My arctic series took a day off yesterday so I could take advantage of the beautiful, but strangely warm weather. The sky was winter blue, the water deadly cold, but the air temperature was 7°C! The snow we had last Sunday has disappeared from around the lake although it is struggling to stay alive where I live a bit higher up. I packed a quickie lunch, grabbed my gear bag, threw the boat into the saddles, lashed her down and dashed off for an all day paddle.
At the put-in, off came the boat and I carried it down to the water - Freya still seems to prefer that I carry my boat as she hasn't sent me my free trolley yet. I suppose it must be a fitness thing. In any event, it's good to know someone like her is concerned about my health...
Back to the car to suit up. And then I noticed. No pfd! All ready to go and my pfd was missing, still hanging up to dry at home... Should I go anyway? No, of course not. Well, maybe, just in the river, if I stay close to shore? No. Oh come on, I won't fall out... For heaven's sake, I'm not a beginner! Besides, the ducks don't need to wear one, why should I? Okay, but no silly stuff. Just careful paddling.
I launched, feeling strangely naked without my vest. But the river was calm, the current slight and the unencumbered paddling was free and cool. I wondered as I made my way upstream from the dam... it was a gorgeous day, the lake was fairly still, just a little chop, and I would stay close to shore. I'd be careful...
Out on the lake I didn't want to stop. I wanted to go, go, go forever, but finally the guilt of paddling naked with all those gawking sightseers along the shore watching me wondering what kind of idiot would be out paddling a skinny little boat with no pfd in water that cold... I turned around, ashamed and retreated to the car. I drove over to my Mother's place for some mid-morning tea. What a stupid thing to do. I'm going to chain the pfd to the bloody car from now on. I wasted a perfect winter paddling day!
I think I'll scan a 100 photos as punishment...
6 comments:
Been there, but didn't do that. Now, I have an extra cheap pfd (perfectly good) that I leave in my car. I need to have a routine or I will always forget something I need. I keep everything that doesn't need to be hung out in the car. I hang my spray deck and tow belt and gloves on the boat itself. My drysuit is in my den, and I have come close to leaving without it and the VHF radio.
Also been there but did do that!
I was paddling with one other, in April wghen the water is probably as cold as it gets. I did stuff a paddle float into the hand warmer pockets in the front of my cag.
http://www.gla.ac.uk/medicalgenetics/seakayaking_sunart.htm
I did have a very good day, I perhaps did not feel quite so naked as Michael as I often don't wear a BA when windsurfing.
I will try and not do it again though! I have also twice forgotten my boots in winter.
Nice to know I'm not alone in my foolishness. I've put my 'summer' pfd in the trunk of the car where it will act as a backup next time this happens. I think I'll build another boat this winter in case I forget my trusted QCC next time! LOL
think everybody's done it at some point, although I like to have one on the boat somewhere if I'm not actually wearing it.
I couldn't imagine why Freya would send you a free trolley!
She knows abou YOU!
Hey Anon, I'm sure that Freya can send a trolley to anyone she wants to whether she knows them or not!
Post a Comment