Archive for the ‘People’ Category

Author, adventurer, scientist, sea kayaker and pretty smart guy, Jon Turk has a new book out called The Raven’s Gift. “A Scientist, A Shaman and Their Remarkable Journey Through the Siberian Wilderness.” I’ve not read Jon’s new book yet, but having read his past work I’ve no doubt this one will be as interesting and thought provoking as ever. The Raven’s Gift is described as, “a life-altering vision of the ties between the natural and spiritual realms, Read the rest of this entry »

sometimes you’re the windshield / sometimes you’re the bug
sometimes it all comes together baby / sometimes you’re a fool in love
sometimes you’re the louisville slugger / sometimes you’re the ball
sometimes it all comes together baby… – Dire Straits

I‘ve written about Marcus Demuth before.  More than many expedition paddlers out there he’s had his share of ups and downs. Yet  no matter what happens, it seems he’s right there ready to give things another go as well.  So even though he kept things a bit quiet this time around, he still went out and did something few people have ever done.  He paddled solo around Great Britain.   Read the rest of this entry »

Ziggy played for time, jiving us that we was voodoo
The kids was just crass. He was the nazz
With God given ass
He took it all too far, but boy could he play guitar
– bowie

So I got into this conversation the other day.  The topic was “Names”.  Do paddlers you read about in Sea Kayaker magazine inspire you to sign up for events or symposiums?  Would you go any way?  Maybe when you read that a certain paddler is going to coach it’s a great idea to attend to get instruction from the ‘masters’ so to speak.  But what if the ‘Name’ is only there to present and preside?   Should symposiums sort out the green M&Ms for  the latest person to paddle across Boyizitbig Bay, or should they save the bowl for a couple great coaches instead?   Read the rest of this entry »

Geneva Kayak Center in Chicago is presenting Freya Hoffmeister on Monday, July 12th to talk about record-setting expedition around the continent of Australia.  Tickets are available in advance for $15 by calling Geneva Kayak at (630) 232-0320 (Seats are limited.) Remaining tickets will be available at the door for $20 per ticket. For more information just call Geneva Kayak at the number above or visit their website at www.genevakayak.com. (It’s always worth visiting their website to hear that soothing water, paddling & bird call soundtrack!!)

As I write this 16 year old Abby Sunderland is floating somewhere in the Indian ocean on a sailboat without a mast.  Apparently she’s fine out there and will need to hold out  another 24 hours or so for rescue.   Here in Wisconsin, 9 year old Sofia Khan of Chicago was not so lucky.  The search for her on Lake Michigan was suspended and reclassified as a recovery yesterday.  Abby was in the middle of the ocean, alone, and taking on terrible risks.  Sofia was with her family enjoying a day at the beach.  Read the rest of this entry »

This is Amy rolling her kayak in Milwaukee a couple weeks back. Amy is a fantastic kayak coach, photographer and owner of Climer Consulting in Madison, WI. I have absolutely nothing to add, other than it’s a rainy day here in cheeseland and I’ve got to get on the road to take my son to visit the doc.  So.. well, enjoy Amy’s roll.

I’d love to get a letter / Like to know what’s what
Hope the weather’s good / And it’s not too hot
For you
Everyone says hi – bowie

Just a moment to check in with everyone that’s been following along here at KayakQuixotica.com for some years now.  Yeah, I’m still alive!  How about you?? LOL!  For my part, I’ve been paddling daily again for a while now.  I just keep the silly kayak on the Jeep at all times so I can quickly jump in the water over lunch or right after I drop my son off to school. I recently did a wilderness first aid course and am spending Memorial weekend in Milwaukee doing an ACA ICE with my friend JB.  It looks like great weather for a paddle and s**t weather for L4 certification.

Regarding paddling Scotland.. Oh man.  Yeah, I want to and have the trip forefront in my mind.  However some family heath issues have really forced me to stay close to home for more than a few days at a time over the last year or so.  No sense in detailing it, but if I can reasonably find a way to escape for a few weeks without having to fret .. I’d take it.  I’d give anything for a bit of ‘me’ time at the moment… Read the rest of this entry »