The summer trail
Published May 21, 2008 | 
Memories are drifting like the snow
So close the door lightly when you go
-richard thompson
It’s time again to hit the summer trail. On Friday I’ll make the almost annual migration over to Milwaukee to catch the Lake Express Ferry for the 2 hour jaunt across the 80 miles or so of open water to the high sandy cliffs of the Michigan shore. Once off the ferry it’s just a short drive up to Big Blue Lake which is the location of the 2008 West Michigan Kayak Symposium. WMCKA is the first big gathering of the Midwest’s paddling season.
I’m really looking forward to seeing Keith and Laurie and the many friends and acquaintances I’ve made over the last few years. Leon Sommé and Shawna Franklin with be there as well. There are no better paddlers out there that you can learn the art of coaching from. When I arrive I’ll stake out my spot along the tree lined camping area and shake what’s left of the Puerto Rican sand out of my tent and wander the camp for a bit to catch up with all the friendly faces.
This is going to be an odd year I think. I’m coming into this season feeling a bit subdued, sort of mailing it in. Something I have to get a grip on and shake off. As fate would have it, of all the symposiums out there each year, WMCKA is probably the perfect place shake off this bloody malaise.
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5 Responses to The summer trail
See you there. I’ll be ariving late Saturday night. Too many family obligations to allow me to be gone the entire weekend, but Sun. and Mon should be good.
What, Derrick? You don’t have your teardrop trailer yet (otherwise called the KayaKamper)? I believe you can get them in black…
Looking forward to your visit as well.
The malaise will shake off for sure as soon as the rodeo starts!!!!!!
Thanks guys see ya soon! Mike, I’d get one of those too if I could figure out what hatch to put it in.
Meeting me for breakfast tomorrow?