Britannia afternoon

I was one of the first sailors to arrive at Britannia beach and I had high hopes.  Sunny and warm with a sw wind predicted to reach 20knts.  Cute bikini blond showed up and said she'd been sailing for 15 yrs but left her mast at the cottage - she was bummed when she saw I was rigging my 5.7.  (I mention the hottie because that doesn't happen often).  She didn't miss much because the wind was somewhat lousy. Sailed the gusts..the wind veered more west but really didn't  get consistent.  Spent the whole afternoon hanging out and eventually put rigged up my 6.8.  Some more sailors showed up (craig, steve, alex, steve slaby, peter, jon, dave...others) Got planing a lot of times but it only seemed to last for a few minutes.  I should have taken a pic of this one dudes rig - it had more tape on it than  monofilm...at first I thought it was a graphic.  His board was painted sea blue and looked like it came out of the garbage.  I told him next time I come to the beach I'll bring some old sails that he can take.  Met some female triathletes that were swimming the bay and chatted about the sport.  Today I took the trailer because all my stuff was already in it.  Guys are thinking of sbx for friday but I don't think I can swing it.

SUP - Almonte

Wednesday night paddle on the river - not much to report, just a relaxing quick escape from reality (and a quick swim).  I know it's not windsurfing, but I still feel somewhat satisfied after being on the water.  Despite only getting out sailing once this year so far at Britannia, I'm surprised that I'm not in withdrawal as much as I should be - it's got to be due to the paddling.  Still have a bubble over my head with ddd in it.

this is bad board storage - I have to find a better place for it

SUP - Almonte

Highland games had taken over the Almonte Fair grounds so I went to the other side of the river and launched.  Just a quick paddle during Liam's tkd.  Went for a swim, did a quick yoga session and spied a few birds - king fisher, great blue heron, cormorant.  Tried basic paddling techniques (cross forward stroke, bow draw).

Afternoon ride - SMH

Hit the trail riding solo hoping for no rain.  Ride felt good considering I've been off the trail since May.  Spinning definitely helps.  Grabbed a booster juice afterwards.   Poured on the way home but as long as the jeep is moving the driver does not seem to get wet...must be the aerodynamics?

two toys

SUP - Almonte (with guest)

It occurred to me that Liam could actually paddle with me on the river...he could just use my surf board!  With a life jacket and a little plastic paddle he sat cross legged and managed to follow me everywhere.  A few pointers on how to hold the paddle and he was fine.  Now I had someone to show my headstands to!  Along the way we saw some kayakers and a large osprey.  Near the end of the session he tried standing up and realized it wasn't that hard at all.

my long board works just fine

SUP - Almonte

A nice evening for a paddle, no wind and warm.  Nice relaxing paddle with some wild life spottings - cormorants, an osprey, a king fisher (who was fishing), a tail slapping beaver, ducks to name a few.  Tried a headstand again and it seems to be getting easier.  Jumped in for a swim a few times too.  Near the end of my paddle I ventured under the bridge and noticed that I had to duck to not hit my head which means the water level has risen.  Coming into shore I was welcomed by a really big frog.  It let me pick it up so I hopped at the opportunity to snap a pic.

paddle partner

SUP - Almonte

Out on the little river again for a quick paddle.  Mounted the gopro underwater and above to get some different shots.  Tried out some yoga poses and jumped in for a swim.  Weeds are problem when the cam is underwater as well as the focus issue  (I will have to get the proper underwater housing).

upside down

underneath

SUP - Almonte

Another wednesday paddle..tried some yoga on the board  - it's a little tricky to keep things balanced left to right.  I'd like to learn to head stand but I noticed there is a lot of movement fore to aft so not sure if that will happen!  I've been thinking about my paddling technique too...I'm really trying to concentrate on using my core and even my legs - just really going by feel.  Maybe I'll get some technique instructions to make sure I'm not developing any bad habits.

Britannia

I can't believe it's my first session at Britannia of the year!....this is the latest start ever for me...jeez.  A cold front pushed some strong southerlies through generating some good storms and wind.  Rigged up 5.7 /102 JP and locked myself out of the truck....at  least I had everything I needed for now...sailed through a squall (super heavy rain...if I saw lightning or hail I was going to get off the water but it never came to that).  Mom dropped off the extra keys..thankfully.  The wind kicked in again and I thought I'd try out my new 4.6 with the 85 Quatro.  I didn't really get the best impression because it was soooo gusty.  Sailed from about 11 until 5.  Saw craig, steve, sarah (who just had a baby) and some other locals.  Jo was teaching a class of students to sail...that was refreshing to see some new blood coming into the sport.  Water levels are stupid low.

SUP - Almonte

Back on the little Mississippi again...nice and hot with no wind.  Great little paddle.  No one else on the water, but noticed that someone has a motocross track adjacent to the river at the back of a farm.  Some kids were zipping around on it.  It's a shame the water is flagged as unsuitable for swimming, it looks so refreshing.  I wanted to jump in - maybe it's not as bad near the middle of the river?

maybe next time I won't bring the phone/camera so I can jump in the water

calm & smooth