I was burned out from exhaustion, buried in the hail, Poisoned in the bushes an’ blown out on the trail” – dylan

Finally the world has begun to thaw. Yesterday I took a six mile hike up and over the Baraboo Bluffs at Devil’s Lake State Park. For those of you not familiar with the term “Bluff” it’s basically a vertically challenged mountain. Our mini 1100 ft. mountains are made of a very unique purple quartzite and are studied by folks far and near. Hiking up and over them is a bit more challenging however. Especially when the trails are still covered in about 5 inches of water filled melting snow. Today I followed up with another 4 mile hike. I really despise exercise for the sake of exercise so it’s great to be back outside taking in the world around me. But to be honest, “blown out on the trail” feels about right some days. .

So I have been re-familiarizing myself with the BCU Three Star Test, as this is another summer goal. Yikes. Ok. So I can handle the “signs of hypothermia” type questions. My bigger concern is if Welsh is the mandatory language of BCU paddlers? If so, I’ll just work on mastering “Dydw i ddim yn deall” . and leave it at that. So that would go something like, “Have you heard of Rob Roy MacGregor?. . . .” Dydw i ddim yn deall! I’m not sure if you can answer a question about Rob Roy in Welsh but . . . Anything’s better than saying ahh, that’s that film with that guy from Star Wars right?

By the way, you could probably just quote Wordsworth. . .

Heaven gave Rob Roy a dauntless heart,
And wondrous length and strength of era,
Nor craved he more to quell his foes,
Or keep his friends from harm.

Yet was Rob Roy as wise as brave
Forgive me if the phrase he strong
A poet worthy of Rob Roy
Must scorn a timid song.

Bear witness many a pensive sigh
Of thoughtful herdsman when he strays
Alone upon Loch Veol’s heights,
And by Loch Lomond’s braes!

But would your BCU coach actually ask that question? I’m not sure I’ve read the bit about Rob Roy’s sea kayaking adventures. But one never knows! If you are interested in following along with all the fun sample questions Just click on over to Sea Kayak Georgia. Although I’m poking a bit of fun at it now, in actuality I fear BCU testing. My limited exposure has taught me that I must be at my best to certify. So I have a lot of work to do.

In other kayaking news It sounds like I will have a great trip coming up in May. I will talk more about that when it’s confirmed. Until then check out the Kayak Georgia link, learn more about Rob Roy, oh and just for fun. . . Go shopping for a drogue!

- dm

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