Some people like to golf, and that’s okay. But instead of joining a golf league, here’s how our informal group of whitewater kayakers (numbering anywhere from 4 to 14) enjoys spending every Tuesday evening at our local whitewater venue, the Red River near Gresham, WI, flowing tonight at about 400 […]
Category: Uncategorized
Collision Course? Try this Technique
Kayak navigation can be complicated. But there’s one aspect of navigation and “dead reckoning” that’s relatively simple yet pretty important once you understand the concept. Let’s say you’re out there kayaking on a large lake or in the ocean. Off in the distance you spot a boat under power (or […]
Kayak to Split Rock
Photos and data from today’s paddle on Lake Superior from Twin Points Public Access to historic Split Rock Lighthouse. Water: 35°F, air: 43°F. Sunny and calm. 7.85 miles round trip. A beautiful afternoon on a Great Lake.
Finding Flow in SE Wisconsin
Early season whitewater kayaking has turned into a birthday tradition for me these past few years. However, the rivers in northern Wisconsin are still iced in (up?) so on Wednesday I drove down to the Grafton and Cedarburg area to meet up with my O.W.K.M. (Original Whitewater Kayak Mentor) Rob […]
Grand Canyon — Day 12: Homeward Bound
Wednesday, September 12 Last night I was up as late as I ever have been on this trip — until 9:30! It was our final night on the river so everyone was in a joyous mood, which raised our music-making and revelry to a new level. Despite the jollification, I’m […]
Grand Canyon — Day 11: A Sense of Accomplishment
Tuesday, September 11 Today is one of our longest days on the Colorado River — 29.5 miles of mostly flat water — giving us time to talk, laugh and think about how much we’re going to miss this Grand Canyon experience. During this hot, slow section some paddlers choose to […]
Grand Canyon — Day 10: Lava Falls
Monday, September 10 This morning the mood is different. There’s the usual friendly banter over coffee and breakfast. But as we pack the rafts and kayaks the tone is quieter, more subdued. Each of us is thinking about the giant rapid waiting for us. Before we launch from our campsite […]
Grand Canyon – Day 9: Havasu Creek
Sunday, September 9 It’s day 9 of our Team River Runner Grand Canyon kayak trip. Today is a new day and it’s time to get moving. This morning after a tasty breakfast of fried tortilla shells cooked with eggs inside (which I’m told are called “migos”) we are on the […]
Grand Canyon – Day 8: Matkat Canyon
Saturday, September 8 Day 8 in the Grand Canyon. Last night we camped at one of the most spacious campsites in the canyon with easy access to the river and fantastic views. Tonight is a different story. More about that in a minute. First, I’ll describe our day. After another […]
Grand Canyon – Day 7: Bedrock and Deer Creek
Friday, September 7 Our Team River Runner group guiding five blind kayakers through the Grand Canyon paddles 18 miles from mile 119.5 to 137.5. It’s another hot day — 96⁰F — but the water is cold. Flowing from the bottom of Glen Canyon Dam at 52⁰F, the water is said […]