We left the music behind and the dance carried on
As we stole away to the seashore
And smelt the brine, felt the wind in our hair
And with sadness you paused, . .
-loreena McKennitt

Sweepin the floors, open up the doors,
Yeah turn on the lights, getting ready for the night
Nobody’s romancing, ’cause its too early for dancing
But here comes the music
-j.johnson

Wow! It’s May again. Yesterday I received my symposium schedule from Laurie Levknect and found that I will actually be teaching some “adult” classes at the West Michigan symposium. I had a suspicion they were going to firmly plant me in the children’s ward for the duration. I like children, but I’m glad I’ll get time with the ‘big people’ as well. So, to warm up for the symposium now would be a good time to read my post from last year. Interesting to see it from that perspective again. At this point last year I was in a panic knowing I was heading out on a trip with a bunch of Uber paddlers. The thought of finally meeting Justine had me sweating bullets! This year I’m just excited to get back and see so many friendly faces. There’s just something about this symposium that feels like home to me. I’ve really missed the Michigan gang. I’m so anxious to see everyone again.

On the other hand, let me not suggest even for one second that this year I’m still not sweating bullets. This year I have the unique privilege to have a visit from Simon Osborne! As most of you know, in 2002 and 2004 Simon solo circumnavigated the United Kingdom and Ireland, respectively, in order to raise money and awareness for Leukemia research, in memory of his brother Mark. Also to many of us Nigel Dennis Kayak owners, Simon was the “face” of NDK, or at least the guy we all b*tched at when figuring out how to install new seats!! Simon will be the guest speaker at the West Michigan Symposium and since he’s got a few days before hand, we’re going to take a little time to explore Wisconsin as well. At first I thought, “Wow, what great fun this will be!”. But now as the time approaches I’m starting to think of ways to keep him off the water. Otherwise he’s certain to catch on to what an incompetent old geezer I am! With that in mind, I have schemed a scheme. When he arrives we’re going to drive up to the Apostle Islands to visit with some friends who suggested libations and pizza before even thinking about paddling. I like that! Maybe then if all goes according to plan, we won’t even launch the Kayaks! We could just take the ferry over to Madeline Island and spend a few days on the floor of “Tom’s Burned Down Cafe“. Then we’d wake up and realize we have to leave and get over to Michigan. “Wow, sorry Simon! No time to paddle now!!”

Ah, Summer. This kayaking thing is pretty cool, eh? Now I’ve got to get those plans in order. Get that high-speed ferry ticket, sort out kayaks (I really want to take my Actua), and be sure I know exactly where we’re meeting Alex! Wouldn’t want to leave Mr. “G-Style” behind when we’re going into the domain of Doug Van Doren. .

Man, on second thought, maybe I’d better stay home. Talk about out-classed at every corner, Sheeesh! Now, wasn’t I right here last year?

Someone noticed my “Fox” blog got lowered. Yes it did. I just couldn’t bring myself to hit you on Monday with my Sunday malaise. Tragedies and Sundays are soon forgotten anyway. Someone said it only takes 3 generations to forget you exist. Heck, some days all it takes is an hour & a shot glass. It’s too bad to because I really did want to live forever.

My new number 255 actually didn’t make it here until Saturday. So I’ve not been out to try it yet as my weekend was trying all on it’s own. Now as you can see we have a nice collection of paddles from Don and on most days they adorn the chair right as you see them. I really owe him a beer. And one of those good ones too, no “Old Milwaukee” for Don! I really love my paddles. Tomorrow I’ve promised to take them rolling.

One day until the new Cackletv.com is available for public scrutiny. . . today any changes you may see are purely proof of your delusional nature. Something I’ve been trying to point out for years. .

I finished Jon Turk’s book, In the Wake of the Jomon, over the weekend. Ending a book feels a bit like ending an expedition. You’re just not so tired and you don’t smell as bad. Now I’m off and reading Obscured by Waves. I’ve already found that Paul Caffyn must be quite the paddling partner. Seems like a fun guy. So far I’m immersed in classic Valley Nordkapps and a few lost (or almost lost) paddles . . . Upon reading his copy Wenley was probobly itching to write again about the benefits paddle leashes.

Oh and in case you missed it. . All glory today must go to Michael B. May 1st, shall from now forward be known as Canadian Ckayaker Day. Please forward all emails attesting to his glory the editor at SeaKayaker (or Rapid) Magazine in hopes that they will do a special feature in the near future. Hopefully the accompanying photo will include wardrobe, thus removing the need to avert the eyes. After all, one can handle only so much glory.

- d