and the kayaking of 2012 begins

This post includes 5 of my first 6 kayaking trips of 2012.  First Mark and I went down the calm Little Spokane on June 21st.  Then the next week, June 27th, we moved onto the Upper Spokane with a group of long time friends and their kids.  Two days later, June 29th, Mark and I went down the Lower Spokane, just the two of us.  I was so concerned about being close enough to Mark that he could T-rescue me that I ran into him continually throughout the trip.   Lastly, on the 10th and 12th of July, I joined an advanced kayaking class, first on the Upper Spokane then the Lower.

JUNE 21, 2012: The Little Spokane

JUNE 26, 2012: The Upper Spokane

JUNE 28, 2012: The Lower Spokane

My Favorite Part, the Bird Hotel

Mark Stretching

JULY 10, 2012: The Upper Spokane

So far I have not been able to find any pictures, but this was the day I earned my Combat Roll Badge!!

JULY 12, 2012: The Lower Spokane

We practiced ferrying across the river here between the bridge
abutments for at least 30 minutes. It was challenging,
thrilling and just as much a T-rescue exercise.

Slug Bate and Broccoli

Today Mark left for a week on the Salmon and I am taking over lead Guardian of the Garden.

The first order of business is watering.  There are four sprinklers to manage, but a little attention goes a long way there.  Next, Beer Battered Slugs.  Slimy slugs are lurking where they are not welcome.  This morning I found one going after the dog biscuits, and I'll be damned if they touch our human treats.  So, it is time to invite them to eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow they shall die...in a pool of beer.  I am not sure if four beer traps will be enough, or if they even have enough beer in them, but this is my starting point.

BATE 1: tomatoes

BATE 2: left side of potatoes

BATE 3: right side of potatoes

BATE 4: middle of onions

 

The broccoli has been harvested and the bate is set.  I can not wait to see my catch.

Stabilizing with the Scarcellos

James' Sister (Denise) and her two boys Will (8yrs) and Hank (5yrs), came to town this week; and of course they wanted to see the infamous Spokane River, so we took them.  We all had a great time.  I couldn't stop laughing at Hank's expletives.  Usually he is stern about not participating in anything remotely risky, so Denise was greatly relieved when he willingly stepped into the inflatable kayak.  Not only did he participate, but he really enjoyed it.  Each time we encountered a wave Hank would yell things like, "Stabilize!" and "This water is sending us into chaos!"  There was a lot of playing in the waves and behind rocks plus Mark achieved a hand roll on camera.

Denise and Will

Kol and Jon playing in a hole behind a rock

So Fun!

THE HAND ROLL  

1

2

3

and he's up, with no assistance from the paddle!

Oh, the chaos!

I just found out that my helmet is reversible

We pulled over in an eddie to take a break

Justin is doing that on purpose

Which way do we go?

Hank slid off the boat for a swim without anyone noticing
...except for the camera

The three boys going for a swim

Yes, the water was a bit chilly

Amanda and Jarrad are our friends

The time has finally come.  Jarred and Amanda meet the Spokane River, up close and personal.  I am not sure if we got them hooked enough to buy their own boats, but I know we all enjoyed the beautiful, sunny, summer day.  Thank you for taking some really awesome pictures Amanda!

Taking off

Hi, my name is Dork

Jarrad instantly tried to escape

In sync

About to exit the eddie

Exit was successful

Jarrad playing in the hole behind a rock!

Mark showing us how it is done

This is called Kayak Dancing