Tempus Fugit

Kayak Stacker
Originally uploaded by Big Dadoo

I’ve been thinking about how to store the kayaks without having them on the dock for some time now. The original idea was to have two “J” shaped brackets with webbing strung between to cradle the kayak, but I was worried about the stability of the top “J” being only supported by the vertical outside post, which in turn is supported by a 2×4 bolted to the bottom of the dock. The weigh shouldn’t be a problem as I can stand on either support arm and each kayak is approximately 50lbs, so with both on the rack each end only needs to carry that weigh.

After staring at the problem for several days, I came up with this idea. The top cradle is hinged so after the top boat is removed the cradle can be flipped back to gain full access to the lower boat. This method allows for better support on the dock-side uprights and improved stability.

It was a wonderful sunny morning with a strong west wind blowing across the point, so while it is relatively calm water in front of the cottage, there is a nice breeze to keep things from getting too hot. Even so, after a while of working with my shirt off, I could feel the potential of a nice sunburn coming on, so on with a shirt and hat. Gee, is that wisdom or old age? A hat, since when…?

As I’m warping up the job and doing a little dock repair I hear Shirley scream from outside the lower door of the cottage, “Garry! Come quickly, there is something in the cottage!”. We’ll after the recent attack of the Squirrel Army, we’re a little on edge so I came flying up the stairs. Sure enough, as I go in the door I can hear a clatter, but soon determine that it’s just something thunking around in the dryer. Crisis averted. The Fortress is still secure from intruders.

I saw WALL-E last night. Don’t bother.

Shore Stop
Originally uploaded by Big Dadoo

Today was the first day of our vacation with clear skies and no rain. We had a late breakfast on the dock and then headed out in the kayaks. We circumnavigated Sultana Island for a 11.7km tour which saw a deer, a trutle, and several bald eagles (no photo’s this time) .
View Larger Map

Take a look.

It’s raining, again. Fully overcast with a forecast for thundershowers, but hey it’s Sunday at the lake and by 5pm, the sun will be out as many head back into the city, but not us, we’re still on vacation and Monday is looking awesome at 26 and sunny!

In spite of the weather, we’re heading out to catch the 8:30am start of the 4th annual Kenora Borealis Triathlon / Duathlon. I’ve seen some very cool Tri bikes around town this week, so it should be interesting.

Triathlon Manitoba

The 4th annual Kenora Borealis Triathlon / Duathlon takes place on Sunday July 20th at Garrow Beach on Rabbit Lake in Kenora. It features an Olympic and Sprint Triathlon, a Long and Sprint Duathlon, and a Try-a Tri (for athletes 12 & up). The Long Duathlon and Sprint Triathlon are qualifying events for the 2009 Triathlon World Championships

Assuming we’re not in a torrential downpour, we’ll head over to the Tunnel Island trails to repair one of my geocaches. After that, we’re winging it.

Three days ago the enemy penetrated our perimeter defenses for the second time. He was located hiding in a water reservoir. After a short skirmish, the enemy was extracted and left on the side of the road, presumed dead. After this incursion it was necessary to fortify the perimeter with IEDs (improvised entrapment devices).

Two nights ago there where heavy casualties inflicted on the squirrel army. Two dead, one wounded and one prisoner. The wounded and prisoner were relocated far from enemy lines. Last night it was quiet on the battle front, but this lull in the action will not make us complacent for we must be ever vigilant until victory has been assured. Repairs to the perimeter may take place today to facilitate improved ventilation to the fortress.

But there was no Bullwinkle, just Rocky.

We’re watching the CBC National news on TV and there is a clatter in the cottage. We think there is something on the deck, but no, it’s in the house, and it’s a squirrel. He’s trying to get at the chocolate cake and in the process he’s knocked the knives off the breadbox. After chasing him up and down the house a couple of times either trying to guide him out the front patio door or snag him in a blanket he suddenly runs up the kitchen window screen and disappears behind the valance and he’s gone! It turns out there is a hole in the screen!

Earlier this morning we noticed that some fruit, a pear and a banana, had been nibbled on, and both Gord and Shirley had heard some “noises” in the night. We thought it was mice and set the traps, but it seems like the culprit was something a little larger.

Tomorrow’s task – fix the screen.

Early morning
Originally uploaded by Big Dadoo

I was up sort of early this morning, not quite early enough to catch the sunrise, but definitely some nice calm quiet time to do some reading down a the dock. I’m currently reading Waking the Dead: The Glory of a Heart Fully Alive by John Eldredge and enjoying the book very much.

After some reading I’m feeling the need, the need for speed, on the bike that is. So, after attaching a second water bottle cage and loading up, I’m off for a run into Kenora. The route is about a 40km return trip with the usual hill climbs to get from our branch road out to the highway. After that, it’s paved shoulders all the way, but with some longer, less steep grades. In preparation for the upcoming mountain hike of Mt. Thompson, I’m climbing every hill out of the saddle to work the legs more and hopefully simulate more of a climbing exercise that will pay off when we’re hiking.

Garry and the Bike
Originally uploaded by Big Dadoo

Just after starting the ride, it started to rain, and then it rained harder, but hey it’s warm and it’s only water so I push on to Kenora. It rains the entire way for about one hour, and I’m fully soaked. After a little crusing around town, it’s back to the cottage. This part of the ride is rain-free, but there are still puddles and spray from cars. When I’m back I notice a gritty feeling in my mouth were I’ve apparently inhaled some road debris. Yummy!

Shirley in the Kayak
Originally uploaded by Big Dadoo

After making a post-ride breakfast of bacon and eggs, it’s down to the dock, where it’s now hot and sunny with very few clouds. Shirley and I head out for a paddle in the kayaks down to the bottom of the bay and I’m starting to think that a shirt would have been a good idea as the hot sun is frying my back. However, things change quickly and as we’re paddling back a thunder clap is heard and we’re caught in a downpour and get totally soaked by the time we’re back at the dock. An hour later as I write this, it’s clear and sunny again. It’s been quite a weather day!

Tonight, nobody cooks as we’re going out to the Plaza Restaurant to celebrate a birthday.

This morning after doing a little reading at the dock while enjoying a light breakfast, I paddled over to Hay Island to investigate the shoreline and see what’s happening on this part of the lake. Yesterday, on our walk to the point, Shirley and I discovered that there had been some activity with the power line and a new submarine power cable had been layed out from out point. Well, it turns out that the destination is this area on Hay Island. As I went down the west shore I notices a short 3′ metal pole near the waterline which is typical for an electrical cable coming ashore. A closer look shows new cable similar to the one laid off our point and it loops from location to location on this part of Hay Island, where there are lots for sale. The weather was good with a light breeze. At the start it was overcast but clear off on the way back for a nice sunny paddle, a total of 7.7km for the trip.

I think I’ll spend the rest of the day working on the kayak rack. This amy involve a trip to town for supplies/parts so we’ll see how much gets done today. After all, there is always tomorrow.

What are you looking at?!
Originally uploaded by Big Dadoo

It’s Sunday and we’ve slept in and had a late brunch. I think today will just be about doing a few odd jobs around the cottage and taking is easy. Having a nap on the dock sounds like an excellent possibility. Shirley and I took a walk on my trail out to the point and took a few photos. It’s overcast but pleasant and we’re still thinking about the good time at the wedding.