Today was a solo day for me :( after exhausting day yesterday, and Julie up all night with noise of people throwing up on party boat beside us (stink bomb people from restaurant) and the wind blowing through the tent at 7am, just wasn't meant to be. Called Char to bring my truck and take Julie back. I feel for her, more because she thinks I am disappointed she cut it short, I'm not.
It's both our vacation and only fun if we are both having fun, three high wind days are enough to try the best of us. Tomorrow we switch to motorized water transport for the next week.
I however, decided to paddle home solo, was essentially a repeat of yesterday with more wind for longer period, left lock at 10:30 after my Tim Hortons and seeing Julie off (she was smiling) headed out Bobcaygeon channel with strong wind in the face and 3 foot crashing waves, oh boy this is gonna be interesting, good news is once into pigeon lake wind was off port side and made great time to the bend into Buckhorn lake.
Unfortunately, means wind in the face for next 16km, boy did it blow hard, was ok for first 2 hours but then it gets tiring and stopping just blows you back just as fast. I must say, my kayak was meant for wind and waves, can't believe how well it tracks with the wind coming from any direction, today was 25km wind with 40km gusts and didn't feel need to put rudder down once, just cuts through everything. Also figured out comfortable seat setup so wasn't tired from sitting for 6 hours.
Got back to Oak Bay at 4:30 and basically unpacked the kayak into the boat, julie was waiting on shore with a drink for me and made me yummy dinner. Walk for ice cream and all set to continue vacation on different mode of transportation.
Will still post details to blog and I will get back into kayak towards end of trip when Julie has to go back to work.
Nap time
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Day 5 - Jeff
Sitting on the edge of a pier typing this as the sun starts to go down over the trees, just finished dinner after a long day paddle (even if only 28km).
Woke up early and started to pack up the kayaks while Julie slept in a bit, eventually she got up to help out but was almost done anyway. Today's destination, Bobcaygeon. Left at 10am and slight breeze behind us, down chamong lake we go, was a beautiful day and calm waters all the way to the halfway point, we needed a break after 3 hours non stop, extra paddle seat helped but still, a long time in the same position. I did let julie use my carbon fibre paddle though, and haven't gotten back and probably won't.
We stopped for a quick break at this run down cottage with warped slanted dock, surprising they managed satellite tv but can't paint the house. Then headed over to the christian camp as they have a store, I got ice cream and then proceeded to drop on pavement, 5 second rule but gave up after it felt like I was licking sand paper and chewing rocks.
Now the fun part (for me) we headed down pigeon lake which Julie hates on the best of days and bam, strong wind right in the face, I feel so sorry for her, my longer kayak plows right through and the extra strength I have makes it a breeze, I could tell she was struggling and wasn't having fun. After 3 more hours we made it to the locks and quickly setup camp, swim and change of clothes.
Off to shopping (now know why julie left bags at home, room to shop) then dinner where some dolt set off a stink bomb on patio.
Current plan is Fenelon Falls tomorrow night.
Woke up early and started to pack up the kayaks while Julie slept in a bit, eventually she got up to help out but was almost done anyway. Today's destination, Bobcaygeon. Left at 10am and slight breeze behind us, down chamong lake we go, was a beautiful day and calm waters all the way to the halfway point, we needed a break after 3 hours non stop, extra paddle seat helped but still, a long time in the same position. I did let julie use my carbon fibre paddle though, and haven't gotten back and probably won't.
We stopped for a quick break at this run down cottage with warped slanted dock, surprising they managed satellite tv but can't paint the house. Then headed over to the christian camp as they have a store, I got ice cream and then proceeded to drop on pavement, 5 second rule but gave up after it felt like I was licking sand paper and chewing rocks.
Now the fun part (for me) we headed down pigeon lake which Julie hates on the best of days and bam, strong wind right in the face, I feel so sorry for her, my longer kayak plows right through and the extra strength I have makes it a breeze, I could tell she was struggling and wasn't having fun. After 3 more hours we made it to the locks and quickly setup camp, swim and change of clothes.
Off to shopping (now know why julie left bags at home, room to shop) then dinner where some dolt set off a stink bomb on patio.
Current plan is Fenelon Falls tomorrow night.
Julie day-5
10am and we are off.....
Who knew a slight breeze would turn into the wind from hell @ 2pm.
We are heading from Buckhorn to Bobcaygeon today...one of our favorite spots.
We bought kayak cushions for our seats and today was the trial for these. They past the test! What a good investment they were.
Well, 3 hours into our day we finally found a spot to get out and stretch our legs...not alot of options on Upper Buckhorn Lake. After our break we headed out on to Pigeon Lake. Cant tell you enough how much i hate this lake. Even on a good day it is bad! Today wast a good day!!!
It took us 3 hours to cross and get to Bobcaygeon! I was grumpy to say the least. Not much fun had today!
I am beginning to question why i am doing this? :(
Did a bit of shopping when we set-up and had dinner and drinks on local patio. A group of 20 somethings came in for beers and were clearly intoxicated. Buddy with the wife beater and short shorts on decided that this was the perfect place to step on a stink bomb. Really? Arghhhhh.
Going to be an early night tonight. We are both beat!!!!!!
Who knew a slight breeze would turn into the wind from hell @ 2pm.
We are heading from Buckhorn to Bobcaygeon today...one of our favorite spots.
We bought kayak cushions for our seats and today was the trial for these. They past the test! What a good investment they were.
Well, 3 hours into our day we finally found a spot to get out and stretch our legs...not alot of options on Upper Buckhorn Lake. After our break we headed out on to Pigeon Lake. Cant tell you enough how much i hate this lake. Even on a good day it is bad! Today wast a good day!!!
It took us 3 hours to cross and get to Bobcaygeon! I was grumpy to say the least. Not much fun had today!
I am beginning to question why i am doing this? :(
Did a bit of shopping when we set-up and had dinner and drinks on local patio. A group of 20 somethings came in for beers and were clearly intoxicated. Buddy with the wife beater and short shorts on decided that this was the perfect place to step on a stink bomb. Really? Arghhhhh.
Going to be an early night tonight. We are both beat!!!!!!
Jeff - Day 4
Got up after nice sleep (not on ground) and cleaned kayaks while Julie went for a run, was very windy and calling for temps in the 40's, figured best day would be sitting on the beach with cold drinks was in order.
Took a trip into peterborough to wash the pine sap off my truck but really, was more for julie to go shopping, because she didn't have enough selection at the local flea market after her run. I ended up finding a book I had been looking for on making canoe paddles (more for the design templates included) and so spent afternoon in shade reading and napping.
Was very hot day and glad we didn't spend it all on the water, would have been torture, did throw the yak into the water for a ride later in the day and was still windy, made a good call.
Dinner with julie's family, ok all the girls and just me, thanks for ditching me Chris although you left me in good hands and dinner was yummy.
Thanks Chris and Char for the hospitality and one of the nicest places around to take a day off. Oh btw, you left the outside bathroom door open and racoons got into the garbage, I cleaned up ;)
Tomorrow we are off.
Took a trip into peterborough to wash the pine sap off my truck but really, was more for julie to go shopping, because she didn't have enough selection at the local flea market after her run. I ended up finding a book I had been looking for on making canoe paddles (more for the design templates included) and so spent afternoon in shade reading and napping.
Was very hot day and glad we didn't spend it all on the water, would have been torture, did throw the yak into the water for a ride later in the day and was still windy, made a good call.
Dinner with julie's family, ok all the girls and just me, thanks for ditching me Chris although you left me in good hands and dinner was yummy.
Thanks Chris and Char for the hospitality and one of the nicest places around to take a day off. Oh btw, you left the outside bathroom door open and racoons got into the garbage, I cleaned up ;)
Tomorrow we are off.
Day 3 - Jeff
Slept through the night with no sound of animals or generators, beautiful morning but looks a little windy out. Oh well.
After our standard fare breakfast, we pack up and head out, back the way we came, time to head to Buckhorn. Big Chute is about a 3 hour paddle from swift rapids and severn falls sits at the hour mark, just couldn't get comfortable and sitting for hours is tough when your ass hurts. The wind was picking up and we stopped at severn falls for a break and a drink.
The rest of the trip to Big Chute was an exercise in how slow you can go directly into the wind and how many times the wind will actually change direction to be directly in your face. Was a slog to Big Chute but nothing crazy, nice protected rivers and small lakes. Took an ice cream break.
Was only 2:30 so decided to head back to port severn instead of staying with the racoons, as we exited the railway wind was blowing strong into our face, told Julie we have about 2 km then we go the opposite way so wind will be at our backs, she didn't believe me but local knowledge helps, the old lady who yelled out, it's rough out there didn't help the situation. As we came out into glouchester pool, wind was fierce and waves picked up, our little boats sliced through the waves like butter but I know Julie hates rough water and I'm thinking to self, damn, we haven't hit the open spot yet.
Once we turned the corner it was perfect, yes, waves were on the large side but wind was behind or from the side so easy paddling. Did a little wave surfing and made great time. Got to Port Severn at around 5 and waited for my mother to come with my truck. Good time to have dinner on patio restaurant overlooking locks.
Dinner done and we were on the road by 7:30 after dropping off my mother and making a stop to get padded seat from local kayak shop, hopefully will help with the comfort factor.
Got to Buckhorn at 10, shower and a real bed for the night. Great day.
After our standard fare breakfast, we pack up and head out, back the way we came, time to head to Buckhorn. Big Chute is about a 3 hour paddle from swift rapids and severn falls sits at the hour mark, just couldn't get comfortable and sitting for hours is tough when your ass hurts. The wind was picking up and we stopped at severn falls for a break and a drink.
The rest of the trip to Big Chute was an exercise in how slow you can go directly into the wind and how many times the wind will actually change direction to be directly in your face. Was a slog to Big Chute but nothing crazy, nice protected rivers and small lakes. Took an ice cream break.
Was only 2:30 so decided to head back to port severn instead of staying with the racoons, as we exited the railway wind was blowing strong into our face, told Julie we have about 2 km then we go the opposite way so wind will be at our backs, she didn't believe me but local knowledge helps, the old lady who yelled out, it's rough out there didn't help the situation. As we came out into glouchester pool, wind was fierce and waves picked up, our little boats sliced through the waves like butter but I know Julie hates rough water and I'm thinking to self, damn, we haven't hit the open spot yet.
Once we turned the corner it was perfect, yes, waves were on the large side but wind was behind or from the side so easy paddling. Did a little wave surfing and made great time. Got to Port Severn at around 5 and waited for my mother to come with my truck. Good time to have dinner on patio restaurant overlooking locks.
Dinner done and we were on the road by 7:30 after dropping off my mother and making a stop to get padded seat from local kayak shop, hopefully will help with the comfort factor.
Got to Buckhorn at 10, shower and a real bed for the night. Great day.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Julie day-4
Ahhhhh...what a diference a good nights sleep makes!
Up early so i can squeeze in a run before we head out on the water. While on my run i notice the wind is stronger today then yesterday and it will be blowing straight into our faces! Hmmm...time to reconsider?
Jeff has kayaks all polished and clean when i get back...and is eager to start. After breakfast i convinced him into taking a day off and not killing ourselves today. It is after all a holiday! Soooo...off to Peterborough to outdoor store and kayak store where he finally found a book that hes been searching for..."Canoe Paddles...complete guide to making your own". hes is in his happy place now!
Lazy lazy day back at the beach. Really way to hot to do anything!
One thing for sure...we are well rested and well fed for our paddling to resume tomorrow. Thank you Chris and Char for the shower, bed and delicious meals. You guys ROCK xoxo.
Until tomorow.......
Up early so i can squeeze in a run before we head out on the water. While on my run i notice the wind is stronger today then yesterday and it will be blowing straight into our faces! Hmmm...time to reconsider?
Jeff has kayaks all polished and clean when i get back...and is eager to start. After breakfast i convinced him into taking a day off and not killing ourselves today. It is after all a holiday! Soooo...off to Peterborough to outdoor store and kayak store where he finally found a book that hes been searching for..."Canoe Paddles...complete guide to making your own". hes is in his happy place now!
Lazy lazy day back at the beach. Really way to hot to do anything!
One thing for sure...we are well rested and well fed for our paddling to resume tomorrow. Thank you Chris and Char for the shower, bed and delicious meals. You guys ROCK xoxo.
Until tomorow.......
Julie Day-3
During breakfast this morning a random dog (german sheppard) showed up to dine with us. He startled me as he showed up behind Jeff from behind a tree. Jeff turned around and woke up all the boaters when he screamed...chuckle chuckle...poor guy doesnt like strange dogs!
On the water and into the wind by 10:15. We have Buckhorn, showers and a bed on he brain so we are determined do in 1 day...what we just took 2 days to complete.
7 hrs later, after 3 breaks, 26k and fighting some tough waves we landed back in Port Severn. Paddled right up to a restaurant on the water and ordered ourselves dinner and drinks while we waited for Jeff's mom to come pick us up. She is always there for us...thank you Betty! Xoxo
Packed the car and we were on our way to Buckhorn by 730pm. Arrived @ Oak Bay (my brothers resort) by 10pm...shower, laundry, and a bed! What a fantastic night!
On the water and into the wind by 10:15. We have Buckhorn, showers and a bed on he brain so we are determined do in 1 day...what we just took 2 days to complete.
7 hrs later, after 3 breaks, 26k and fighting some tough waves we landed back in Port Severn. Paddled right up to a restaurant on the water and ordered ourselves dinner and drinks while we waited for Jeff's mom to come pick us up. She is always there for us...thank you Betty! Xoxo
Packed the car and we were on our way to Buckhorn by 730pm. Arrived @ Oak Bay (my brothers resort) by 10pm...shower, laundry, and a bed! What a fantastic night!
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