Category Archives: Travelogues

Last Hurrah Of Summer

A few weeks ago I slipped off to sail my tiny homemade boat. It was late September. The month had been inordinately rainy. I fretted over lost summer days. I also worried that playing on the lake was a distraction … Continue reading

Posted in Fall_2019, Travelogues, Walkabout | 15 Comments

Sail/Camp Adventure #2: Part 12: End Like A Boss!

At the flooded campground (sheltered by trees) the wind is whipping; the lake looks worse. This seems like a good time to shit myself with fear. Instead I start “reefing”. To “reef” a sail is to reduce its surface area. … Continue reading

Posted in Summer_2019, Travelogues, Walkabout | 9 Comments

Sail/Camp Adventure #2: Part 11: Once More Into The Breach

Having done absolutely everything I wished to do I can be forgiven for assuming the excitement was over. After breakfast I’d sail back across the waters, get my truck out of car jail, trailer up, and head home. Easy peasy. … Continue reading

Posted in Summer_2019, Travelogues, Walkabout | 6 Comments

Sail/Camp Adventure #2: Part 10: Land Sailing

The next day dawns cheerfully. I’ve slept like a baby in my supertent (probably because I was totally exhausted). Everyone at camp is happy and my coffee is exceptionally tasty. I can’t stop smiling. My boat did well and I … Continue reading

Posted in Summer_2019, Travelogues, Walkabout | 1 Comment

Sail/Camp Adventure #2: Part 9: Playing With Fire

Eventually it’s clear the burger is neither going up nor down so I might as well sail. I leave the truck in car jail and hike back to the beach. Everyone is pretty much “sailed out”. The sun will set … Continue reading

Posted in Summer_2019, Travelogues, Walkabout | 10 Comments

Sail/Camp Adventure #2: Part 8: Wet Asses And Big Smiles

A small short boat (all other things being equal) is slower than a big long boat. We’re the shortest, smallest boat in the “fleet”. About this I give not one fuck. This is my canoe replacement mini-expedition craft and it … Continue reading

Posted in Summer_2019, Travelogues, Walkabout | 4 Comments

Sail/Camp Adventure #2: Part 7: Politeness Dance

Other folks showed up. Some locals had been snug in their homes during last night’s storm. Others had been at anchor, either sound asleep or getting battered… I’ve no idea. There was pressure in the air. Like a species waiting … Continue reading

Posted in Summer_2019, Travelogues, Walkabout | 11 Comments

Sail/Camp Adventure #2: Part 6: Pondering The Sky

It was a leisurely morning. I didn’t expect that! I assumed rugged macho sailor types would be sail at dawn; either with or without some nautical rationalization. I’d mentally steeled myself for an early morning. All my life I’ve been … Continue reading

Posted in Summer_2019, Travelogues, Walkabout | Leave a comment

Sail/Camp Adventure #2: Part 5: Storm!

Among the best things in life (insert Conan quote here) is sitting around a campfire listening to stories. What a great evening. Folks who build boats (no surprise here) “think outside the box”. They find unique solutions to life’s problems. … Continue reading

Posted in Summer_2019, Travelogues, Walkabout | 13 Comments

Sail/Camp Adventure #2: Part 4: The Execution Of Operation Old Guy

Sail/Camp Adventure #2 of 2019 got off to a rough start. Preparation and departure was a fiasco. My “boat rickshaw” was a complete cock up. It wasn’t fitting on the trailer. I had miles and miles to go to the … Continue reading

Posted in Summer_2019, Travelogues, Walkabout | 8 Comments