CHASING THE DREAM WITH SKIP AND CINDY

the real changes Apr 2, 2009

Well we hope ya’ll enjoyed our last post, but now back to the real world. After much searching and researching, we have made a change. No fooling.

We have purchased two new kayaks, and we are excited even if we are broke. We both got Current Designs Kestrels. We got the 14 foot kayaks and the carbon fiber paddles. Cindy got the all white with red stripe, and Skip got the green over white with a black stripe.

For our first paddle in the new boats, we went to a small creek, Prairie, with our friend, Linda. We got all thee kayaks in the water without any trouble. Both kayaks paddled great. We went up the Prairie Creek, but we took our paddles. This was a very scenic paddle, plus it was an easy paddle as there was almost no wind or current. After about an hour of paddling ,we turned around and headed to the landing where the fun began.

When we got back to the landing, which was very steep and deep, there was another group of five taking their kayaks out. The only problem was that they left their kayaks covering the landing while they went off to do who knows where. As Skip pulled up close to the landing, one of the other party asked if he could help. Skip replied that they could move their kayaks out of the way, and the guy just looked at him and walked off to join the rest of his group at the cars. So Skip, not known for his patience, decided to go ahead and land his new kayak. There was not much room, but he got the nose of his kayak on shore and as he was stepping out it happened. His foot slipped on the wet rocks and down he went, wet from the waist down. He regained his footing and got his kayak, which was now half full of water, on the bank and then proceeded to move, in a not so gentle manner, the other kayaks out of the way.

After all that he helped Linda and Cindy get out of their kayaks in a dry fashion. At about that time, one from the other group came down and started talking and in the process said they were from New Jersey, which explained the rude behavior at the ramp.

Skip and Cindy then got their boat loaded and headed back to the park to get ready for the pool party. This is the end of the season party with free margaritas, beer, and food. We had a great time with our new friends, and all made plans to get together again.

On Monday we went back to Prairie Creek to paddle again, only this time Shelly and Dave went along. Also Pat, Linda’s husband, who had said he would not get in a kayak, relented under pressure from Linda and Skip, decided to give it a try. We all got to the Creek and met Ben, whom Skip and Cindy had purchased their kayaks from, with the rental kayaks so we could begin.

Pat is a big guy, 6 foot and 250 pounds, so we all held our breath as he got out onto the water. Hey, no problem. After working out a few control problems and changing kayaks with Dave, he was going like a pro. Pat said the only problem was that his boat did not have a motor. We all understood, as he runs a charter boat in upstate NY all summer.

After another great paddle with great friends, we all returned to Oak Haven to toast our new kayaks and Pat’s great day on the water.