Do you like Facts?

As the miles fly by behind us at roughly 3.5-4.8 mph (dang add that one to the TLA list~miles per hour) We have time to think, and reflect upon this massive body of water; the stories it holds, and reality which it is. Both Graduates of Northland College, we appreciate people who are passionate about what they do, the rights and causes the stand up for and their ability to keep the greater community informed.

As a student, I recall reading articles published by an author who seemed to always be in the know of what was going on. The devote knowledge and analysis of a particular skill or concept was impeccable and inspiring. In honor of that wealth of knowledge we will be informing you all of facts pertaining to Lake Superior and some of the bounty she holds. These random slices of knowledge are dedicated to you Mr. Ralphie G. Schwartz Esq. and all the light you have shed to your readers on intricate subjects over the years...

**Did you know that on July 14, 2008 the Central Lake Superior Bouy registered a sea water temperature of 38 degrees F? That means that a mere six degrees prior, it was ICE...

Stay Tuned for more fun facts...

Truly Loving Acronyms *TLA*

Some time ago in the not so distant past I was introduced to TLA (Three Letter Acronyms)-freaking sweet! Since that fateful, rather momentous day I have been slightly appreciative/obsessive to their ability to explain larger concepts with only three letters. Having said that, they may pop up from time to time in our posts. Below is a list to get you started thinking in TLA style:

CTD- Chasing the Dream
MPD- Miles Per Day
DOW- Days on Water
GGM- Great Googally Moogally
NFW- No Flipping Way
LTD- Living the Dream
FDF- Feeling da Flow
WNP- Whiff Nasty Plan
NFD- Not for Dogs (great when training your K-9 friends)
TRL- Truly Remarkable Loon
FRS- Feeling Real slow
YKI- You KNOW it! - (generally with a Will Ferril connotation)
TSR- Tele Skiing Rules (Free the heel, and your mind will follow)
MPH- Miles per hour
KPH- Knots per hour (depends how quickly you can tie rope)
SPH- Strokes per hour (how many times those dem dare blades touch fine quality H2O)

That should get the ball rolling, we'll probably add more as the journey continues and if you have any of your own, feel free to share, we dig that kind of stuff...

Boondoggle Report

Once in a great while we are offered the ability to appreciate those little events which occur, seeming like a burden at the time, but being able to look retrospectively back on and laugh.

This post is dedicated to you outdoor professional to whom stuff does not always pan out pretty-style. Whether it is forgetting your sprayskirt/pfd at the base, client lunches in the van or even the porta-john @ the beach- we hear you and this post is dedicated your way...

At present gear malfunctions:
Dry bays w/ holes: 4 *
Non functioning paddle ferrules: 2 (first one happened day two)
Broken grump digger: 1
Cracked hatch cover:1 bordering on 3
Kinked skeg cable: 1
Skeg on hunger strike:1
Cockpits with mysterious odor:2
Paddlers really feeling great about neoprene smell:2
Leaky day hatch: 1
Jokes made about it: numerous

*I am sure this list may grow, although, knock on wood it doesn't; it seems the following would be best appreciated by humming some ridiculous tune in your head. For those of you in the Mad City I am thinking of that kooky soundtrack that Truly Remarkable Loon (the original TRL ** See TLA list) plays while spinning plates. You know, slightly circus style, but not full out Barnum & Bailey's.
-Enjoy

Photo Montage Three

Photo Montage Round Two

Locking it down on Lake Superior

Followers of the journey,

Que Tal?

It has been a rousing few days on the lake. We started out in Sunny Bayfield, under immense heat and SW winds we had a shorter day. The first nite we managed to keep the tent staked down as some burly electrical storm rolled on through with a heavy wind or two.

The South Shore has been amazing. Glorious geology, rocking rivers and a mystique that warrants extended stays.

We are currently fixing to leave Ontonagon later this afternoon, we got a little waylayed around the 4th... The post office with our first box of food, was closed on the 5th... Guess everyone wanted a four day weekend. We took the rest day, as we hauled around 40 miles to get into Ontonagon.

The type right now is rushed. I apologize, we only have a limited amount of time on this here computer so I shall do my best.

Once we get this routine down we'll have more complete updates.

Also posted are some shots of the journey thus far... Commentary to follow...

Just a few quick shouts of thanks though:

Rob and Lynn Reimer- for allowing us to chase the dream of living in a driveway down by the shed!! For real, you folks rock, we appreciate everything you have done for us and look forward to holding weekly kayak support group meetings at your house when we return...
Cully Shelton- Man that Banana Bread was AWESOME!!!
Folks at the Beach - Thanks for sending us off safely
Astral Bouyancy- Haute Dawg the PFD's are SWEET!!!
Granite Gear- Your bags RULE, compact, lightweight, and they keep the goods in order...

Last but not least, for this post anyway, want to remind folks to mark their calendar for the third Sunday in July for Lake Superior Clean Up day... Most definitely certain you all want to experience the pristine shores as we have, and we can do what we can to keep it that way...

Until next time, may the days be filled with health, happiness and laughter...

Photo Montage Round One