So here's the thing about winter paddling in the Pacific Northwest - it's not the rain or the cold that puts a damper on paddling - it's the friggin wind. It can actually be very zen-like paddling in the rain. You find yourself out on the water pretty much by yourself with nothing but the sound of raindrops falling on your hat to keep you company. The cold isn't bad either if you dress for it. I don't complain about the temperature much. I don't think anyone should complain about the cold if you're not living in Wisconsin or Minnesota. But it's the wind. Lordy does it do a number on the waves. Not very much fun when you can only paddle 4 mph and the wind is 10+ mph. That's why I haven't paddled since Jan 2. Still on track for paddling at least once a month but it get's tricky finding a day to paddle where the winds aren't going to be a battle. Today we caught a break and winds were down to 3 mph so I grabbed the Avvy and went exploring Lake Washington. Launched at Mercer Slough and paddled the south end of the Lake towards Gene Coulin park then crossed over to Mercer Island for the return trip.
At the fill up station. I prefer fuel by Starbucks.
Shroud of fog that never lifted the entire day.
The things rich people buy...
Lovely little big boat.
The sun is up there..somewhere...
Lunch break @ Gene Coulin park. Nice view. Note: bathrooms are closed in the winter :-(
Hiya.
ReplyDeleteI stumbled over your blog while I was doing a google search on the Avocet LV. I tried one out a few months ago in Sydney Harbour (Australia, yep, I'm one of those weird upside down people) & I would love to get some feedback from someone who owns one before I go ahead and buy my own.
Which is on the cards as I felt so at home in that boat.
I've tried the local canoe/kayak clubs in my area but nobody seems to know anyone with an Avocet. So advice from the other side of the earth would be very welcome. :)
i.e. how does it compare in surf v. on the river?
I live pretty close to a large and winding river with some serious currents - and I'm in an easy drive of the local bay & lots of estuaries. We have a fairly small hatchback sedan so I'm keen to get feedback on how easy/hard it is to get the kayak on/off the roof racks.
I love the pix on your blogs, BTW. Looks like a beautiful part of the world that you're in, over there.
cheers,
Quokka
Sorry I missed this comment somehow. I've had my Avocet LV for awhile now and can't imagine a better boat for me. The boat is super responsive and tracks really well, does a fine job in the surf. Remember, mine is Kevlar so it's only about 43lbs. Easy to load and unload for me. One of the lightest kayaks you'll find. I hope you find one. They are a rare breed.
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