Uncommon Adventures blog

“Mmmmm coffee, I’m shaking….it’s great!” Monica says after downing one cup past her limit.  Jonathon and Monica could have been tough critics since they also roast their own beans, but we managed to slurp our way through two pots each morning for this last weekend’s paddling skills clinics.  Blessed by nice weather, local strawberries and asparagus, we sampled a half dozen boat designs through a variety of paddling technique, safety and boat handling classes this past weekend.  Sunday’s day trip was broken up with a sun-drenched Mediterranean picnic out on a Lake Michigan beach that we had to ourselves before the post lunch crowd started to wander out into the waves.  I hope next weekend’s Sleeping Bear sampler has as good weather and enthusiastic students as Monica and Jonathon proved to be.  Ahh…guys, you left a nice Spanish red behind….well, it won’t go to waste here.

A couple of weeks back I had a weekend workshop attended by a couple from Interlochen. They had met one another through a club that focused on non-motorized outdoor recreation, primarily backpacking. A common theme came up during the weekend. We like backpacking; there’s nothing like the freedom and independence of having your home on your back. The downside? As we, ahem, grow toward adulthood, that very same “having your home on your back” isn’t quite as comfortable anymore. Steve was hoping to infect his dear mate Lucy with the idea of packing that very same house, with a few added comforts, into kayaks for that same freedom in a more liquid environment. Well, it seems to be working now that Lucy has found a boat that fits her well, she’s plying the waters with grace and style that leaves some of us almost feeling, well, clunky. Might be one of those slow but long lasting infections.

As some of you well know, kayak touring can be a very comfortable way to travel in the wilderness. With water supporting the load of your traveling home the pain component is largely taken out of the picture. And talk about accessories! Forget sawing the handle off your toothbrush! Thick luxurious sleeping pads, roomy tents, fresh foods, wines to match, a clean shirt…add to that a solar shower and plenty of surrounding water for bathing and you’ve got a recipe for bliss. Does Steve know that he may be enabling an addiction for Lucy that involves all things carbon fiber and oodles of reward miles? Stay tuned. Schroeder, cue the piano…..

This is sort of a dress rehearsal on the blog thing. I’ve heard and said a number of things about our current sluggish economy and its effect on tourism, but I’ve been discovering an unforeseen benefit. For the first time in remembrance I can actually spend a little summer time with some of my dearest friends doing things during their time off. Making a business out of other people’s holiday time usually results in you having time off when your friends are working. I’ve chosen to embrace this little window of quiet business time this year and focus on new marketing projects, like this blog and learning how to make video media. Oh, and just as importantly, to spend time outside with dear friends.