derrick
Gearing Out On Pinterest
Published February 22, 2012 | 
Seems like there’s always some new social media darling to snuggle up to.. At the moment the big rising star is a site called Pinterest. Pinterest is sort of a big online scrapbook where you can sort and save pics and video that inspire you. It’s actually pretty cool if you ask me. In addition to using Pinterest to collect stuff about our local area for Skillet Creek, I’ve found it’s a great way to post all those inspiring paddling shots I come across on the web. I also realized that it’s a great tool for putting together a gear list for folks just getting into sea kayaking. Of course with Canoecopia coming up here in Wisconsin pretty soon, now is a great time to think about that shopping list. 
Grand Marais 2012
Published February 20, 2012 | 
What do you learn when you get a phone call from paddling sorcerer Kelly Blades? Why the answers to the mysteries of the universe of course! Well, not ALL of the answers, BUT I did learn that I’ll will be joining the annual pilgrimage to Grand Marais, Michigan July 18th through the 22nd to “confer, converse, and otherwise hob-nob with my fellow wizards” at the 2012 Great Lakes Sea Kayak Symposium. Of course I’m not allowed to share the secret spells or tell the tales of things to come. Not yet anyway, but I can say that a magical experience will be had by all who join the circle and dance around the fire on the shores of lake Superior… High heels are optional…
mentoring and shuttered lensing
Published February 17, 2012 | 
Oh, don’t even think summer of 2012 is coming together yet around here. I swear to Yoda, I get less organized every year. I was invited to drag my hide, my kayak & my camera over to Michigan’s Qajaq Training Camp for a bit of mentoring and shuttered lensing this August. I’m looking forward to it. The last time I went was in 2008 and it’s certainly time again. I can honestly say, there are days I long for the sandy dunes of Michigan’s rugged shoreline. There’s something really powerful in that landscape. Can’t wait!
You Only Count If…
Published February 13, 2012 | 
Now here’s a poser for those outfitters, guides and outdoor retailers out there… What makes you legit? A licence? A certification? How about whether you actually have a building or not? What do you think of the idea that a website, magazine, radio station or whatever, should not accept advertising from anyone who does not have commercial building (not their home or garage) to house the business? Does floor space validate you? Does working from home keep you from being legit? Continue reading
Posted in advertising, Outdoor Recreation, Paddling, Quixotica, Random Thoughts | 
advertising, business, outfitters | 
1 CommentWave Warriors
Published February 6, 2012 | 
This last week has marked the passing of two bright lights of the paddling community, Eric Soars and Don Starkell. I won’t list their many accomplishments or legendary stories here.. that is best left to those who knew them well. For thoes of us who only knew them only through instruction and inspiration, we feel the loss as that of a former teacher, knowing that a part of who we’ve become was sparked and molded by their influence. Through their lives and their words they have inspired so many of us to get out there and experience the world in ways many only see on television as Craig Jungers posted recently through Paddlewise. In fact, I think Craig’s comment on the passing of these two men is worth repeating.. “
” We are an uncommon lot with a lot in common. When we go we will most likely go as a result of doing something adventurous and not because we spent too much time on the sofa. RIP both Don Starkell and Eric Soares. The best of a bad bunch. ”
The Don Ho Solution
Published January 25, 2012 | 
Now here’s a bit of interesting news. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (Makers of great big ships among other things.) has come up with this cool, efficient, and dare I say, “fun” way to cut up to 25 percent of CO2 emissions from large cargo carriers. Heck, they’ll even go a bit faster as well! The big idea? Blowing bubbles!
No Parking
Published January 24, 2012 | 
Now here’s the real problem with outdoor recreation during the winter months… No parking. Oh sure, the roads get plowed. Even that crazy road that climbs the hill to nowhere gets plowed. The driveway at the dentist’s office gets plowed. I mean, who really wants to go there?? And you can bet that some dude in a 4×4 will be up at 3am plowing the drive-through lane at the fast food joint. Neither rain, nor snow, nor heat, nor hail (Not even the gloom of night!) will keep us from our daily Big Mac.. Continue reading
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