but the Hobie kayaks aren't too bad.  My kayak, a nice touring model retails for about $3,000, while the top of the line Hobie, the Adventure Island, runs at around $3,500 but includes a sail, mirage drive, paddles, and two outriggers for stability.

http://www.hobiecat.com/adventure-island/models_adventure_island.html

Plus, it's not hard to go well over $3,000 with a kayak either.

3- man kayak at $4,400:
http://www.nwkayaks.com/product.asp?Product_Id=52230&d_Id=6894&l1=6894&l2=

1 man kayak at $3,400:
http://www.nwkayaks.com/product.asp?Product_Id=223067&d_Id=6894&l1=6894&l2=

1 man kayak at $4,500:
http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442618763&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302700757&bmUID=1192108056779

In fact, here's a whole host of kayaks with heavy price tags:
http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442618763&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302700757&bmUID=1192108056779

By comparison, the top of the line Hobie is downright cheap!   ;D

Def
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on October 11, 2007, 03:13:27 PM
Well the kayak in the bottom link is made in the UK so you have to factor in the Ripoff taxes, that go into it construction ;D

At least it'll be well made :)
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on October 11, 2007, 03:15:46 PM
VAT?  Very Awful Tax?

Def
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on October 11, 2007, 03:17:36 PM
VAT?  Very Awful Tax?

Def
Something like that ;D
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on October 11, 2007, 03:23:44 PM
We have something similar- the GST.  There are many acronyms in use, but it stands for Goods and Services Tax.  Lotsa fun, considering it is on virtually every legitimate transaction you make.  Of course it was always done in addition to PST, or Provincial Sales Tax, but a couple of years ago they blended the two into the HST, or Harmonized Sales Tax.  There's no harmony, that's for damned sure.

Canada is often ranked very close to the top of the list of best countries to live in, but taxes usually knock us out of the top spot.  We get taxed higher than almost any other country, and it's a real pain in the arse.

Def
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on October 11, 2007, 03:31:21 PM
We have something similar- the GST.  There are many acronyms in use, but it stands for Goods and Services Tax.  Lotsa fun, considering it is on virtually every legitimate transaction you make.  Of course it was always done in addition to PST, or Provincial Sales Tax, but a couple of years ago they blended the two into the HST, or Harmonized Sales Tax.  There's no harmony, that's for damned sure.

Canada is often ranked very close to the top of the list of best countries to live in, but taxes usually knock us out of the top spot.  We get taxed higher than almost any other country, and it's a real pain in the arse.

Def
I'm not suprised canada is rated so highly, It was always a toss up wether canada, alaska or new zealand would be my favorite place to live, on balance I'd still pick canada, as socially it's still close to what I'm used to in the UK.

As for tax well at least you can see your tax's we have lot's of stealth tax's to complain about too >:(
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on October 11, 2007, 03:36:18 PM
Alaska is a nice place to visit, but it's too damned cold there!

I don't speak New Zealandese so I couldn't live with the Kiwis! 

I'm thinking a small island in South America would do me just fine....  One thing for sure, I could keep a small private army in multitools and SAKs for a very long time!

Def
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on October 11, 2007, 03:41:15 PM
Alaska is a nice place to visit, but it's too damned cold there!

I don't speak New Zealandese so I couldn't live with the Kiwis! 

I'm thinking a small island in South America would do me just fine....  One thing for sure, I could keep a small private army in multitools and SAKs for a very long time!

Def
Trouble is Sak's and Multi's have got a really crappy range, you just can't throw them very far against the baddies, el deffenero :D

I like the cold, not to cold, 10-15 degrees C and I'm a happy chappie
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on October 11, 2007, 03:44:38 PM
It's 10-15 C here where I am, this time of year.  Alaska is somewhat north of me, which means that's their summer temperatures. 

Dress warm! :D

Def
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on October 11, 2007, 03:49:44 PM
It's 10-15 C here where I am, this time of year.  Alaska is somewhat north of me, which means that's their summer temperatures. 

Dress warm! :D

Def
I watched a thing on one of the discovery channels about the iditerod rally I think it was called, that looks like a lot of fun :)

Plus there's that epic mountain bike marathon every year in Alaska, those bike are awesome :)
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on October 11, 2007, 03:56:38 PM
Look for a book called "Winterdance" by Gary Paulson.  It's the true life account of how he trained for and ran the Iditarod, and it'll have you laughing your arse off at some points, and crying at others.

Excellent book, and I recommend it for anyone interested in the Iditarod, dogs or just looking for a good story.

Def
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on October 11, 2007, 04:00:50 PM
Look for a book called "Winterdance" by Gary Paulson.  It's the true life account of how he trained for and ran the Iditarod, and it'll have you laughing your arse off at some points, and crying at others.

Excellent book, and I recommend it for anyone interested in the Iditarod, dogs or just looking for a good story.

Def
You never fancied dog sledding given your love of dogs?
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on October 11, 2007, 04:18:42 PM
I've never been much for winter sports.  I don't like the cold very much.  Folks often ask me if I have ever sledded my dog since he's bigger and more powerful than your average husky, but he doesn't seem all that interested.  I once tried to take him out while I was on rollerblades, and he was very indignant about doing all the work.  Plus, when he has "business" to take care of, the whole world has to stop, and sled dogs go while running, so I imagine he'd get dragged an awful lot.

Def
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on October 11, 2007, 06:07:53 PM
I've never been much for winter sports.  I don't like the cold very much.  Folks often ask me if I have ever sledded my dog since he's bigger and more powerful than your average husky, but he doesn't seem all that interested.  I once tried to take him out while I was on rollerblades, and he was very indignant about doing all the work.  Plus, when he has "business" to take care of, the whole world has to stop, and sled dogs go while running, so I imagine he'd get dragged an awful lot.

Def
You in roller blade must have been quite a sight, especially behind a dirty great hound ;D
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on October 11, 2007, 08:44:47 PM
As usual, it's kind of a funny story.  I thought he'd appreciate it, so I waited for a fairly cool evening so he wouldn't overheat.  We got about 1km from the house before he decided the whole thing just wasn't working for him and stopped pulling me, at which point I decided we should head home.  Well, the frost that was forming on the sidewalks made it impossible to push myself along- the rollerblades just slipped whenever I tried, so I ended up having to walk home in my socks, carrying my rollerblades, and the dog trotting along beside me!

Def
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on October 11, 2007, 09:00:27 PM
As usual, it's kind of a funny story.  I thought he'd appreciate it, so I waited for a fairly cool evening so he wouldn't overheat.  We got about 1km from the house before he decided the whole thing just wasn't working for him and stopped pulling me, at which point I decided we should head home.  Well, the frost that was forming on the sidewalks made it impossible to push myself along- the rollerblades just slipped whenever I tried, so I ended up having to walk home in my socks, carrying my rollerblades, and the dog trotting along beside me!

Def
Hmmm, Frost bitten toes, nice ;D
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on October 11, 2007, 09:01:02 PM
I really am starting to think your dog is the brains of the outfit :P ;D
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on October 11, 2007, 09:34:18 PM
What took you so long to figure it out? :P

Def
Title: Re: Goin' Kayakin' today!
Post by: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on October 11, 2007, 09:35:43 PM
What took you so long to figure it out? :P

Def
I'm a very slow learner ;D