Vermillion

I stopped on the way to work tonight. The river was just covering the two gauge rocks. The south fork must have gotten more rain than the north. It's a start to a nice level! I will be paddling Thursday and Friday this week...someplace...North Shore surf is rocking...very enticing!

Whew..I paddled almost 3 hours today!

On the river today was Art, Dennis and I. I was hoping for a little more volume with the melt but it was still nice. King/Queen of the wave was played today...fun!

WRSI Helmets ROCK!

More photos from Saturday

Bryan body surfing Donut! These photos were taken on Bryan's camera by Bryan, Nate or Dennis.

Vermillion today

Paddling today was Bryan, Dennis, Nate, and I. The temp was in the upper 20's and it was a beautiful sunny day. Donut was sweet, as usual. Lots of fun on the river. Bryan was even body surfing Donut. His dry suit works very well. King of the wave was also played today...but then I was Queen of the wave for awhile ;-)

Verm 1-19-06

I took this Thursday at 1pm on my way to work. A little bit of ice formed but nothing that would be a problem for paddling.
It's on for Sat at 12:30pm...there'll be 3 of us for sure paddling. Should be nice!

Cross Country Skiing

I've been waiting for this snow! Red Wing got about two inches. I took the high bluffs XC ski trail today. Only on my butt twice on the way down...not too bad for as steep as it is. Beautiful day today!
The open water you see in the distance is Dead Slough. It's a backwater of the Mississippi. I have never seen the backwaters ice free in Jan. Amazing weather! Or should I say global warming?

Vermillion Today!

44 degrees and sunny at the Vermilion today. Great day for spinning! Brian and I were paddling. This winter is just crazy! I love this kind of crazy!
Nora

Pug Shot!

BOO!

Just skiing and raquetball this week. The snowboarders were having practice and there was a Sports Illustrated kids competition Friday night. They were just amazing to watch! Lots of air and talent! They also had a light show going on the slopes...fun! I may paddle Sunday on my way to pool...I'll see how everything shakes out!
Nora

Paddling Today

Got my paddle in today for the month of January. I plan on paddling the Vermilion each month out of the year. Now I just need February, I hear thats the hard one to get. Paddling with me today was Brian, Bryan and Jake. The temp was about 29 today. The snow on the path down was frozen and pretty treacherous. Triple was really sweet and Donut had a little more oomph than last week. It's just such a great feeling being on the water in the winter. Hard to describe but well worth the time. Great night! Oh and yes I'm already thinking about those 40 degree days forcasted for next week!

Everything Happens For a Reason

Sometimes people come into your life and you know right away that they were meant to be there...to serve some sort of purpose, teach you a lesson or help figure out who you are or who you want to become. You never know who these people may be but when you lock eyes with them, you know that very moment that they will affect your life in some profound way.
And sometimes things happen to you at the time that may seem horrible, painful and unfair, but in reflection you realize that without overcoming those obstacles you would never realize your potential, strengh, will power or heart.
Everything happens for a reason. Nothing happens by chance or by means of luck. Illness, love, lost moments of true greatness and shear stupidity all occur to test limits of your soul.
Without these small tests, life would be like a smoothly paved, straight, flat road to nowhere--safe and comfortable, but dull and utterly pointless.
The people you meet affect your life. The successes and downfalls that you experience can create who you are, and the bad experiences can be learned from. In fact they are probably the most poignant and important ones. If someone hurts you, betrays you or breaks your heart, forgive them because they have helped you learn about trust and the importance of being cautious to whom you open your heart.
If someone loves you, love them back unconditionally, not only because they love you, but also because they are teaching you to love and open your heart and eyes to little things. Make every day count. Appreciate everything that you possibly can, for you may never experience it again.
Talk to people whom you have never talked to before, and actually listen. Let yourself fall in love, Break free and set your sights high. Hold your head up because you have evey right to.
Tell yourself you are a great individual and believe in yourself, for if you don't believe in yourself, no one else will believe in you. Create you own life and then go out and live it.
If you take your eyes off your goals, all you see is obstacles.
Author unknown.

I've read this before. Somethings just resonate with you and you find alot of truth in the words.

My Camera

I've been getting some questions about what kind of camera I shoot. It's a Minolta Dimage S414, 4 mega pixels, 4X optical zoom with 3X digital. Got it on sale. It is not a waterproof camera and I don't use a waterproof case either. This is my first digital camera and it's worked OK. It's slow to start up. Slow to focus. The batteries could last a little longer. I have had to learn it's quirks and be patient waiting for a shot. But on the other hand I do love the shots it takes. When on the river I carry it inside of some ziplocks, wrapped in a towel, inside of a dry bag and stuffed in the back of my boat. When I take it out I use the towel to dry my hands before taking shots. The camera is usually left on the bank and most of my paddling buds all know how to use my camera and take just as many shots of me as I take of them. I really appreciate that! Just that it's lasted thru ALOT of runs testifys to it's toughness. It's been wet to the point of water dripping off it...ooops. It gets a little fussy if it's really cold out...shuts down. Yet my son has dibs on it when I move up to my next camera.
I have always wanted a Cannon Rebel. Even when they were the ulitmate 35mm cameras. The digital Rebel sounds like a great camera and it's first on my list for when I move up. When that happens it will not be a river camera...I'm thinking of the Optio waterproof for my river camera. I have to do alot more research into these. I would welcome any suggestions.
Nora

Skiing at Welch tonight

Shane and I were Skiing Welch tonight. Shane was trying out his new skis he got for Christmas. Warm night with few people on the slopes...couldn't ask for more!

Pug Shots

Boo and Sasha in their Christmas coats. Yep...they're spoiled!

New Years Day Hidden Falls 2006

Each New Years the Minnesota Canoe Association meets at the Hidden Falls Park on the Mississippi for a paddle and bon fire. Quite a few people there this year..canoes, sea kayaks, and whitewater kayaks. Weather was great! About 35 degrees! Brian and I did our best to hold up the Rapids Riders tradition of seal launching down a snowy hill...now that was alot of fun! Talk is next year of making a jump...hmmmm.