tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35564482697805907972024-03-13T12:06:23.472-07:00Woman on WaterKayak Instructor Cate Hawthorne shares tips, trips, stories gear, and inspiration from adventures on the water and in nature.Cate Hawthornehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04839882738486589236noreply@blogger.comBlogger280125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556448269780590797.post-81270020772948922522023-07-24T04:00:00.001-07:002023-07-24T04:00:00.152-07:00Seaing<p>Seaing is the act of seeing all things related to the ocean and the sea including flora, fauna, waves, and geology.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp8PaHIe2eQKrgKdNCIEuobXdTURzh8FH0XgbXPMQMHyRv-IoyIspy31t8jpTUrnp4cXfqbg83yJgnqxmA9mVSlpLINPMcLUgjM3lBvKZG7KwQB9OfohP1FzxeHHFMz7pvGW4Ms93BKt7e8hlbGKCgXSBGDUV8E2nY2-Erp0A9XmBpt9nVYb7rgjrmh6OL/s3000/0FC766A4-4219-48DD-A366-B2BE94EB9B4C.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp8PaHIe2eQKrgKdNCIEuobXdTURzh8FH0XgbXPMQMHyRv-IoyIspy31t8jpTUrnp4cXfqbg83yJgnqxmA9mVSlpLINPMcLUgjM3lBvKZG7KwQB9OfohP1FzxeHHFMz7pvGW4Ms93BKt7e8hlbGKCgXSBGDUV8E2nY2-Erp0A9XmBpt9nVYb7rgjrmh6OL/w400-h400/0FC766A4-4219-48DD-A366-B2BE94EB9B4C.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seaing salty whitewater rush through the rock gardens and palm kelp bed of the Mendocino Coast whilst on a Whitewater of the Sea Kayaking Adventure.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Seaing can be done from shore or whilst out on or in the water. When we can't get to the seashore or out on the water, we can sea via media - books, television, or online like on YouTube and other social media platforms. Did you know that looking at water is proven to decrease your stress levels? So when you can't get to the sea, it is helpful to find other ways to get your water fix.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVGop2fnQmka6B1lQz0cgyoxaSgQBT0OtwMkOj3Dt6-POlu1oEpCqJTuyAepRfnNreBzbvJmay8JptUlSLWniaC1eTFP7USSFNzf_375uW89pNV4DTuuRp9bLIaD9J7WV3CxfSpyXDTbZxoN4v_2D2zy37X-TGYjt0h0uVXrGlji3wPqHC_MANwcMbpGiD/s5184/IMG_0779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="2920" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVGop2fnQmka6B1lQz0cgyoxaSgQBT0OtwMkOj3Dt6-POlu1oEpCqJTuyAepRfnNreBzbvJmay8JptUlSLWniaC1eTFP7USSFNzf_375uW89pNV4DTuuRp9bLIaD9J7WV3CxfSpyXDTbZxoN4v_2D2zy37X-TGYjt0h0uVXrGlji3wPqHC_MANwcMbpGiD/w225-h400/IMG_0779.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liquid Fusion Kayaking sea kayak students exploring tide pools during a kayak lesson on the Mendocino Coast.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>We also like to go seaing at Marine Science Centers like the <b><a href="https://www.noyocenter.org" target="_blank">Noyo Center for Marine Science</a></b> in Fort Bragg, CA. Here is a <a href="https://youtube.com/shorts/o0fu1Pg5A6g?feature=share" target="_blank"><b>video </b></a>from a recent trip with my family.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeMehC2LvscBKslQzA6xqOVg0-VNBCAT7t5_oj_pXiMyhCTAAG-ILkJBHJTz4h0e5z-kQd1kiH6WjQ837dxeYUNAz4C-nvjBSIGNXOjV9VgpCEe05Cj4zqAuDoyhBMci6cMbnoScaaQJs7-kLw67nYRAVLtcp8_hzOkuqohwUZdTx2M8BOrWblhsBHvBNd/s4032/IMG_5496.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeMehC2LvscBKslQzA6xqOVg0-VNBCAT7t5_oj_pXiMyhCTAAG-ILkJBHJTz4h0e5z-kQd1kiH6WjQ837dxeYUNAz4C-nvjBSIGNXOjV9VgpCEe05Cj4zqAuDoyhBMci6cMbnoScaaQJs7-kLw67nYRAVLtcp8_hzOkuqohwUZdTx2M8BOrWblhsBHvBNd/w300-h400/IMG_5496.HEIC" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My niece seaing the orca skeleton in the Noyo Center for Marine Science.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Of course my favorite way to sea is to be out on the water . . . but I also feel it is important to share the sea with those who do not have it in their backyard. Sooooooo - when you look at Liquid Fusion Kayaking's YouTube and Instagram - you will sea a lot more than kayaking.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-4V1CxRG4Lw154g9cyIIrwcWqYHDFrARzxQhuJLIwanCEQ7xZfAAZAkxvzvA4wF59N1nICCQsBst1Y3Z5PfER8_gV_jd45sgKA8ISs3AQrvPQr61aiHfl1fGDxcF-X0F4LP2MLAtM5-9VYq1a-PWQkWrKZxoNxWcs8BNASqrhG181aMhstWpca4v252D/s4547/GPTempDownload%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4547" data-original-width="2558" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-4V1CxRG4Lw154g9cyIIrwcWqYHDFrARzxQhuJLIwanCEQ7xZfAAZAkxvzvA4wF59N1nICCQsBst1Y3Z5PfER8_gV_jd45sgKA8ISs3AQrvPQr61aiHfl1fGDxcF-X0F4LP2MLAtM5-9VYq1a-PWQkWrKZxoNxWcs8BNASqrhG181aMhstWpca4v252D/w225-h400/GPTempDownload%203.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seaing sea stars in the rock gardens of the Mendocino Coast.</td></tr></tbody></table></p><br /><p>I hope you get to do some seaing.</p><p>Cheers,</p><p>Cate</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFl2-ePH3KIVuK2EtFWDaePFE5jSwn_mhsMVa5ThD-R8qKZOAkWeGr3JBhd00CcSWavreI26TbXKO2YJly8J2gyx6fOhV4tVvcL4_JAF6C3_tJOLPzL_JKfuqs1MGebBshP1ikqU5E-3p0WZUa2hMuSfvpheiDaKksgEYdSKx0yavwoHP3-42wsafU3_v9/s5120/GPTempDownload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="5120" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFl2-ePH3KIVuK2EtFWDaePFE5jSwn_mhsMVa5ThD-R8qKZOAkWeGr3JBhd00CcSWavreI26TbXKO2YJly8J2gyx6fOhV4tVvcL4_JAF6C3_tJOLPzL_JKfuqs1MGebBshP1ikqU5E-3p0WZUa2hMuSfvpheiDaKksgEYdSKx0yavwoHP3-42wsafU3_v9/w400-h225/GPTempDownload.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liquid Fusion Kayaking's Cate Hawthorne getting a salty sea facial from a blow hole on the Mendocino Coast of California.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p><br /></p><br />Cate Hawthornehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04839882738486589236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556448269780590797.post-72680452199521364742023-05-22T04:30:00.003-07:002023-05-22T04:30:00.132-07:00Earplugs<h3 style="text-align: center;"><b>Do you get cold water vertigo? </b></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Do you paddle in windy conditions?</b></div></b></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Do your ears get plugged up after rolling or swimming?</b></div></b></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Do you get ear wax build-up and/or ear infections?</b></div></b></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Do you value your hearing?</b></div></b></h3><div><b><br /></b></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"></h3><h2 style="text-align: center;">If you answered YES to any of the above questions, you should consider wearing earplugs when paddling.</h2><div><br /></div><div>I am not a doctor and you should consult your doctor for health advice. I am sharing my personal experience with "<b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surfer%27s_ear" target="_blank">surfer's ear</a></b>," and how I have found ear plugs to be helpful in preventing cold water vertigo and improving comfort on and in the water.</div><div><br /></div><div>Early in my paddling career, I went in for a physical and the first thing the doctor commented was on my surfer's ear. HUH? She explained to me that I had bone growths in my ear canal and that the condition is often called surfer's ear. With a bit more research, I discovered that surfer's ear is common in kayakers as well as surfers. Cold water is not the only culprit. Wind is also a significant factor. </div><div><br /></div><div>After my appointment, I realized that in the past year I had been experiencing more wax buildup and instances of water being trapped in my ears (even after showering). I asked around the kayak community and found that many in the whitewater kayak world knew about surfer's ear, many experienced it, and many had started wearing earplugs. In the sea kayak community, I was surprised that only those that were avid surfers knew about surfers ear. Today, I am still surprised not to see more paddlers wearing earplugs.</div><div><br /></div><div>One of the biggest issues is that some ear plugs impede hearing. The trick, I found is to find plugs that fit and also allow you to hear. All ears are shaped differently so it takes a bit of shopping and trial and error. Many paddlers like Doc's Pro Plugs. I have never been able to get them to fit properly. I found that they were great at blocking the wind but trapped water in my ear when I rolled.</div><div><br /></div><div>Mack's Ear Seals have become my go to earplugs. I find that they keep the water out and allow me to hear. I also like that they are relatively inexpensive and easily accessible - you can often buy them at your local drug store and even some grocery stores carry them. I find the strings pop off easily unless you glue them to the plugs with aqua seal. In recent years, I have ditched the strings and just use the plugs.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIE8Rnwn6BbQ33tMaxxwnYC5Yvo2EbKoONhLjh-gQ4cTEQX9XB8ugHLvRrklTisy9upWsdp0aJfo3pK3xwJu0fs4TxVoZp-wFuDc2acpNDuEnP3PphwU3mjBZcu6UaAlNxu7NSutEH1x3k8nea_ZdKZqUT15_4CUqh4_kEQKk7s8OLhSLK3o0iZJfn6Q/s1210/Macks%20ear%20seals.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1098" data-original-width="1210" height="363" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIE8Rnwn6BbQ33tMaxxwnYC5Yvo2EbKoONhLjh-gQ4cTEQX9XB8ugHLvRrklTisy9upWsdp0aJfo3pK3xwJu0fs4TxVoZp-wFuDc2acpNDuEnP3PphwU3mjBZcu6UaAlNxu7NSutEH1x3k8nea_ZdKZqUT15_4CUqh4_kEQKk7s8OLhSLK3o0iZJfn6Q/w400-h363/Macks%20ear%20seals.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>If I am not rolling but am paddling in cold or windy conditions, I lightly put the earplugs in my ears. It is amazing how much warmer and more comfortable I am on windy days with the wind not whistling through my ears. If I am going to be surfing, rolling or swimming, I insert the plugs further into my ears.</div><div><br /></div><div>I also discovered that wearing ear plugs helps prevent cold water vertigo which is caused by cold water in the ear canal and on the ear drum.</div><div><br /></div><div>Have you used earplugs for paddling? If you have any success stories to share, please share them in the comments.</div><div><br /></div><div>Cheers,</div><div>Cate</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Cate Hawthornehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04839882738486589236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556448269780590797.post-82111804944917145402023-05-15T04:30:00.084-07:002023-05-15T10:55:57.097-07:00The Eel River<h1 style="text-align: left;"><b>Are you curious about the Eel River?</b></h1><p>In recent years, we have been getting more and more inquiries about kayaking, rafting, and canoeing on the Eel River. It has been exciting to see more boaters on the Eel. It is almost as exciting as seeing other wildlife along the river. Perhaps some of the recent interest has to do with publicity and planning of <b><a href="https://thegreatredwoodtrail.org" target="_blank">The Great Redwood Trail</a></b>.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb1INXT7AmuOduDsgqIc2JAKDl8JS0qOKtiyvy7JC8cEUiee7YOCDy7NrXFWV20Dy6E0426hK47GApRp3JnA7U4RfptuDGqVmq02_WZXF1nxXAJo1KkaqdQUF0wAzw4nxpnvNtOZQ9PH1co3n_h0OIC5qoqcXYDPQZ7_l3fJ4n48uGKkrXg5mLgTIerw/s5312/GPTempDownload%20394.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4648" data-original-width="5312" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb1INXT7AmuOduDsgqIc2JAKDl8JS0qOKtiyvy7JC8cEUiee7YOCDy7NrXFWV20Dy6E0426hK47GApRp3JnA7U4RfptuDGqVmq02_WZXF1nxXAJo1KkaqdQUF0wAzw4nxpnvNtOZQ9PH1co3n_h0OIC5qoqcXYDPQZ7_l3fJ4n48uGKkrXg5mLgTIerw/w400-h350/GPTempDownload%20394.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trestle and Tunnel at Island Mountain on the proposed Great Redwood Trail.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Yesterday, I was kayaking the Outlet Creek Run on the Eel with our local crew and we were chatting about the misinformation out there about the Eel. We are stoked to see other boaters and want them to enjoy the Eel. However, there seems to be a bit of misinformation out there so I was inspired to write this post and plan to follow up with YouTube Videos and informational posts on the Eel to help people plan and enjoy the Mighty Eel River and hopefully avoid misadventures.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6mXdZOOV_s1GADLVyna7o4pwrR1VXWewgZeLGxqnkDW8xBJb-b2dZnFcAGZQwpoNqN_Ps1nrjH8gs5GnSHoQvOER2Q70zJOBBsxln7SM3ellJe6mhrIXDNuqlU38u24SG6XqdA_hKipnoRi0-qDbwo5l4Zn9VZpQWvhbSe70sbmUzIRzp4eYCn58YQ/s1280/Bear%20print%20(1280x699).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="699" data-original-width="1280" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6mXdZOOV_s1GADLVyna7o4pwrR1VXWewgZeLGxqnkDW8xBJb-b2dZnFcAGZQwpoNqN_Ps1nrjH8gs5GnSHoQvOER2Q70zJOBBsxln7SM3ellJe6mhrIXDNuqlU38u24SG6XqdA_hKipnoRi0-qDbwo5l4Zn9VZpQWvhbSe70sbmUzIRzp4eYCn58YQ/w400-h219/Bear%20print%20(1280x699).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bear print in the sand on the Eel River.</td></tr></tbody></table><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>Four key things to know about the Eel -</b></h2><p>1. It is AWESOME!</p><p>2. Figuring out the flow is the greatest challenge.</p><p>3. The Eel has some amazing whitewater and is often underrated in guidebooks and write-ups.</p><p>4. Shuttle and parking information for multi-day trips.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>The Eel River is AWESOME!</b></h2><div style="text-align: left;">The Eel River is the 3rd largest watershed in California. It has 4 main forks and the character of the river varies greatly depending upon the section and depending upon the flow (discussed further in section 2). My two favorite aspects of the Eel are the whitewater and the wilderness. The Eel has options for mellow and scenic float trips or exhilarating and potentially challenging whitewater trips. Jeff and I just completed a 70 mile self-support whitewater kayak trip from Dos Rios to Dyerville. We have numerous trips on the Eel under our skirts including a 169 mile Source to Sea Run.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT5jx1IWl4kudNImSza5RvcMdmPCx1idDqTa3_wmuxDkrqDzgDa0hCEAaWPX-Qc0eD3DGXGofSuvaxZBJzMgWmueV63Fv25pSu4RhkAVf3g5LCzu18nuQYPf6MsnufXr05pnnXr9tl3wl5fuvVSDwMUqLiWqy95zxUfyWykd_pFD4aYD5wSGsIpVRoTA/s5312/GPTempDownload%20398.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4648" data-original-width="5312" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT5jx1IWl4kudNImSza5RvcMdmPCx1idDqTa3_wmuxDkrqDzgDa0hCEAaWPX-Qc0eD3DGXGofSuvaxZBJzMgWmueV63Fv25pSu4RhkAVf3g5LCzu18nuQYPf6MsnufXr05pnnXr9tl3wl5fuvVSDwMUqLiWqy95zxUfyWykd_pFD4aYD5wSGsIpVRoTA/w400-h350/GPTempDownload%20398.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kayak camping at a creek along the Eel River.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>Flows on the Eel River</b></h2><p>Everyone agrees that the greatest challenge of running the Eel River is the flow. Having flow, knowing what the flow is, and predicting the flow. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4cGtspXf1eFJI0SgyrAaUbfLLGG2d5H5Nu5Q7C60Zw0P8rn3X0iUxXo8ZkfLmHg7viO9xgcj5Je_LSvEjAY6N6OJ53O2xDPtTvDBjjvRXMydOszJhxv2WSzLZ96nWyzxhFhFGiIVhwjjxOclwM3AFkJ9p6u1PBfxH57ye_NjPalncRPG9BzM1sl7mnQ/s4608/P1070550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4cGtspXf1eFJI0SgyrAaUbfLLGG2d5H5Nu5Q7C60Zw0P8rn3X0iUxXo8ZkfLmHg7viO9xgcj5Je_LSvEjAY6N6OJ53O2xDPtTvDBjjvRXMydOszJhxv2WSzLZ96nWyzxhFhFGiIVhwjjxOclwM3AFkJ9p6u1PBfxH57ye_NjPalncRPG9BzM1sl7mnQ/w400-h225/P1070550.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Below Dos Rios there is a train engine in the water that is only visible at lower flows</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Traditionally the flow of the Eel River is rain-fed so it is a rainy season run. Predictors are not very accurate. The first couple of rains of the year are not usually worth getting excited about. The water quality is not good and the ground is not saturated. As the rainy season progresses and the ground becomes more saturated, the forecast models are a little more accurate.</p><p><br /></p><p>When there is a good snow pack in Mendocino National Forest, we can usually count on a longer season for the Middle Fork Eel and the Main below Dos Rios. This year is one of those good snow pack years. I expect the Middle Fork and Main Fork runs below Dos Rios to be good through Memorial Day and possibly into June. It is hard to predict though not knowing how fast the snow is going to melt and run off. Last month, we hit a heat wave that triggered a large snow melt run-off. It tapered off but seems to be picking up again.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMvQYzcEztnv0B2bI1KeMST9iaq5O2g7orAwadxc1SYA00hez5baG6428ebvsiZLoVm8KgaMrUsfVIdCE6n5P6qNBr_yV02g96rmWX_as5RMmOrlimASHgImMdbm-d8sHS6GsGYXOVB2W_8ZwZLdLNsOTD_NuzJdrbC2uECs5eBF6tTLz6MxgW7Rx9Kw/s2048/Snow%20on%20Sanhedrin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMvQYzcEztnv0B2bI1KeMST9iaq5O2g7orAwadxc1SYA00hez5baG6428ebvsiZLoVm8KgaMrUsfVIdCE6n5P6qNBr_yV02g96rmWX_as5RMmOrlimASHgImMdbm-d8sHS6GsGYXOVB2W_8ZwZLdLNsOTD_NuzJdrbC2uECs5eBF6tTLz6MxgW7Rx9Kw/w400-h225/Snow%20on%20Sanhedrin.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow on Sanhedrin Mountain above the Main Fork Eel.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>We are also seeing more flow on the river above the confluence with the Middle Fork (Pillsbury Run, Hearst Run, and Outlet Creek Run. This is because PG&E has decided not to put the upper level boards up on the Scotts Dam and any snow melt that is coming into Lake Pillsbury is flowing into the Main Fork of the Eel River.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZER8OQJqNqf5FuuIeSHsGB5RORvuyH0rL04ojwi12BfPv9yFYCFWrqlOs-yxUvZHfxSwuYZ0uQMKrkwiYA8MmDUfmpl-4CMLk0EiNK2_52y1re-2ZjKg1J4wSV-0gWVHezDCJ8mtshFp3IeWmyjDqqLyAYwfoMfZt5vhkCJXEgy1oqgsmJm3FQ7IwKQ/s1280/Trailer%20Rapid%20Eel%20(1280x720).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZER8OQJqNqf5FuuIeSHsGB5RORvuyH0rL04ojwi12BfPv9yFYCFWrqlOs-yxUvZHfxSwuYZ0uQMKrkwiYA8MmDUfmpl-4CMLk0EiNK2_52y1re-2ZjKg1J4wSV-0gWVHezDCJ8mtshFp3IeWmyjDqqLyAYwfoMfZt5vhkCJXEgy1oqgsmJm3FQ7IwKQ/w400-h225/Trailer%20Rapid%20Eel%20(1280x720).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whitewater kayakers choosing their line on the Split Rock Rapid.</td></tr></tbody></table></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>Whitewater on the Eel</b></h2><p>The local whitewater kayakers agree that many of the write-ups (online and in books) tend to underrate the whitewater of the Eel - in particular the 3 main runs on the main fork. The runnable flows of the Eel River is large dependent upon the skill level of the paddlers. As the water level and flow increase so does the potential difficulty of the river on each of the stretches. It is very fun to run the Eel at different levels - it is almost like running a different river.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbZw4pLRfITu_NktqAL4wpU1dJmdyO_LM5pcf_btBBqLHIdyHYbI-xUJFtPhMdOrUTt9OH7Hq_UjlTVtCmI-sGouYXgLxYvnNfMkb416f3EyAw1RlJsoz49wJcdfe_D58U5_ac8VGYJ9wl5uRhAXsjbsk6jwCupoNiLSP98GXIzTPitQhHiY6WKQ4cKw/s5312/GPTempDownload%20392.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4648" data-original-width="5312" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbZw4pLRfITu_NktqAL4wpU1dJmdyO_LM5pcf_btBBqLHIdyHYbI-xUJFtPhMdOrUTt9OH7Hq_UjlTVtCmI-sGouYXgLxYvnNfMkb416f3EyAw1RlJsoz49wJcdfe_D58U5_ac8VGYJ9wl5uRhAXsjbsk6jwCupoNiLSP98GXIzTPitQhHiY6WKQ4cKw/w400-h350/GPTempDownload%20392.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liquid Fusion Kayaking's Jeff Laxier in his happy place - running the Eel River.</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>Here is <b><a href="https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Wiki/safety:start" target="_blank">American Whitewater's Safety Code</a>. </b>This is a good resource for river runners. Reading the descriptions of the river ratings for each of the classes makes me wonder why the authors rated the runs as Class II. Here is American Whitewater's Description of Class III -</p><blockquote><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #152934; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18px; text-align: justify;">Rapids with moderate, irregular waves which may be difficult to avoid and which can swamp an open canoe. Complex maneuvers in fast current and good boat control in tight passages or around ledges are often required; large waves or strainers may be present but are easily avoided. Strong eddies and powerful current effects can be found, particularly on large-volume rivers. scouting is advisable for inexperienced parties. Injuries while swimming are rare; self-rescue is usually easy but group assistance may be required to avoid long swims. </span></p></blockquote><p>According to the description, most of the whitewater sections on the Main Eel are Class III.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT_XKusU8ISIFci6s1E13G_iPKH3JNrSyu4_fhYxCcq9vSfP_hqhnrVtcY7WLVONW5ryCZpqRj8vlenRHwaiVogeJqfpQkSsRj50Tt4PozTq0a07-OlhkzPn35zE5_Z2lKv2CshtSccrYn3LovvLLKIaksD9tqDJY1E2pZLviV1XX--OKImGNrzhIchg/s1421/GPTempDownload%20406.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1243" data-original-width="1421" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT_XKusU8ISIFci6s1E13G_iPKH3JNrSyu4_fhYxCcq9vSfP_hqhnrVtcY7WLVONW5ryCZpqRj8vlenRHwaiVogeJqfpQkSsRj50Tt4PozTq0a07-OlhkzPn35zE5_Z2lKv2CshtSccrYn3LovvLLKIaksD9tqDJY1E2pZLviV1XX--OKImGNrzhIchg/w400-h350/GPTempDownload%20406.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Local Eel River Boater Paul Futscher riding down the Eel.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><b>The Hearst Run </b>is primarily Class II with a couple of Class III rapids. One of the challenges of the Heart Run is that it is 18 miles of wilderness. Once you put on, there is no easy getting off. Winter days when the flow is good are often chilly and gets dark early. As the water flows increase so does the difficulty. It is a gorgeous narrow gorge that gets quite squirrelly as the flows increase. It is similar to the boils of Mule Creek Canyon on the Rogue River. Here is a link to what is currently the most accurate description of the <a href="http://cacreeks.com/eel-hrst.htm" target="_blank">Hearst Run</a>. Here is a <a href="https://www.dreamflows.com/graphs/day.814.php" target="_blank">link </a>to a new gage at Hearst. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxGUCwa8_KWYbgjpc1UTL9aMc4E-wDmtTxeQjVwt4-FnOhaOhP5qyB0d4LUttig9DkCNN3YW2yyoZ8RPRIUBPzCZb656mgm0GauXTjATBKys74gI-m_DrDhVDnV5OqAOr7qyi507cAyRGzURx7u_t-TV5FfX73mq3fzbxTCdR47Gv6ICQq5DSLM7ShaQ/s4457/GPTempDownload%20407.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3900" data-original-width="4457" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxGUCwa8_KWYbgjpc1UTL9aMc4E-wDmtTxeQjVwt4-FnOhaOhP5qyB0d4LUttig9DkCNN3YW2yyoZ8RPRIUBPzCZb656mgm0GauXTjATBKys74gI-m_DrDhVDnV5OqAOr7qyi507cAyRGzURx7u_t-TV5FfX73mq3fzbxTCdR47Gv6ICQq5DSLM7ShaQ/w400-h350/GPTempDownload%20407.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entering Shotgun Rapid aka Ramsing Corner on the Hearst section of the Eel River.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /><b>The Outlet Run</b> is the 7 mile stretch of the main for Eel that runs along Highway 162. The put in is at the confluence of the Eel with Outlet Creek. The take-out is just above Dos Rios. Old-time boaters used to call it Chili Bar of the North because is comparable to the Chili Bar Run on the South Fork of the American River. It is a fun class III whitewater run at flows from 2.5 feet to 5 feet (500ish to 2500ish cubic feet per second - cfs). For details on the run, check out this <a href="https://cacreeks.com/eel-outl.htm" target="_blank">write-up</a>. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjypdXLypuOzkEes3WFQLPw5IGtx4zMoDKu-cgS8jXvVHe0xKmZz3UYVT6T1_8rstRj8qczA7ilKVlzZBOQbRJ1OjwZdkK1aEn_pqEcMrPYOd29vFVx_P6YEqumZsz0jMC7gnhgPH4G3Qfb-YGowAhiDDmNtS0Sav8zgQjzoViFkEM8oFWq0px9jKIe0g/s5312/GPTempDownload%20393.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4648" data-original-width="5312" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjypdXLypuOzkEes3WFQLPw5IGtx4zMoDKu-cgS8jXvVHe0xKmZz3UYVT6T1_8rstRj8qczA7ilKVlzZBOQbRJ1OjwZdkK1aEn_pqEcMrPYOd29vFVx_P6YEqumZsz0jMC7gnhgPH4G3Qfb-YGowAhiDDmNtS0Sav8zgQjzoViFkEM8oFWq0px9jKIe0g/w400-h350/GPTempDownload%20393.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Final Drop on the Outlet Run of the Eel changed in 2019 high water event.</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>There is a new gage on the Eel near Hearst. We have found the gage to be correlated to the spray painted gage on the bridge at the put-in for the Outlet Run. Here is a<b><a href="https://www.dreamflows.com/graphs/day.814.php" target="_blank"> link</a></b> to the Dreamflows Hearst Gage.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn8jfjc5EzOJvvWh_4zc4EMGhQs-aZB0vGW4A8p3dSupBmUL0XcJPD44c2NilFuqixOlOaO81GhCfH5HFE_EThzJB8QSIutKa8UgBxbwyNOzDPvc0tUua28UMCDAmOfNKu0tq4bzAU7q6TkR0LKxFvv0FfbqEbMzP33Jm8cnbUs0BNqaXHHEMmp29pFw/s1338/GPTempDownload%20402.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1171" data-original-width="1338" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn8jfjc5EzOJvvWh_4zc4EMGhQs-aZB0vGW4A8p3dSupBmUL0XcJPD44c2NilFuqixOlOaO81GhCfH5HFE_EThzJB8QSIutKa8UgBxbwyNOzDPvc0tUua28UMCDAmOfNKu0tq4bzAU7q6TkR0LKxFvv0FfbqEbMzP33Jm8cnbUs0BNqaXHHEMmp29pFw/w400-h350/GPTempDownload%20402.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spray painted gage on the bridge at the confluence with Outlet Creek.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><b>The Dos Rios to Alderpoint Run</b> - 45 mile multi day. The character of this run is quite different from low flows (below 4000 cfs) and high flows (above 8,000 cfs). At the lower end, it is a fun run with many class II and a couple of class III rapids. On the lower flows, you have time to see and make your moves. At higher flows, the river has very squirrels eddy lines, whirlpools, and large boils. It is similar to big volume river running like the Grand Canyon.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEYwh-Vl60BlTALYo2q7UYot3HJU_-eGKfSwujbqXorX81cqAfYGx9s_LSdlaBw5xXI54rN9_gLNKqIqRepyCJB_Q3hoJNif4ddUd_kWc-EDmD11vR_cvPUJfN9JWcZTAGYuywJSoQ65LP7mQBLV-RaGHACTawq1l0LkZWJXo5UX9bSfgd3dWlj8ptow/s2619/GPTempDownload%20408.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2619" data-original-width="2619" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEYwh-Vl60BlTALYo2q7UYot3HJU_-eGKfSwujbqXorX81cqAfYGx9s_LSdlaBw5xXI54rN9_gLNKqIqRepyCJB_Q3hoJNif4ddUd_kWc-EDmD11vR_cvPUJfN9JWcZTAGYuywJSoQ65LP7mQBLV-RaGHACTawq1l0LkZWJXo5UX9bSfgd3dWlj8ptow/w400-h400/GPTempDownload%20408.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big water wave train on the Eel River at Rapid 201.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>One of the fascinating features of the Dos Rios to Alderpoint Run is the remnants of the Eel River Railroad. The Eel River Canyon has the highest erosion rate in the United States and plagued the railroad from its early days until its final run in 1997. Talk of reopening the railroad line or even creating a trail seems pretty far out there when you see how untamed the Eel River Canyon is.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3H19GGfFOY-UW8TIMGhECj-nsYktJKSsbJp0-bT0_NIp3nchCEAT2PGLzSTnmKtmC5pzMB4WXtgLRxJ-kpBUZp1hGBk7SvEFN_E24nMyWlLW0Hr8zTSJehgycUId0Cm4SYGprnJsbsQ22-1mBHP2oOQFOCsrR08yROG4ygILZaqeLt2x53Qi6tRZCAg/s1881/GPTempDownload%20395.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1646" data-original-width="1881" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3H19GGfFOY-UW8TIMGhECj-nsYktJKSsbJp0-bT0_NIp3nchCEAT2PGLzSTnmKtmC5pzMB4WXtgLRxJ-kpBUZp1hGBk7SvEFN_E24nMyWlLW0Hr8zTSJehgycUId0Cm4SYGprnJsbsQ22-1mBHP2oOQFOCsrR08yROG4ygILZaqeLt2x53Qi6tRZCAg/w400-h350/GPTempDownload%20395.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another railroad car off the rails and on the bank of the Eel River.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Here is a <a href="https://cacreeks.com/eel-main.htm" target="_blank">Dos Rios to Alderpoint</a> to a writeup. In this write-up, the photos are definitely from a low flow run. The river is quite different as the flows get higher. I am working on a YouTube Video from our most recent run which was in the 8000-9000 range. I also am thinking of writing a more comprehensive description and guide to the run. Please let me know if you have any input to share.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTJQEwdIJUs2fQ6_-AkFA4l0FaKOoZnktS4OMjQrX50l0osmQ2_c-sObn4tLzpfbJGF-K1p8hEuRkhFXgsa6Z3KSHyIiVpMLTM3gQf42g-h4vDVxh3XRIzeB-5SO2IBXi0_Hfe4PBbgxUYh3C5CcBXneKF6gYJrstT-52pyF-urkB9gxPgS5TRap2jUg/s5184/IMG_5061.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2920" data-original-width="5184" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTJQEwdIJUs2fQ6_-AkFA4l0FaKOoZnktS4OMjQrX50l0osmQ2_c-sObn4tLzpfbJGF-K1p8hEuRkhFXgsa6Z3KSHyIiVpMLTM3gQf42g-h4vDVxh3XRIzeB-5SO2IBXi0_Hfe4PBbgxUYh3C5CcBXneKF6gYJrstT-52pyF-urkB9gxPgS5TRap2jUg/w400-h225/IMG_5061.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue sky peaking through on our campsite on the Eel River.</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><b>4. Shuttles and Parking.</b> Below are 3 options for shuttle drivers. If you decide to run your own shuttle, we do not recommend parking overnight along Highway 162 or in the Alderpoint area. </p><p><b><a href="https://www.blackbutteriverranch.com" target="_blank">Black Butte Ranch</a></b></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Donna - <span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-size: small;">(707) 613-1292 (text)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Zak - (707) 391-2008 </div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>Are you still Eel - Curious? </b></h2><p>If so, I have started reviewing footage from our trips this spring and am working on putting together some videos for YouTube. Be sure to subscribe to the <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdXI92xqWl8cmbYb455anig" target="_blank">Liquid Fusion Kayak YouTube Channel</a></b> to learn and see more of the Eel.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/O0_9vvu76FA" width="320" youtube-src-id="O0_9vvu76FA"></iframe></div><br /><p>Also, please let me know if there are any topics you would like for me to write about regarding the Eel River. I am going to create a special page on my Woman on Water Blog for the Eel River to share trip reports and stories and information.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVUP8OClOtkHWnAhJQIED82A7X8pbsUBpDMqLWnxF2hRHQmwr7EQ2tpNS0Bg_sLWFf3NYy4-xWzIjs4v2ZqaBjnVfZtBdnvvgozibjt7QrHCDV_V50YzMk-5ukFVHHGic22f_xUFIyOLAppzxqa69nRNN9iIbOhwlSHbdVq2De9KeeQelp1N8zvi6rAQ/s4032/IMG_5324.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVUP8OClOtkHWnAhJQIED82A7X8pbsUBpDMqLWnxF2hRHQmwr7EQ2tpNS0Bg_sLWFf3NYy4-xWzIjs4v2ZqaBjnVfZtBdnvvgozibjt7QrHCDV_V50YzMk-5ukFVHHGic22f_xUFIyOLAppzxqa69nRNN9iIbOhwlSHbdVq2De9KeeQelp1N8zvi6rAQ/w300-h400/IMG_5324.heic" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking along the rails on the proposed Great Redwood Trail.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Cate Hawthornehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04839882738486589236noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556448269780590797.post-991090509649419282023-05-08T04:00:00.001-07:002023-05-08T04:00:00.145-07:00Kayaking on the Van Duzen<p>Last week, we had just finished a 9 day self-support whitewater kayak trip on the Eel River (video and blog coming soon) and were visiting some friends in Humboldt County. We were debating going to the Smith River or back to the Eel for the last few days of our Spring Run Off Trip.</p><p><b><a href="https://www.dreamflows.com/flows.php?zone=canv&page=real&form=norm&mark=All" target="_blank">Dreamflows</a></b> is our favorite source for California Whitewater River Flows. We were scanning Dreamflows and kept seeing rivers running in the red (above recommended) and kept seeing the Van Duzen running in the green (recommended range). We read the write ups online and in Dan Menten's book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/School-Guide-Northern-California-Whitewater/dp/0997415304" target="_blank"><b>The New School Guide to Northern California Whitewater</b></a> and were enticed to go paddle the Van Duzen.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZNmNAlE6SxLKYT1SFMLs4SsCpZX6_E5sV4yomZgtc3xm2R4ggPntyH8ABTZgrK9a0jQeNhNtFRWRL1aYBxgc5ZC_X5tXB9WDbBUPoz7D4fGQbI8SZ4nHgc0T8DF3UjCgvffN1j92hQ9or9Bm8SLwsLJILcooVRFOWXe6fK5ycxOiHg1dymp6kHzMnfA/s3992/GPTempDownload%20382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2245" data-original-width="3992" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZNmNAlE6SxLKYT1SFMLs4SsCpZX6_E5sV4yomZgtc3xm2R4ggPntyH8ABTZgrK9a0jQeNhNtFRWRL1aYBxgc5ZC_X5tXB9WDbBUPoz7D4fGQbI8SZ4nHgc0T8DF3UjCgvffN1j92hQ9or9Bm8SLwsLJILcooVRFOWXe6fK5ycxOiHg1dymp6kHzMnfA/w400-h225/GPTempDownload%20382.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kayaking past gigantic sandstone cliffs and redwood trees on the Van Duzen River</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>The flow was approximately 1,100cfs. We put in just above Grizzly Creek Redwood State Park and took out at Swimmer's Delight County Park. The first couple of miles of the run were busy boulder garden class II rapids. We were a little underwhelmed by the whitewater but definitely stoked on the scenery. We could envision this being a funner whitewater run with 1,000 or more cfs.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNkkI3a14ldkd4_FCfDUc8Qjl9Zi36YQjDcMOCfwQseTdcP0KYbQrOdVroToxk-TLNstCedK1B9GX-ZBvm8VIC6uM2_QV2pj2fm5bsPb5pNedgzwTZYi1Mw1pkYImN8ZGF3lyBJdnmnudBJ_L-p4L6RBdWBM2L6M30DThVa408xfUNvPnQ_NX8p68dLQ/s3527/GPTempDownload%20381.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1984" data-original-width="3527" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNkkI3a14ldkd4_FCfDUc8Qjl9Zi36YQjDcMOCfwQseTdcP0KYbQrOdVroToxk-TLNstCedK1B9GX-ZBvm8VIC6uM2_QV2pj2fm5bsPb5pNedgzwTZYi1Mw1pkYImN8ZGF3lyBJdnmnudBJ_L-p4L6RBdWBM2L6M30DThVa408xfUNvPnQ_NX8p68dLQ/w400-h225/GPTempDownload%20381.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Class II Whitewater on the Grizzly Creek Run of the Van Duzen River at 1100 cfs.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>We were paddling our self-support whitewater kayaks - Jeff in the <b><a href="https://www.pyranha.com/kayaks.php?kayak=Scorch%20X" target="_blank">Pyranha Scorch X</a> </b>and me in the <b><a href="https://www.pyranha.com/kayaks.php?kayak=Fusion%20II" target="_blank">Pyranha Fusion Medium.</a></b> These weren't the most playful for the class II sections but their speed was nice for the flat scenic sections.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSir-_JnNLeLNJWtc0AZfhLVmZCcERiNiWlWnDvsHib4IWHPcyKrDnoXAS6oeYC5iVZ7BUrkY4OUXsAOiyfeebcaqByAtf-DxS0MahsGHBw6XNM-KBU04UuW6vkjHzNhOYgnFExg5z_6UXHKafCfdsh0KUornt15Rh5dC-8NlqhfAnB3RV8pJJIFKBmQ/s5120/GPTempDownload%20384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="5120" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSir-_JnNLeLNJWtc0AZfhLVmZCcERiNiWlWnDvsHib4IWHPcyKrDnoXAS6oeYC5iVZ7BUrkY4OUXsAOiyfeebcaqByAtf-DxS0MahsGHBw6XNM-KBU04UuW6vkjHzNhOYgnFExg5z_6UXHKafCfdsh0KUornt15Rh5dC-8NlqhfAnB3RV8pJJIFKBmQ/w400-h225/GPTempDownload%20384.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kayaking by a waterfall on the Van Duzen River.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>The scenery was stunning with gigantic redwood trees and towering sandstone cliffs.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhde8JyE3CFwxiEF5BKSjJDm1JTxUUzvFDK8Gxac4npxqID-vbGO7QySS4Z98uZ1GM9bU_t6ePGu0-3yNBSTqHp9Ea38BERluiqvlr0ivqcyF1ApOURbaG89-b4IFje2eo_EMS4ObwMFHL6-R6FnxphsKrm8mYorRgo8kHBuQz58JUw6vcVlcN0aLazLA/s5312/GPTempDownload%20386.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2988" data-original-width="5312" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhde8JyE3CFwxiEF5BKSjJDm1JTxUUzvFDK8Gxac4npxqID-vbGO7QySS4Z98uZ1GM9bU_t6ePGu0-3yNBSTqHp9Ea38BERluiqvlr0ivqcyF1ApOURbaG89-b4IFje2eo_EMS4ObwMFHL6-R6FnxphsKrm8mYorRgo8kHBuQz58JUw6vcVlcN0aLazLA/w400-h225/GPTempDownload%20386.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kayaking on the Van Duzen at Swimmer's Delight Park</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>After our paddle, we went for a stroll in the <b><a href="http://www.redwoodhikes.com/Grizzly/Cheatham.html" target="_blank">Cheatham Grove</a></b> which is where some of the Star Wars Return of the Jedi scenes were filmed. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfga9xBZFvp3nhX7Russwd05lpUmCRq0tJM85aF6b8dN3NesXCpAOG6qAye_5pNPbHy3tLdwii3d6Y0Utkmv3JQ_rPfD2nAQGVqe6-R7uO93HF3Tc3G8Twa7k-_jXUdfMvIZm9lU7gnJj8vJx_r7JebTv83ESxBj326xYuG4lr2-n6-IbkxPtt2b8Tbg/s5568/GPTempDownload%20388.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4872" data-original-width="5568" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfga9xBZFvp3nhX7Russwd05lpUmCRq0tJM85aF6b8dN3NesXCpAOG6qAye_5pNPbHy3tLdwii3d6Y0Utkmv3JQ_rPfD2nAQGVqe6-R7uO93HF3Tc3G8Twa7k-_jXUdfMvIZm9lU7gnJj8vJx_r7JebTv83ESxBj326xYuG4lr2-n6-IbkxPtt2b8Tbg/w400-h350/GPTempDownload%20388.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeff gazing up at the gigantic redwood trees in the Cheatham Grove.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Check out our 1 minute <b><a href="https://youtu.be/t2lHnXNa8yI" target="_blank">YouTube video</a></b> of our trip on the Van Duzen. The formatting here is a bit wonky so best to watch it on YouTube.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/t2lHnXNa8yI" width="320" youtube-src-id="t2lHnXNa8yI"></iframe></div><br /><p>If you are in the neighborhood and looking for a scenic river run through the redwoods, I would recommend a paddle on the Van Duzen. At 1,000 cfs or lower, putting in at the low water bridge off of Highway 36 and taking out further down stream is a scenic float for most skill levels who are comfortable paddling in moving water. For whitewater, I would be interested in checking out the Grizzly Creek Run (the stretch above the low water bridge) at a higher flow (2,000 cfs or higher).</p><p><br /></p><p>If you have experience kayaking the Van Duzen, please share in the comments.</p><p>Cheers, </p><p>Cate</p>Cate Hawthornehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04839882738486589236noreply@blogger.com0Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park, 16949 CA-36, Carlotta, CA 95528, USA40.4867464 -123.905092512.176512563821156 -159.0613425 68.796980236178854 -88.7488425tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556448269780590797.post-77872518574072249562023-05-01T04:30:00.011-07:002023-05-01T04:30:00.136-07:00Spring Mendocino Sea Kayaking<h2 style="text-align: center;"><b> On the Mendocino Coast of California, we typically have 4 seasons - </b></h2><p style="text-align: center;">Summer - Fog</p><p style="text-align: center;">Fall - Indian Summer</p><p style="text-align: center;">Winter - Rain</p><p style="text-align: center;">Spring - WIND</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdVviyIhAFBUoUPSVHniR29jlMx6xtOc5KhMiP1yBv85JFBC4OL6D5cv0J_lGdiwW6lt0yyfch_nxK_7vWuDV8IaysMC2uRNYAtX-v4VnanaG-kEKj_6SjA5V8WEgy4yqqEx9nXIlnUMRV_EY3T4ZNsbUVxL5UH20r5WPz4eN7b3Zs-8ZD8qPpWqBNNA/s4608/IMG_0708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdVviyIhAFBUoUPSVHniR29jlMx6xtOc5KhMiP1yBv85JFBC4OL6D5cv0J_lGdiwW6lt0yyfch_nxK_7vWuDV8IaysMC2uRNYAtX-v4VnanaG-kEKj_6SjA5V8WEgy4yqqEx9nXIlnUMRV_EY3T4ZNsbUVxL5UH20r5WPz4eN7b3Zs-8ZD8qPpWqBNNA/w400-h225/IMG_0708.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sea kayaking in a protected cove on a blustery day</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">A windy spring is normal and critical for deep water upwelling in the ocean. As the spring winds blow, they bring nutrients up from the bottom of the sea to fertilize the kelp. Often we get days and days with strong winds which creates healthy ocean conditions but are not my favorite kayaking conditions. Often I migrate inland in the spring for whitewater river kayaking and for a break from the wind.</span></p><p>Occasionally, we rally and get out for a windy romp on the sea. Here's a <a href="https://youtu.be/_xj7cPdbVEg">video </a>of sea kayaking in our typical spring conditions.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_xj7cPdbVEg" width="320" youtube-src-id="_xj7cPdbVEg"></iframe></div><br /><p>For the best viewing experience, watch on <b><a href="https://youtu.be/_xj7cPdbVEg">YouTube</a></b> and select the highest quality your device will allow.</p><p><br /></p>Cate Hawthornehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04839882738486589236noreply@blogger.com0Fort Bragg, CA 95437, USA39.445723 -123.805293511.135489163821156 -158.9615435 67.755956836178854 -88.6490435tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556448269780590797.post-70719516752018131932023-04-24T04:30:00.006-07:002023-04-24T04:30:00.327-07:00Kayak Camping Tip<h1 style="text-align: left;"><b>Don't Camp with Cows (or Bulls)</b></h1><p>When kayaking down rivers in North America, it is not uncommon to encounter cattle grazing in the hills and along the river banks. They may look cute and peaceful but they are not good campsite companions. Most wildlife will avoid humans and campsites. Cows are not wildlife. They will wander into campsites and can be quite disruptive.</p><p><br /></p><p>One year Jeff and I were doing a self-support whitewater kayak trip on the Eel River. We had a longer than usual day on the river with lots of headwind. When we rolled into camp, there were a few cows grazing in the hills above the beach. There were no signs of cows on the beach (no tracks and no cow pies). In our wind-blown, tired, and hungry state, we decided to set up camp on the north end of the beach where there were some boulders to block the wind. We dug a pit in the sand and got a fire going and enjoyed a tasty dinner and some choice beverages. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1anbVJ751OfVWLghX26DWqiI9D63b-qn2k0iUYgbAe1rmy1pEe68se_HJFE-CC4jdjp0rwewiBuoufah5XjskTk_G3NHAehrWTzCq71Gw3NQRFxz9MTH_-7HhMJejRYJeyV85MuVEvUCxOMfcXsERZXR9T9hGWrTR4uIixWbthvHaazPVoQ-HRqKZ5w/s4896/P1170841.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="campfire and kayak camp on Eel River" border="0" data-original-height="2752" data-original-width="4896" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1anbVJ751OfVWLghX26DWqiI9D63b-qn2k0iUYgbAe1rmy1pEe68se_HJFE-CC4jdjp0rwewiBuoufah5XjskTk_G3NHAehrWTzCq71Gw3NQRFxz9MTH_-7HhMJejRYJeyV85MuVEvUCxOMfcXsERZXR9T9hGWrTR4uIixWbthvHaazPVoQ-HRqKZ5w/w400-h225/P1170841.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kayak camping on the Eel River</td></tr></tbody></table><p>After dinner it was still too windy to set up our tent so we set up our sleeping pads, bags, and bivy sacks behind the boulders. The fire was at our feet.</p><p><br /></p><p>That night, I awoke to a large creature sniffing around the dry bags by my head. I nudged Jeff awake and he shot straight out of his sleeping bag with a <b>ROAR!</b></p><p><br /></p><p>The bull jumped back, ran over the remnants of our campfire and bellowing up into the hills. (we suspect he scorched his balls on our campfire).</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>Lesson Learned - don't camp with cows or bulls.</b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXGMzhEP6ExqUGOC7laGn3IfnPw43X5w5ATnglvvB-tQoar-OFel1OahKNIJANQenGswWTJg2vTaTg0Ul4maJE08XpIAeOUoX15zNfB0mQVwk9Ykhg927IfYK2d7z5YDHbKhHrEfT706HwwUJNz4ttQUF_06_Zggx7FCD5Lo2a5nl7qIY85NtX9dPbaA/s4896/IMG_4806.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2752" data-original-width="4896" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXGMzhEP6ExqUGOC7laGn3IfnPw43X5w5ATnglvvB-tQoar-OFel1OahKNIJANQenGswWTJg2vTaTg0Ul4maJE08XpIAeOUoX15zNfB0mQVwk9Ykhg927IfYK2d7z5YDHbKhHrEfT706HwwUJNz4ttQUF_06_Zggx7FCD5Lo2a5nl7qIY85NtX9dPbaA/w400-h225/IMG_4806.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An angus bull resting along the Eel River.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Cate Hawthornehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04839882738486589236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556448269780590797.post-51582272900996213542023-04-17T04:00:00.054-07:002023-04-17T04:00:00.185-07:00P&H Leo Sea Kayak First ImpressionsThis spring, we added a <a href="https://www.phseakayaks.com/us/kayaks.php?model=leo-mv" target="_blank">P&H Leo Sea Kayak</a> to the <a href="https://liquidfusionkayak.com">Liquid Fusion Kayaking </a>Fleet. We will be using the Leo for students who want to learn touring sea kayak skills. Personally, I am planning to use the Leo for kayak camping trips, sea kayak touring, and kayak sailing. We recently had the Leo out for a couple of paddles on the Mendocino Coast.<div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0WidBAClGoLx04XHWPH3umKZ2EPeiTyYhjvhOUXgE_Hpf1kUjoMfXwEWG9EpAm6dO1iDq1VO417cqZB_ZmC9SeXRp0OLBQrffFi1zpP6tHsxBeBiGP7c2LAY4D7pJ-UEWA0lfL2WwiTN7aTLTYrgM4ml1Fne0P-8GKgSDJLW5ouLIyAXRodj9NEzkUw/s5120/GPTempDownload%20377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sea kayak rock gardening Mendocino" border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="5120" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0WidBAClGoLx04XHWPH3umKZ2EPeiTyYhjvhOUXgE_Hpf1kUjoMfXwEWG9EpAm6dO1iDq1VO417cqZB_ZmC9SeXRp0OLBQrffFi1zpP6tHsxBeBiGP7c2LAY4D7pJ-UEWA0lfL2WwiTN7aTLTYrgM4ml1Fne0P-8GKgSDJLW5ouLIyAXRodj9NEzkUw/w400-h225/GPTempDownload%20377.JPG" title="Blowhole on the Mendocino Coast" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">P&H Leo Sea Kayak at a Blowhole on the Mendocino Coast of California<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Before paddling the Leo, we moved the seat and the thigh hooks. Both Jeff and I found it to be quite comfortable. Jeff is 5’11” and 145 pounds. I am 5’4” and 122 pounds. I had the foot braces adjusted to the shortest setting. Paddlers with shorter legs than mine might need to make some additional accommodations to reach the foot braces. (My inseam is about 28”).</div><div><br /></div><div>Jeff and I took turns paddling the Leo. The other sea kayak we were using was the <b><a href="https://www.phseakayaks.com/us/kayaks.php?model=virgo-mv" target="_blank">P&H Virgo</a></b>. Both kayaks were the medium volume core-lite models. </div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigmh1B7yT6RiD4OIJe6YAaca3hXzJT_poERq5lrsvIvlR_Srffb3aTkBBv5IrLtrPKDbsIA34WuMPyKocSxMj8zTII0BI-2jU7lYnvnMicDLIJyti4LO--OOPdhT9RLgKdFo7u1H6x9HoIBIpORu6EQfIUHdQbWFhYG1Z9tAnyFRHS9A-hFReapIMnTw/s4032/IMG_5142%203.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="sea kayaking mendocino" border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigmh1B7yT6RiD4OIJe6YAaca3hXzJT_poERq5lrsvIvlR_Srffb3aTkBBv5IrLtrPKDbsIA34WuMPyKocSxMj8zTII0BI-2jU7lYnvnMicDLIJyti4LO--OOPdhT9RLgKdFo7u1H6x9HoIBIpORu6EQfIUHdQbWFhYG1Z9tAnyFRHS9A-hFReapIMnTw/w400-h300/IMG_5142%203.HEIC" title="P&H Sea Kayaks on the Mendocino Coast" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side by side look at the P&H Virgo and P&H Leo</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>My first impression of the Leo was how stable it is. I was pleased that it had a bit more glide and hull speed than the Virgo. The extra hulls speed was nice when riding surges through rock garden channels. I did not feel that it this increased length sacrificed maneuverability. Of course, one needs a little more room in a sea cave to turn the 15’11” Leo in compared to the 14’5” Virgo. Both Jeff and I did bump the stern a few times turning around in tight spaces.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF04K_9qIjE743Q5y8i66X8adWiWNXNniXvSSpqk8qWjOIV3dDbUSWUFiYYv60Ecpd-JPXlLD-aNZdRrQDD05CeYisTbZi8krIJ9EG8izncmKKMJEcGezirka8dur5Ul-Vq94pO3D-sQRfnmlPKdrAIsFnBiLMJI1sadBRfgixtHjnK6XSiFDnlvAxlA/s5120/GPTempDownload%20378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mendocino sea cave kayaking" border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="5120" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF04K_9qIjE743Q5y8i66X8adWiWNXNniXvSSpqk8qWjOIV3dDbUSWUFiYYv60Ecpd-JPXlLD-aNZdRrQDD05CeYisTbZi8krIJ9EG8izncmKKMJEcGezirka8dur5Ul-Vq94pO3D-sQRfnmlPKdrAIsFnBiLMJI1sadBRfgixtHjnK6XSiFDnlvAxlA/w400-h225/GPTempDownload%20378.jpg" title="Sea kayaking in a Mendocino Sea Cave" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeff Laxier taking the Leo for a spin in the sea caves of the Mendocino Coast.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>The Leo definitely rewards a skilled paddler who edges their kayak to turn. As sea kayaks are becoming shorter and more maneuverable, we see paddlers not using this key skill that really makes a sea kayak sing. A slight edge freed up the hull of the Leo to dance about. I will be following up with another video experimenting with the different amounts of edge and the edging effect on maneuvering the Leo.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio3rwbOMoeYH2e-rbGJLc1DVZZ9pQ2M2OVv-Ptyn_3HYss_61HEF_VFPAjismeD8z2pmSuBBttYq3SXFyWYRDsudlKhtFd6aoUqYeocFFdM3tQw9ptF-gZzD0VDuDfpmWHd-Lk7O_2HMaY9lUs7AcWg2wy36dletWidRsK56ouQb389TdHc0bWTTVaIA/s2042/GPTempDownload%20376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="edged sea kayak turn Mendocino California" border="0" data-original-height="1149" data-original-width="2042" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio3rwbOMoeYH2e-rbGJLc1DVZZ9pQ2M2OVv-Ptyn_3HYss_61HEF_VFPAjismeD8z2pmSuBBttYq3SXFyWYRDsudlKhtFd6aoUqYeocFFdM3tQw9ptF-gZzD0VDuDfpmWHd-Lk7O_2HMaY9lUs7AcWg2wy36dletWidRsK56ouQb389TdHc0bWTTVaIA/w400-h225/GPTempDownload%20376.jpg" title="Exiting an Arch on the Mendocino Coast" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Edged Turn in the Leo</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>The Leo doesn’t have a lot of bow rocker which inclines it toward tracking in a straight line. I think it is going to be a ton of fun surfing following seas and kayak sailing. In a skilled paddler’s hands who is comfortable edging to turn, I think the Leo’s maneuverability is comparable to the Virgo and perhaps a bit more nimble; however, neither boat would be my first choice for rock gardening, sea kayak surfing, and coastal play.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV1JiDhkQ7RxO5PE4px-PZMfiC2TJFLD4HUtjoGXkogZInzBc8JQ13ijvHrxUFGR82na50Q0iBepCKZdx0Lhey1FMcI6t5rLHIwgMSwN2B8aLXs42gT6mzGUgFn7oRlWqJFwrYC_y0fYXPb8cYhZUlSCGN96S6GGdcnXwt2Pm4I9dedHHSAURJQOsUlQ/s1440/60B9F636-6963-4C0C-91F4-8670280C4403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="sea kayak rock gardening mendocino" border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV1JiDhkQ7RxO5PE4px-PZMfiC2TJFLD4HUtjoGXkogZInzBc8JQ13ijvHrxUFGR82na50Q0iBepCKZdx0Lhey1FMcI6t5rLHIwgMSwN2B8aLXs42gT6mzGUgFn7oRlWqJFwrYC_y0fYXPb8cYhZUlSCGN96S6GGdcnXwt2Pm4I9dedHHSAURJQOsUlQ/w400-h400/60B9F636-6963-4C0C-91F4-8670280C4403.JPG" title="Sea Square" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sea Squirting the Leo.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>In terms of first impressions - I think the Leo is a fun touring sea kayak. It is remarkably stable and ideal for paddlers of all skill levels that are looking for a general purpose, durable, low maintenance sea kayak. Compared to the Virgo, I would most likely choose the Leo over the Virgo.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here is a <a href="https://youtu.be/5J585lfSTHI">video</a> of our first journey in the P&H Leo. We will be posting more reviews and content on the Leo and instructional contacts on the <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@LiquidFusionKayak/featured">LFK YouTube Channel</a></b> so be sure to subscribe to get the goods.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5J585lfSTHI" width="320" youtube-src-id="5J585lfSTHI"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We will be paddling the Leo more later this spring. If you have questions or would like to see something in particular, please let me know in the comments.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Best of days on the water,</div><div>Cate</div><div><br /></div><div>PS While the Leo is not designed as a rock gardening kayak and is not my first choice for coastal play, I still couldn't resist running a few pour-overs with it.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTK1G10xuQRsAc2xWS0azJAfxmgSOwCqnKSmQGypeer62Hmr1k0G7ndi253Y_O5e0Xplgwht8OYwwrwWLeWATugmGWuKLqphXwtLwbltvkvoV4b8CxEVhL5x4PYSHkvEMk5BzbDdpBYpNnXbmzgwxYDljvlqXIdWBqeU5r1EQFhOA71TzOK9OzSo99Yw/s2161/GPTempDownload%20379.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="sea kayak rock gardening mendocino" border="0" data-original-height="1216" data-original-width="2161" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTK1G10xuQRsAc2xWS0azJAfxmgSOwCqnKSmQGypeer62Hmr1k0G7ndi253Y_O5e0Xplgwht8OYwwrwWLeWATugmGWuKLqphXwtLwbltvkvoV4b8CxEVhL5x4PYSHkvEMk5BzbDdpBYpNnXbmzgwxYDljvlqXIdWBqeU5r1EQFhOA71TzOK9OzSo99Yw/w400-h225/GPTempDownload%20379.jpg" title="Rock Garden Pour-Over Ride" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cate Hawthorne rock hopping on the Mendocino Coast.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Cate Hawthornehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04839882738486589236noreply@blogger.com1Fort Bragg, CA 95437, USA39.445723 -123.805293511.135489163821156 -158.9615435 67.755956836178854 -88.6490435tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556448269780590797.post-56538978811768531902023-04-10T04:30:00.057-07:002023-04-10T04:30:00.176-07:00Paddle Care Tip<b>Don't be left up the creek without a paddle!</b><div><br /></div><div>Broken paddles are no fun, can be a safety hazard, and impact your bank account. Being mindful of your paddle can go a long way to preventing it from breaking. <b>One way to protect your paddle is don't put your paddle on the ground.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKAMqVIRBj2t4zWCvRvtEsXnnWUnIe-xxuT_MB5heiB5PaJR3q5RPotCPI7DdhDImyiUE_SkbQnVDwPJJ_Y_pioQBb8u2CFy3v4gm_LxYYnvi1yEHm8xv1gf6ySvrA0HZc3Oz4x0e1vei0_gsOC6gX85KCuqynHbcg1jNFYZnz1-4E99YdUV8dCx6hmQ/s2048/IMG_5281-X4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sea Kayak Paddle on Ground" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKAMqVIRBj2t4zWCvRvtEsXnnWUnIe-xxuT_MB5heiB5PaJR3q5RPotCPI7DdhDImyiUE_SkbQnVDwPJJ_Y_pioQBb8u2CFy3v4gm_LxYYnvi1yEHm8xv1gf6ySvrA0HZc3Oz4x0e1vei0_gsOC6gX85KCuqynHbcg1jNFYZnz1-4E99YdUV8dCx6hmQ/w300-h400/IMG_5281-X4.jpg" title="Don't Put Paddles on the Ground" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't put your paddle on the ground.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Paddles on the ground can get stepped on or run over. I regularly see paddlers javelin throw their paddle onto shore when landing. Then the paddle gets left on the ground as people step on it and even drag kayaks across it. The impact from hitting the ground and/or getting stepped on or drug over will stress the paddle. This can create tiny cracks that you don't see but may crack further when you aren't expecting it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidPAv0cP0QAFRREnlLZRiHRySM_vvC_LheZNzRuxDfDT-e5zPUQyye2kHl2zC-B4e7hl_uCzP413yOuzkcHgWaT14U0V3DVrsMx8GzPx8yYBthN2RvIyu1HUQ8lnBhkjUGfrWsYGpQOf2vsqAhkAMvFB4ujpS-3r6xc9rRPiQt6NAtQ9dB4DKdxHxIPg/s1200/IMG_5282-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="901" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidPAv0cP0QAFRREnlLZRiHRySM_vvC_LheZNzRuxDfDT-e5zPUQyye2kHl2zC-B4e7hl_uCzP413yOuzkcHgWaT14U0V3DVrsMx8GzPx8yYBthN2RvIyu1HUQ8lnBhkjUGfrWsYGpQOf2vsqAhkAMvFB4ujpS-3r6xc9rRPiQt6NAtQ9dB4DKdxHxIPg/w300-h400/IMG_5282-X3.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><b>Paddle Care Tip - </b></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;"><b>Get in the habit of never setting your paddle on the ground. </b></h2><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here are 3 ways to protectively stow your paddle when you are on shore.</div><div><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: center;"><b>1. Put the Paddle in the Cockpit</b></h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg_dUu_0nMbvLgJYe4G4cvNfXThZgSN2a-INqAhGV20u0z_sBjvio-u8WgCG1RPy7HcZOSDj-wKVuHTFp2bCNxZSK-wMUvg_N1JIfDZcmiGdnN91aiQ4XrKE-vEAt7-bfA5TlYr8xlWbmIv9aKKUnpzFA2AUKLjqjOOIOnRsykxEtJDeePHGHCgv4zZA/s2048/IMG_5271-X4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Stow Lendal Paddle in Cockpit of P&H Sea Kayak" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1537" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg_dUu_0nMbvLgJYe4G4cvNfXThZgSN2a-INqAhGV20u0z_sBjvio-u8WgCG1RPy7HcZOSDj-wKVuHTFp2bCNxZSK-wMUvg_N1JIfDZcmiGdnN91aiQ4XrKE-vEAt7-bfA5TlYr8xlWbmIv9aKKUnpzFA2AUKLjqjOOIOnRsykxEtJDeePHGHCgv4zZA/w300-h400/IMG_5271-X4.jpg" title="Cockpit Stow" width="300" /></a></div><br /><br /><h4 style="text-align: center;"><b>2. Stow the Paddle Under the Decklines or bungees.</b></h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijgbxAB9xRDMLhlrREXoGOjnMOeIwTfPSevQoiDeYn_BTiOhprtmbZMZOcOvjjlSOyrBEyGpDLsI1BBJugC1aSMchYKxbWVLQxnjZU2nvCSfXaKZUG4ZQdiVmZwEkwgqrJtQlKmAI4u4AqkLqKVtW9q-qdgj-gaOsIejrucdXzDEjxhSLHKZhAG-ZRNg/s1200/IMG_5273-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Stowing Lendal Paddle Under Deck Lines on P&H Sea Kayak" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijgbxAB9xRDMLhlrREXoGOjnMOeIwTfPSevQoiDeYn_BTiOhprtmbZMZOcOvjjlSOyrBEyGpDLsI1BBJugC1aSMchYKxbWVLQxnjZU2nvCSfXaKZUG4ZQdiVmZwEkwgqrJtQlKmAI4u4AqkLqKVtW9q-qdgj-gaOsIejrucdXzDEjxhSLHKZhAG-ZRNg/w300-h400/IMG_5273-X3.jpg" title="Secure under Deck Bungees" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: center;"><b>3. Secure the paddle with a paddle park.</b></h4><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNKZJ_bmifKLl9xEqg_QYfc1dildVs4CllJoOGZsw2Sp9rKLqb1if8eG8TFSORoy63hdgA7-CHfeVjtgYu3CuYQc2qbqcGa9xog0fxVy45ylnfpAUMbt-m19tqY-bMQNYXgA3J4hFjKH2pX8olqdCin9s2Xt3mrFQzfDF4gM-l7asiGNy7AiZeUO8y9w/s1200/IMG_5279-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Paddle Park for Lendal Paddle on P&H Sea Kayak" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNKZJ_bmifKLl9xEqg_QYfc1dildVs4CllJoOGZsw2Sp9rKLqb1if8eG8TFSORoy63hdgA7-CHfeVjtgYu3CuYQc2qbqcGa9xog0fxVy45ylnfpAUMbt-m19tqY-bMQNYXgA3J4hFjKH2pX8olqdCin9s2Xt3mrFQzfDF4gM-l7asiGNy7AiZeUO8y9w/w300-h400/IMG_5279-X3.jpg" title="Paddle Park" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paddle Park</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Happy Paddles make Happy Paddlers :)</b></div><div><br /></div>Cate Hawthornehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04839882738486589236noreply@blogger.com0Fort Bragg, CA 95437, USA39.445723 -123.805293511.135489163821156 -158.9615435 67.755956836178854 -88.6490435tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556448269780590797.post-67542216116857154042023-04-03T04:30:00.119-07:002023-04-03T04:30:00.168-07:00Join the Journey<p><b>Happy Spring!</b> Are you getting excited about spring/summer kayaking adventures? Jeff and I are and have adventures and projects that we would like to share with you.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrt-edC4Wwtm9woKMF6RJuCHCNCOJI8DQOOVIQveCQhnjLgWTB8-ePziqOU_lQy7-E7iJh_apTX5Ny5CkVgvlKLs0LuWmJPjR-rZTD8GpKN3RT7_crvPqhNejCaNWd8XXNBQPSiJ__deFbh_FySKJCAQh5SdZ-sErLtIftilDoufqQvoPbJT8_ALBqqA/s1440/91DE3501-8E54-4587-A794-08E1F4B15C84.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1440" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrt-edC4Wwtm9woKMF6RJuCHCNCOJI8DQOOVIQveCQhnjLgWTB8-ePziqOU_lQy7-E7iJh_apTX5Ny5CkVgvlKLs0LuWmJPjR-rZTD8GpKN3RT7_crvPqhNejCaNWd8XXNBQPSiJ__deFbh_FySKJCAQh5SdZ-sErLtIftilDoufqQvoPbJT8_ALBqqA/w400-h225/91DE3501-8E54-4587-A794-08E1F4B15C84.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liquid Fusion Kayaking's Cate Hawthorne in her happy place - on a wave!</td></tr></tbody></table><p>On the Mendocino Coast, we have had a wet and chilly winter. After 3 dry years, it is nice to have a proper winter with lots of precipitation. Nothing record breaking here on the coast except for colder than average temperatures and what seems to be daily hail storms. Elsewhere in California has been a different story - including inland Mendocino County. Our inland paddling playground of the Eel River has been frozen, flooded, and even snowed in. Mudslides, down trees, and significant snowfall have impeded travel in the county. We have been happily hanging out at home on the coast working on projects, surfing, rock gardening, and dreaming of the spring whitewater season. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQQAdNBsbcKFRYJnm8vTltLy8FNJr2UkC-Np9TnBJtmEerHHQr1rnHF4c-SksDJXPFJzLmQd5PvzxVL50h_k8iOMWYvvZF2hHcFnvEqfasCdeYaSy2Se80um1OtFMhM1p8VDSm5oZl0-2rXoAYJcGrFoaKry3vj-6ZLieXt5pNEdKhhwBYOCWzKjbtBw/s4032/IMG_5070%202.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQQAdNBsbcKFRYJnm8vTltLy8FNJr2UkC-Np9TnBJtmEerHHQr1rnHF4c-SksDJXPFJzLmQd5PvzxVL50h_k8iOMWYvvZF2hHcFnvEqfasCdeYaSy2Se80um1OtFMhM1p8VDSm5oZl0-2rXoAYJcGrFoaKry3vj-6ZLieXt5pNEdKhhwBYOCWzKjbtBw/w300-h400/IMG_5070%202.HEIC" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hail! Hail! Hail!</td></tr></tbody></table><p>We have been working on revving up Liquid Fusion Kayaking's Instructional Program. In December, we moved out of our rental and tour location on the Noyo River. We are currently operating the business end of LFK from our home office and then meeting our students at the water (river, harbor, beach, pool, ect.). This change has enabled us to have more availability for kayak lessons and for instructional projects.</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>JOIN US!</b></p><p>As we evolve LFK back to its roots in kayak instruction, we invite you to join in the journey - on the water with us and/or virtually. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQSbALbYKfoVkhctvx998PQAIfhs9XBl7IWFc-2Q4dwajs3gvEaNFG4ZtDZnAEGwm4jr5BLQ4SKYA48vw75-SyMrQ3E-uJqPVxd1oIpU_1K5pxct3l4SY70VBFvADzF02Tt6Kc7ykdSXh_IGbfJu2CvR8GUYZG2t3yn5yUUNsvZajM1qpEXKodUrzRQ/s2277/IMG_4180%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1708" data-original-width="2277" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQSbALbYKfoVkhctvx998PQAIfhs9XBl7IWFc-2Q4dwajs3gvEaNFG4ZtDZnAEGwm4jr5BLQ4SKYA48vw75-SyMrQ3E-uJqPVxd1oIpU_1K5pxct3l4SY70VBFvADzF02Tt6Kc7ykdSXh_IGbfJu2CvR8GUYZG2t3yn5yUUNsvZajM1qpEXKodUrzRQ/w400-h300/IMG_4180%202.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sea Kayak Rock Gardening Lesson on the Mendocino Coast</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p><b>To join us on the water</b>, here is a <b><a href="https://liquidfusionkayak.com/privatelessons">link</a></b> to information on our custom private lessons. Our schedule has a bit of flexibility to accommodate your interests and schedule so hit us up with your dreams and let's make it happen.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fATpqREY2DI" width="320" youtube-src-id="fATpqREY2DI"></iframe></div><br /><p><b>You can also join us virtually</b>. We are creating more instructional and educational videos and blog posts. We will post some teasers on Instagram and Facebook but be sure to subscribe to our <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdXI92xqWl8cmbYb455anig">YouTube Channel </a></b>and my <b><a href="https://womanonwater.blogspot.com">Woman on Water Blog</a></b> to get the goods.</p><p><br /></p><p>If there are any skills or topics that you would like to see from us in a video or blog post, please let us know. We have some ideas but would also be stoked to hear from you.</p><p><br /></p><p>Best of days on the water,</p><p>Cate </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2JfkWKxqa0DedIP7pf1YfqQaBUpjtIs9YE3mZlJjFIrKJMxuTS8sczemoE3LEMNtW3Zc8gMF84NvsiKj0u4yeXwPAXNF_r893KFmuRiRt2bDY9-PYA2ZNYQfRtM14-zz7ukP6-qLQ7KSWmXxYXgEc17bbysQMaqlyNGmX9HPnTKmwIqeL8oz4sf6m3Q/s2218/IMG_0422%202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2218" data-original-width="1664" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2JfkWKxqa0DedIP7pf1YfqQaBUpjtIs9YE3mZlJjFIrKJMxuTS8sczemoE3LEMNtW3Zc8gMF84NvsiKj0u4yeXwPAXNF_r893KFmuRiRt2bDY9-PYA2ZNYQfRtM14-zz7ukP6-qLQ7KSWmXxYXgEc17bbysQMaqlyNGmX9HPnTKmwIqeL8oz4sf6m3Q/w300-h400/IMG_0422%202.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whitewater of the SEA!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p>Cate Hawthornehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04839882738486589236noreply@blogger.com0Fort Bragg, CA 95437, USA39.445723 -123.805293511.135489163821156 -158.9615435 67.755956836178854 -88.6490435tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556448269780590797.post-53492031871759672532022-12-30T11:34:00.000-08:002022-12-30T11:34:02.776-08:00Big Changes for 2023<h1 style="line-height: 1.2em; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; text-align: center; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #1f1f1f; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(31, 31, 31); letter-spacing: 0.5px;">Refocusing on Kayak Instruction for 2023</span></span></h1><h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(31, 31, 31); color: #1f1f1f; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">A brief reintroduction for those of us who have lost touch over the years -</span></span></h3><p class="" style="caret-color: rgb(31, 31, 31); color: #1f1f1f; letter-spacing: 0.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 16px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkS88vgXuL-O6N20sQwVy41ebgrNJBtXe7hKfA4tUhLxpqvhKx-19PLjTcv6mJHMTD8f2WXT9yHiaLs35SbxbM90vIhzmI1XQvITtzV99saY55-nQeS9ao2bXCp1Cja4Mv6Z2gwm_XiI2l1IQuJzrZaZxOMHarwLeGT_xoPBDHD2cv9EoSpxHrYQ2XMw/s2319/7DEDDC26-6ADC-4E87-9218-BAB5708B6D4D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2319" data-original-width="2319" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkS88vgXuL-O6N20sQwVy41ebgrNJBtXe7hKfA4tUhLxpqvhKx-19PLjTcv6mJHMTD8f2WXT9yHiaLs35SbxbM90vIhzmI1XQvITtzV99saY55-nQeS9ao2bXCp1Cja4Mv6Z2gwm_XiI2l1IQuJzrZaZxOMHarwLeGT_xoPBDHD2cv9EoSpxHrYQ2XMw/s320/7DEDDC26-6ADC-4E87-9218-BAB5708B6D4D.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Cate the Wood Sprite Mushroom Hunting<br /><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;">My name is Cate Hawthorne and I am an outdoor addict. I identify myself as a wood sprite and a mermaid. Kayaking happens to be one of my many outdoor passions. </span></p><p class="" style="caret-color: rgb(31, 31, 31); color: #1f1f1f; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="" style="caret-color: rgb(31, 31, 31); color: #1f1f1f; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I am a former public education teacher who left the public schools in 2008 to become a small business owner and kayak instructor. My partner Jeff and I own and operate <b><u><a href="https://liquidfusionkayak.com" target="_blank">Liquid Fusion Kayaking</a></u></b> on the Mendocino Coast of California (and beyond). LFK is an instructional kayak company for sea, whitewater, surf, and recreational kayaking. Whitewater of the Sea (whitewater ocean kayaking) and sea kayak rock gardening are 2 of our specialities</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja5PnrWuGWG5-r4Ag0YBxi2Ve5C7WFz6NrRCZlt0uoOKuVOGGsJ_DYU5JcIFrpy6UMwEgSHMDqJPXWx2dA4RLXSwoyvSeCAJ_1YhgASEUJrz5IEfqLcw9_tBvh_uKPC5uE53BxUynOhGA346si7RrBdvTe85pOdhXiRIytTzI4kF1QC9DQj_jHw4ErMw/s3588/IMG_9863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2021" data-original-width="3588" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja5PnrWuGWG5-r4Ag0YBxi2Ve5C7WFz6NrRCZlt0uoOKuVOGGsJ_DYU5JcIFrpy6UMwEgSHMDqJPXWx2dA4RLXSwoyvSeCAJ_1YhgASEUJrz5IEfqLcw9_tBvh_uKPC5uE53BxUynOhGA346si7RrBdvTe85pOdhXiRIytTzI4kF1QC9DQj_jHw4ErMw/w400-h225/IMG_9863.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Cate the Mermaid Romping in Whitewater of the Sea</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="" style="caret-color: rgb(31, 31, 31); color: #1f1f1f; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Kayak instruction is my speciality, however, the past 3 years has had me renting kayaks more than teaching kayaking. For more - Read a<b><a href="https://liquidfusionkayak.com/news/2022/11/21/a-brief-history-of-liquid-fusion-kayaking" target="_blank"> Brief History of Liquid Fusion Kayaking.</a></b> </span></p><p class="" style="caret-color: rgb(31, 31, 31); color: #1f1f1f; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="" style="caret-color: rgb(31, 31, 31); color: #1f1f1f; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>For 2023</b>, we are refocusing on instruction. We have moved our instructional fleet and office from the Noyo River to our home in Fort Bragg, CA. We are discontinuing our kayak rental and flat water tour programs to open up our schedule for more private lessons and custom/private classes/tours. We plan to continue seasonal focuses like whitewater in the spring on the Eel River and summer/fall sea kayaking and whitewater of the sea on the Mendocino Coast. Check out our <span style="color: rgba(4, 31, 241, 0.7); overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration: none;"><a href="https://liquidfusionkayak.com/privatelessons" style="color: rgba(4, 31, 241, 0.7); overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><b><u>Kayak Lessons</u>.</b></a></span></span></p><p class="" data-rte-preserve-empty="true" style="caret-color: rgb(31, 31, 31); color: #1f1f1f; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"></p><p class="" style="caret-color: rgb(31, 31, 31); color: #1f1f1f; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="" style="overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #1f1f1f;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(31, 31, 31); letter-spacing: 0.5px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am excited about the future and sharing more instructional kayaking opportunities with you - both online and in person. I plan to revamp my </span></span><b><span style="color: #1f1f1f;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(31, 31, 31); letter-spacing: 0.5px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Woman on Water Blog </span></span></b><span style="color: #1f1f1f;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(31, 31, 31); letter-spacing: 0.5px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and revise the subscription options so be sure to check back. </span></span></span></span></p><p class="" style="caret-color: rgb(31, 31, 31); color: #1f1f1f; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="overflow-wrap: break-word;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></b></span></p><p class="" style="caret-color: rgb(31, 31, 31); color: #1f1f1f; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Subscribe to LFK's YouTube Channel</b>, its free and you will see some of my new work there first - hint instructional videos are in the works. Here's a <b><u><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdXI92xqWl8cmbYb455anig" target="_blank">link</a></u></b> to subscribe.</span></span></p><p class="" style="caret-color: rgb(31, 31, 31); color: #1f1f1f; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="" style="caret-color: rgb(31, 31, 31); color: #1f1f1f; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="overflow-wrap: break-word;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;">2023 is going to be the year of paddling FUN!</span></b></span></p><p class="" style="caret-color: rgb(31, 31, 31); color: #1f1f1f; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Best of days on the water,</span></b></p><p class="" style="caret-color: rgb(31, 31, 31); color: #1f1f1f; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Cate</span></b></div><div style="font-family: europa; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: europa; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilO-b0TL2GcrlLWw9IzExZ1oma-4FcD-mcP7BSms7OHAq7i74riT20iA-wTwnv3szBH166bHP6yb_oTi6Py5NlT_1-CIPtyMvAkzv0l0YY8HgfYKLnjdTwVZd0JOYFE3M7C_bD0mVcJONe3UTMAO7ZcjHnOESsPakx39iS7q-B-Oe86LF2auUO61H_qg/s4000/GPTempDownload%20235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilO-b0TL2GcrlLWw9IzExZ1oma-4FcD-mcP7BSms7OHAq7i74riT20iA-wTwnv3szBH166bHP6yb_oTi6Py5NlT_1-CIPtyMvAkzv0l0YY8HgfYKLnjdTwVZd0JOYFE3M7C_bD0mVcJONe3UTMAO7ZcjHnOESsPakx39iS7q-B-Oe86LF2auUO61H_qg/w400-h300/GPTempDownload%20235.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sharing tips for self support kayak camping trips.</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="" style="caret-color: rgb(31, 31, 31); color: #1f1f1f; font-family: europa; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></p>Cate Hawthornehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04839882738486589236noreply@blogger.com1Noyo, Fort Bragg, CA 95437, USA39.4282239 -123.803348811.117990063821154 -158.95959879999998 67.738457736178844 -88.6470988tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556448269780590797.post-2284992314579487232021-03-31T19:47:00.002-07:002021-03-31T19:48:18.042-07:00March Video Madness<p>Time is definitely marching on. Jeff and I both questioned this week, " Where did March go?"</p><p>A fun project that we engaged in this month was the scavenger hunt for <b><a href="https://noyocenter.org/" target="_blank">The Noyo Center for Marine Science</a></b>. The scavenger hunt was a FUNdraiser to raise money for the Noyo Center and also to celebrate the annual whale festivals in a socially distant way. We were a business sponsor for the event and we decided to give the scavenger hunt a go. If you are not familiar with the Noyo Center, please peruse their website. Their goals are education and conservation and they are based in our backyard - Fort Bragg, California. All donations are greatly appreciated and we see the results of the money directly in educational programs for all ages and conservation projects like help the kelp. The center is also raising money to build a state of the art marine science center that will showcase the skeleton of a 70' blue whale that our community worked hard to preserve.</p><p><br /></p><p>A glance at our <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/LiquidFusionKayakingFortBragg/videos" target="_blank">YouTube Channel </a></b>will also show what we've been up to. There is something for everyone this month there. I have edited 7 new videos (and 8th one is about to be uploaded later this week).</p><p>For the sea kayak rock gardening and surfing audience, I created <b>Vitamin Sea Mendocino </b>-</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lhJZBx553vI" width="320" youtube-src-id="lhJZBx553vI"></iframe></div><p>For fans of the natural beauty of the Mendocino Coast, check out 2 new public lands that have been preserved by another one of our favorite local nonprofits - <b><a href="https://www.mendocinolandtrust.org/" target="_blank">The Mendocino Land Trust</a></b>. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aGqEMNUBQn4" width="320" youtube-src-id="aGqEMNUBQn4"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NpZEhO_uFJk" width="320" youtube-src-id="NpZEhO_uFJk"></iframe></div><br /><p><b>Do you want to go on an adventure with Jeff and I? </b> Join us virtually for a tandem sea kayak journey from LFK Headquarters to Glass Beach. Our goal was whale watching but the whales did not want to be seen. I was on camera duty and Jeff enjoyed taking me for a sporty ride on the sea.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NKNDyYCMeQo" width="320" youtube-src-id="NKNDyYCMeQo"></iframe></div><p>It is getting to be time for our annual spring run off trip . . . we are both very ready for a change of scenery. As we make plans, we reminisce on previous spring run off trips. Check out this sea kayak adventure on <b>Oregon's John Day River. </b>My favorite scenes are the big horn sheep lambs.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pADslP-vQKQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="pADslP-vQKQ"></iframe></div><p>If you enjoy our videos, be sure to subscribe to<b> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/LiquidFusionKayakingFortBragg/videos" target="_blank">Liquid Fusion Kayaking's YouTube Channel.</a></b> As you watch our videos, give us a thumbs up and please leave comments. This keeps us motivated and inspired to keep producing videos.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G9URffFO2Qg/YGUzmd7hzrI/AAAAAAAAEMM/g3HBqgjIs1M9Q22hm6t4zEsadUUBInkIQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/GPTempDownload%2B16.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G9URffFO2Qg/YGUzmd7hzrI/AAAAAAAAEMM/g3HBqgjIs1M9Q22hm6t4zEsadUUBInkIQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/GPTempDownload%2B16.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liquid Fusion Kayaking's Cate and Jeff tandem sea kayaking into Glass Beach on the Mendocino Coast of California.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p>Cate Hawthornehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04839882738486589236noreply@blogger.com032399 Basin St, Fort Bragg, CA 95437, USA39.431973 -123.794951411.121739163821154 -158.9512014 67.742206836178838 -88.6387014tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556448269780590797.post-81692148173125637152021-03-04T17:12:00.003-08:002021-03-04T17:12:45.020-08:00Birding By Kayak<p>Both Jeff and I are nature nerds. Yes, our passion for wildlife and nature extends into birds and we are both avid birders. When we are apart, it is not uncommon for us to text each other our bird sightings - who is flying by and who is singing. Birding is something that anyone can do almost anywhere. Of course one of our favorite places to bird is on the water from the seat of our kayaks.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>Tips for Birding from a Kayak by Jeff Laxier</b></h2><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WobFHJvOadA/YEFYpbR3yZI/AAAAAAAAEK8/Iw-PzCEcrxQHI_TKuM2dBEwwY2dMJU0LQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Alan%2BPoints%2BOut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WobFHJvOadA/YEFYpbR3yZI/AAAAAAAAEK8/Iw-PzCEcrxQHI_TKuM2dBEwwY2dMJU0LQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/Alan%2BPoints%2BOut.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kayak Birding Tour on Fort Bragg's Noyo River</td></tr></tbody></table><b><br /></b></div><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">From the moment my father and I witnessed a fly being caught and eaten by a bird, I could no longer hide my blindness to the beauty of nature.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;" /></span></p><div dir="auto" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Three tips to birding by kayak</span></b></div><div dir="auto" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: arial;">1. <b>Slow it down</b>. The slower you go, the better. Birds and other wildlife will be less alarmed by your curious and courteous behavior.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: arial;">2. <b>Use a spotting scope, binoculars, or a monocular</b>: These are just tools to assist with getting more detail and possibly identifying species. Try not to get to much into the “glassing” and enjoy your surroundings. Top tip on glassing wildlife: Start with the subject just above the top of the device. Next slowly move your device up until the subject is in view from the glasses. Last focus on subject.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: arial;">3. <b>Avoidance:</b> If you hear an alarming sound or action (the action and acting of a bird with a broken wing) stop or re-route. During nesting season be very mindful of coastal cliffs with a high accumulation of white bird guano. On the Mendocino coast we have a number of Pelagic Cormorants nesting in colonies upon cliff faces. Often these nesting locations are just above awesome sea caves, cool sea stacks, and rock garden features. Avoid these areas during nesting season (March - August).</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jD4YutZdhR4/YEGEw977LeI/AAAAAAAAELI/XVhZLoEnsEIxD3bbOK2J4Xvikz1TuBb1ACNcBGAsYHQ/s750/Pelagic%2BCormerant%2BNoyo%2BSouth%2Bsmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="750" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jD4YutZdhR4/YEGEw977LeI/AAAAAAAAELI/XVhZLoEnsEIxD3bbOK2J4Xvikz1TuBb1ACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/Pelagic%2BCormerant%2BNoyo%2BSouth%2Bsmall.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pelagic Cormorants nesting on coastal rocks on the Mendocino Coast. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div dir="auto" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></div>Cate Hawthornehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04839882738486589236noreply@blogger.com0Fort Bragg, CA 95437, USA39.445723 -123.805293511.135489163821156 -158.9615435 67.755956836178854 -88.6490435tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556448269780590797.post-26593833475793591662021-01-06T13:14:00.002-08:002021-01-06T13:20:33.010-08:00Camp n Surf<p> As we roll into 2021, I hope that you are healthy and well and planning adventures for the year. High on my adventure list are kayak camping trips. I am dreaming up several multiday whitewater river kayak trips as well as several on the sea. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NWrreZuLvck/X_YnEYopcqI/AAAAAAAAEIc/WerWkcXhe1A3mXkmbhnPcWLVZToDbFfEwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1808/P1230949%2B%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Kayak camping on Mendocino's Eel River" border="0" data-original-height="856" data-original-width="1808" height="190" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NWrreZuLvck/X_YnEYopcqI/AAAAAAAAEIc/WerWkcXhe1A3mXkmbhnPcWLVZToDbFfEwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h190/P1230949%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camping and Whitewater Kayaking on Mendocino County's Eel River</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Given the current state of the world, chances are good that Jeff and I will continue to hunker down and play in our local playground in Mendocino County. Fortunately we have an awesome playground with some great options for sea, whitewater, and surf kayaking.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7FAOJEwF1rs/X_YpS5TSL5I/AAAAAAAAEI4/czG0MbZbx94HJ_eV86B3tFsoUr2VcWAVgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Camp%2BStratos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Tent with sea kayaks on a beach on the Mendocino Coast of California" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7FAOJEwF1rs/X_YpS5TSL5I/AAAAAAAAEI4/czG0MbZbx94HJ_eV86B3tFsoUr2VcWAVgCNcBGAsYHQ/w240-h320/Camp%2BStratos.jpg" title="Sea Kayak Camping on the Mendocino Coast" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sea kayak camping on the Mendocino Coast of California</td></tr></tbody></table><p>In the spring of 2019, we did a super simple multiday whitewater river kayak trip that ranks among our all time favorites. We pulled 2 whitewater kayaks out of our quiver that we both could paddle - one was to haul the gear and the other was to play and surf. We loaded them both up with our camping gear, food, beer, and ukulele. We paddled down the Eel River until we found a sweet beach with an all day surf wave. We camped, surfed, strummed, and enjoyed the wild beauty of the Eel River.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R2pegtfMT7A/X_Ynh6TaZRI/AAAAAAAAEIk/P-pd-XCIWYUz74s7sKEXQgGRO0gWGD1pQCNcBGAsYHQ/s800/Uke.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="kayak camping on Mendocino County's Eel River" border="0" data-original-height="451" data-original-width="800" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R2pegtfMT7A/X_Ynh6TaZRI/AAAAAAAAEIk/P-pd-XCIWYUz74s7sKEXQgGRO0gWGD1pQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/Uke.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing the ukulele by the campfire on Mendocino County's Eel River.</td></tr></tbody></table><p><b>Check out this <a href="https://youtu.be/FM_GMJ6FEIg" target="_blank">video </a>from the adventure!</b></p><p>I am hoping we get to do a similar version of this trip this year. </p><p>What are your paddling plans for 2021?</p>Cate Hawthornehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04839882738486589236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556448269780590797.post-26082934458448262332020-12-14T18:00:00.004-08:002020-12-14T18:13:14.542-08:00The Perfect Knife<p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial;">There are a ton of different uses for knives when kayaking. I consider a knife to be an essential piece of safety gear for sea kayaking, whitewater kayaking, and kayak fishing. I always have one easily (one handed) accessible in my life jacket. My partner Jeff Laxier is a knife connoisseur. Here are his thoughts and tips about using and choosing a knife for kayaking.[</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>The Perfect Knife</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Guest post from <a href="https://liquidfusionkayak.com/" target="_blank">Liquid Fusion Kayaking's Jeff Laxier</a></b></span></p><div><span style="font-family: arial;">That perfect knife is your perfect knife. That’s right the best knife for you to carry while kayaking is the one that works best for you and the environment you work and play in. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">I like a knife that can be accessed by either hand, opened one handed with easy access while under pressure (this must be tested by user!!!) I’m happy to set this up for you and your paddling mates.</span></div><div><div dir="auto"></div></div><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="im" style="background-color: white;"></span></span></p><div style="background-color: white;"><span class="im"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7hiGSCGyvuU/X9gWYlv89QI/AAAAAAAAEHc/bQEPD2QluJI7RC72uT0uL14svJMUagbgwCNcBGAsYHQ/s4608/P1420004.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="2592" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7hiGSCGyvuU/X9gWYlv89QI/AAAAAAAAEHc/bQEPD2QluJI7RC72uT0uL14svJMUagbgwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1420004.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Important to be able to access and grab your knife with one hand.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><div dir="auto"><b>Here are three (of many) active uses for a knife:</b></div><div dir="auto">1. On the Sea - Cutting braided fishing line out of a rock garden feature. The line looked like a spider web tangled in kelp and was a hazard for both humans and marine creatures.</div><div dir="auto">2. Whitewater River - Just before a rapid there was an abandoned line that stretched across the river.</div><div dir="auto">3. Lunch - Cutting apples and cheese</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fYttVbLfPhw/X9gUy-dgPaI/AAAAAAAAEG8/mPpnubz9pu0ncebQSwB83fthjnDGnby6gCNcBGAsYHQ/s4608/P1420016.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fYttVbLfPhw/X9gUy-dgPaI/AAAAAAAAEG8/mPpnubz9pu0ncebQSwB83fthjnDGnby6gCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/P1420016.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Using a knife to for boat repair</td></tr></tbody></table><div dir="auto"><br /><b>When shopping for a knife, I look for these key components:</b></div><div dir="auto"><span class="im"><div dir="auto">1. Folding with locking blade</div><div dir="auto">2. Serrated blade with blunt tip</div><div dir="auto">3. Belt clip and lanyard hole.</div></span><div><div dir="auto">4. Easy to handle</div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SVztAPnY9IA/X9gVKHzMjkI/AAAAAAAAEHI/ukVcwGAVo_IGPLaJLS9qBrduqSBY0xjwQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/6%2Bknife%2Bshot.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1456" data-original-width="2048" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SVztAPnY9IA/X9gVKHzMjkI/AAAAAAAAEHI/ukVcwGAVo_IGPLaJLS9qBrduqSBY0xjwQCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h285/6%2Bknife%2Bshot.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A variety of knives in my collection. <br />I definitely prefer folding and serrated knives with a blunt tip.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div dir="auto"><b>Here are a few of my favorite knives:</b></div></div></div><div dir="auto"><div dir="ltr"><div><div dir="auto">1. West Marine Stainless Steel Serrated Rigging Knife. Small set up and single hand must be perfected. This is in my PFD. <div></div>Cost $25</div><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); margin: 0px 0px 0px 0.8ex; padding-left: 1ex;"><div dir="auto"><div dir="auto"></div></div></blockquote></div><span class="im"><div dir="auto"></div><div dir="auto">2. Byrd Rescue 2. Every day pocket knife and back-up to my WM Rigging Knife. Cost $46</div></span><div><div dir="auto">3. Spyderco Atlantic Salt. Cost $142</div></div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KXw_EA-_5V4/X9gVoSN_V-I/AAAAAAAAEHQ/vc_4mnB5WO0CY0lmt7dYf_i21FJjN3v8wCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/knives.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KXw_EA-_5V4/X9gVoSN_V-I/AAAAAAAAEHQ/vc_4mnB5WO0CY0lmt7dYf_i21FJjN3v8wCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/knives.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My two favorite knives - <br />The Byrd Rescue Knife (orange handle)<br />West Marine Stainless Steel Riggers Knife (black handle).</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div dir="auto">If you have a knife that has worked well for you or a knife in use story, please post in the comments. Definitely hit us up if you have questions about knives and their importance in your kayaking safety kit. The best way to contact us is through <b><a href="https://liquidfusionkayak.com/" target="_blank">Liquid Fusion Kayaking.</a></b></div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><div dir="auto">Cheers,</div><div dir="auto">Cate and Jeff</div></div><div><div class="gmail_quote"><div class="yj6qo ajU" style="cursor: pointer; margin: 2px 0px 0px; outline: none; padding: 10px 0px; width: 22px;"><div aria-expanded="false" aria-label="Show trimmed content" class="ajR" data-tooltip="Show trimmed content" id=":nk" role="button" style="background-color: #e8eaed; border-radius: 5.5px; border: none; clear: both; line-height: 6px; outline: none; position: relative; width: 24px;" tabindex="0"><img class="ajT" src="https://ssl.gstatic.com/ui/v1/icons/mail/images/cleardot.gif" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 50% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: 20px; background: url("https://www.gstatic.com/images/icons/material/system_gm/1x/more_horiz_black_20dp.png") center center / 20px no-repeat; height: 11px; opacity: 0.7; width: 24px;" /></div></div></div></div></div></span></span></div>Cate Hawthornehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04839882738486589236noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556448269780590797.post-1705388836493503402020-12-14T05:00:00.004-08:002020-12-14T05:00:00.250-08:00Creating and Sharing JoyI've had some office time in the past couple of weeks and have created a few new videos to share.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--f6ofAtxM7w/X9ZnGy3iSWI/AAAAAAAAEGk/fGjNXHzifcgpVv_FIZxUdXnapbkl3F3-QCNcBGAsYHQ/s1911/105212599_10223227693937612_6203836498024862530_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1911" data-original-width="1911" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--f6ofAtxM7w/X9ZnGy3iSWI/AAAAAAAAEGk/fGjNXHzifcgpVv_FIZxUdXnapbkl3F3-QCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/105212599_10223227693937612_6203836498024862530_o.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><div><div>Although, I would rather be out on the water teaching and guiding kayaking adventures, one has to make do and I am enjoying the challenge of creating videos.</div><div><br /></div><div>My first new video is called The Fourth Dimension. If you have kayaked on the Mendocino Coast, you know that it has its own unique magic - hence the name The Fourth Dimension.</div><div><br /></div><div>In this video I share a whitewater of the sea kayaking adventure that Jeff and I had with our friend Pete DeLosa. Jeff and Pete are paddling the Pyranha 12R which is a 12 foot whitewater kayak designed for racing on steep whitewater creeks. I am paddling my new favorite boat the Pyranha Ripper (aka the RipSnake). Time and time again when it comes to rock gardening play sessions, Jeff and I are choosing the maneuverability of whitewater kayaks. Jeff tends to like some volume and the 12R is a good fit for him. I tend to like something sportier and surfable. The Ripper is a good fit for me.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have a couple of other new videos in the works. <b>Don't miss out - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdXI92xqWl8cmbYb455anig" target="_blank">subscribe to Liquid Fusion Kayaking's YouTube Channel.</a></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Until we meet again - I hope that you enjoy <b><a href="https://youtu.be/cxiLHeNNjTE" target="_blank">The Fourth Dimension.</a></b></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div></div>Cate Hawthornehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04839882738486589236noreply@blogger.com0Fort Bragg, CA 95437, USA39.4513714 -123.6846987-1.4240550969962911 166.00686752886656 80.326797896996283 -53.376264928866576tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556448269780590797.post-58891508954701755932020-10-01T05:00:00.001-07:002020-10-01T05:00:09.758-07:00The Roller Coaster Ride of 2020<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-90_mbyTeRHA/X3I4kNVkyLI/AAAAAAAAED0/Ehy2GyF4Rsc-_XlBXwlQ2YEQL8ZhHnG_ACNcBGAsYHQ/s1702/red%2Bskies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1702" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-90_mbyTeRHA/X3I4kNVkyLI/AAAAAAAAED0/Ehy2GyF4Rsc-_XlBXwlQ2YEQL8ZhHnG_ACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/red%2Bskies.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p class="" style="background-color: white; color: #1f1f1f; font-family: europa; font-size: 0.875em; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-top: 0px;"><strong><span> </span>Red sky at night</strong> <strong>- sailor’s delight,</strong></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><p class="" style="background-color: white; color: #1f1f1f; font-family: europa; font-size: 0.875em; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 1.25em; text-align: start;"><strong>Red sky in the morning</strong> <strong>- sailor’s take warning,</strong></p><p class="" id="yui_3_17_2_1_1601320969513_597" style="background-color: white; color: #1f1f1f; font-family: europa; font-size: 0.875em; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 1.25em; text-align: start;"><strong id="yui_3_17_2_1_1601320969513_596">Red sky in the day - we need to put differences aside and work together to solve some big problems</strong></p></td></tr></tbody></table><h1 style="background-color: white; color: #1c1c1c; font-family: futura-pt; font-size: 42px; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; white-space: pre-wrap;"><strong style="letter-spacing: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><br />The Roller Coaster Ride of 2020</strong></h1><p class="" style="background-color: white; color: #1f1f1f; font-family: europa; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">We were riding high going into 2020. Jeff taught at Paddle Golden Gate and several sea kayak incident management classes in the Bay Area. Cate was teaching surf and whitewater lessons at home. We were super excited about our upcoming spring whitewater classes and LFK's Mendocino Sea Kayak Club. Then the Covid-19 Pandemic derailed our high flying year (as it did everyone else).<br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" />We spent the spring months sheltering at home and feeling very thankful that we were safe and well. We had just remodeled our home office and expanded our vegetable garden so home was (is) a happy place for us. A challenge was that we were extremely limited on where we could go to exercise and recreate since all of our local beaches and trails were closed. We channeled our stir crazy energy into running, strength and flexibility training, breath training, making firewood, fishing, foraging, and a few creative shelter in place excursions (within 5 miles of home) - <a href="https://liquidfusionkayak.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8f9d8d5155af32940031b21bd&id=4cfa23113a&e=2609a0c7ae" style="background: transparent; color: rgba(4, 31, 241, 0.7); overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Shelter in Place Triathlon</a>.<br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" />During the lockdown, we connected with other instructors and outdoor professionals and redesigned our summer programs to minimize the risk of spreading Covid-19. We developed a stringent cleaning process for our equipment and streamlined our tours and operation to allow for social distancing and contactless transactions. We switched our group classes to private lessons for individuals or people living in the same household. We decreased the risk level of our beginner tours and offered them as private tours and very small group tours. We developed a rental program which involved purchasing new kayaks. life jackets, and paddles.<br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" />Memorial Day Weekend, we were allowed to open to local customers. It was our slowest Memorial Day Weekend ever. Fortunately business picked up in Mid-June when California allowed travel to resume. Since then, we have been quite busy.<br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" /><strong style="overflow-wrap: break-word;">The biggest joy of the summer was the smiling faces that we saw on the water. </strong>(We wear and require that our customers wear masks when interacting with us on land and on the launch ramp but not on the water). Seeing the stress melt away and the healing power of water, nature, and fresh air rejuvenate our customers was a great feeling. We had many first time kayakers and families and individuals who enjoyed the experience so much that they declared "kayaking is going to be our new activity." In such stressful times, it felt really good to be infecting people with joy. <br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" />The summer was very busy. We worked longer and harder hours than we have ever worked before. Schlepping kayaks, orienting paddlers, guiding tours, teaching private lessons, maintaining equipment, managing reservations, and scrubbing and washing and scrubbing and washing kayaks and scrubbing and washing kayaks, life jackets, and paddles. Our hearts filled with the joy of sharing kayaking and nature with others but also were breaking as the unrest and travesties of our world were manifesting in extreme civil discord and environmental devastation.<br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" />We are closing for the month of October to recharge our batteries. <br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" />We have learned a lot from this year. One lesson is the importance of being flexible and being able to adapt. Another is that life is uncertain. We are seizing the day (the month) and taking some time to ourselves. We are dreaming of sleeping under the stars by the sea, surfing and rock gardening, immersing in nature, and disconnecting for a bit from the craziness of the world.<br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" />Expect us to be a bit out of touch in October. We will be back the first week of November ready to deal with what ever 2020 throws at us and starting to plan for 2021 and beyond.<br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" /><strong style="overflow-wrap: break-word;">Be Well Our Friends. Stay Safe and Be Kind,</strong><br style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" />Cate and Jeff</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ECXPgux5Urk/X3I5DMFselI/AAAAAAAAED8/V7-CvRZ3Sq0I-8Bsd1BTe7lSSZPrL85LACNcBGAsYHQ/s1080/44122238_10213152283629933_2714422066966167552_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ECXPgux5Urk/X3I5DMFselI/AAAAAAAAED8/V7-CvRZ3Sq0I-8Bsd1BTe7lSSZPrL85LACNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/44122238_10213152283629933_2714422066966167552_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p class="" style="background-color: white; color: #1f1f1f; font-family: europa; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></p>Cate Hawthornehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04839882738486589236noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556448269780590797.post-18730473599327616602020-09-24T19:47:00.001-07:002020-09-25T08:20:52.280-07:00Coconut Baked Rockfish<p> The sea is a playground and a work place for me. It is also a grocery store. Fishing, crabbing, and foraging from the kayak puts food on the table. We often fish for rockfish from our kayaks which include black cod, lingcod, blue cod, red snappers (vermillion), and cabezon. There are many ways to cook rockfish. Baking it is one of the easiest ways to cook rockfish.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dilVs2qwoOI/X21ZxK72SuI/AAAAAAAAEDY/HtfB7tZwuXQQS9VgyWZNVdClO-akzyFoQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1667/P1450850.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="938" data-original-width="1667" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dilVs2qwoOI/X21ZxK72SuI/AAAAAAAAEDY/HtfB7tZwuXQQS9VgyWZNVdClO-akzyFoQCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/P1450850.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pulling in a blue lingcod while kayak fishing on the Mendocino Coast of California.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>My go-to recipe for dinner is <b>Coconut Baked Rockfish.</b></p><p>To prepare it, I crack an egg and soak and coat the fillet in the egg.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-3cjF9LD/0/cecda4c1/L/i-3cjF9LD-L.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="450" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-3cjF9LD/0/cecda4c1/L/i-3cjF9LD-L.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some lingcods are blue and have blue meat like this one. The meat turns white when you cook it.</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br />I then toss the egg coated fillet in a lightly oiled or greased baking dish. I dump the remaining egg over the fish and into the dish.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-HSKxRRT/0/66ff4824/L/i-HSKxRRT-L.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="450" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-HSKxRRT/0/66ff4824/L/i-HSKxRRT-L.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lingcod in baking pan coated with egg.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Then I coat the fish liberally with coconut flakes and season with sea salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sometimes I add some cayenne for a little kick.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-nNzRzQG/0/32a9046b/L/i-nNzRzQG-L.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="450" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-nNzRzQG/0/32a9046b/L/i-nNzRzQG-L.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coat with coconut flakes, sea salt, pepper, and other desired spices.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Bake it at 350 for 20 minutes (cooking time can vary based on the thickness of the fillet).</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-TpQknMr/0/097a9adf/L/i-TpQknMr-L.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="450" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-TpQknMr/0/097a9adf/L/i-TpQknMr-L.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baked Coconut Rockfish<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>YUM! Our regular weekday meal will include the fish and some stir fried vegetables from the garden. The meal is simple and delicious - also keto friendly. Try it and let me know what you think.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fKxCYGpO-T4/X24KgqSAaMI/AAAAAAAAEDk/rH6Y7zVz-isNbNBdCtrRwoJtKiT9nEbHwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P1240940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1085" data-original-width="2048" height="340" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fKxCYGpO-T4/X24KgqSAaMI/AAAAAAAAEDk/rH6Y7zVz-isNbNBdCtrRwoJtKiT9nEbHwCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h340/P1240940.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Landing this nice lingcod while kayak fishing on the Mendocino Coast. <br /><p><br /></p>Cate Hawthornehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04839882738486589236noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556448269780590797.post-69132592820124319212020-06-30T09:54:00.001-07:002020-07-10T08:02:03.681-07:00PivotingPivoting has become a common term in the business community. <br />
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Due to the Corona Virus Pandemic, it is no longer business as usual. Businesses are having to make changes or face going out of business. Jeff and I have been making changes to Liquid Fusion Kayaking and are committed to staying in business.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lw2WLX6UEhQ/XvtuTh6BZYI/AAAAAAAAD_0/t62W17O6qhQu07QyjkcwYW2GKyVtzSGxACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Mendocino%252BCounty%252BSafe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lw2WLX6UEhQ/XvtuTh6BZYI/AAAAAAAAD_0/t62W17O6qhQu07QyjkcwYW2GKyVtzSGxACNcBGAsYHQ/s400/Mendocino%252BCounty%252BSafe.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Jeff and I feel very fortunate that <b><a href="https://liquidfusionkayak.com/" target="_blank">Liquid Fusion Kayaking</a></b> is an outdoor business. For months of shut down, we were consulting with others in the outdoor and kayak industry about the challenges of the global health pandemic and how to minimize risk when we were allowed to reopen. In addition to the health and safety of our participants, we feel the responsibility to consider the health and safety of our community and our county/state/country. On the Mendocino Coast, we have a very small rural hospital with limited beds and only 2 ventilators. Many residents of our community are over the age of 65 and many have health issues and compromised immune systems.<br />
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We feel very fortunate that we were able to reopen, but it is definitely not business as usual. Kayaking in the great outdoors is very low risk in the whole scheme of what we know about how the Corona Virus is transmitted. However, we are erring on the upmost of caution.<br />
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For the summer of 2020, we have pivoted Liquid Fusion Kayaking's operation to include kayak rentals for the Noyo River. We have an ideal location for all age and abilities to get out on the water. Rentals enable people to kayak with people from their own household, go at the pace they want, and go when they want to go rather than being restricted to our tour schedule. We have implemented a contactless system for reservations, payment, and waivers.<br />
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We expanded our kayak fleet to include sit on top kayaks that are easy to use and fun for folks who want to swim and play in the water in addition to kayaking. A huge thank you to Dan and Josh at <b><a href="https://headwaterskayak.com/" target="_blank">The Headwaters </a></b>for their recommendations and helping us purchase a small fleet of <b><a href="https://www.feelfreeus.com/" target="_blank">Feel Free</a></b> sit on top kayaks. I personally am loving the wheel in the back because it makes people smile and makes moving the kayaks much easier. It is a bit ironic that the model of our Feel Free tandems is Corona.<br />
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We also bought 40 new life jackets and paddles so that we could rotate them into service while used ones were being washed and drying. We are running our <b><a href="https://liquidfusionkayak.com/noyomeander" target="_blank">Noyo Meander</a></b> and <b><a href="https://liquidfusionkayak.com/noyo-sea-kayak-tour" target="_blank">Noyo Sea Kayak</a></b> Tours primarily as private tours or small groups. These tours are a great way for us to share the magic of our backyard waters with first time kayakers in a low risk way. <br />
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We shifted our kayak instruction focus from sea kayaking classes to <b><a href="https://liquidfusionkayak.com/privatelessons" target="_blank">private lessons</a></b>. We designed a series of learn to kayak lessons for locals and visitors and have also implemented a fun and efficient 15 minute kayak skills tune up into our rental program. We are a little disappointed to tone down our ocean rock gardening adventures. We are running <b><a href="https://liquidfusionkayak.com/whitewaterofthesea" target="_blank">Whitewater of the Sea Adventures</a></b> and rock gardening lessons as private lessons for individuals who can reliably self-rescue. Social distancing is not possible during face to face rescue situations. We feel the responsibility to avoid this unnecessary risk at this time.<br />
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We are having fun with our new programs and having fun in our own kayaking endeavors in our backyard. We both miss paddling whitewater rivers but have been having fun playing in the surf and rock gardens with our new<b><a href="https://www.pyranha.com/kayaks.php?kayak=Ripper" target="_blank"> Pyranha Rippers</a></b>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QXkoz3c3hfs/XvttTQx07XI/AAAAAAAAD_k/3BbNPjfogQAtsr46hUa4ehNiM4rkqC6swCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/105212599_10223227693937612_6203836498024862530_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QXkoz3c3hfs/XvttTQx07XI/AAAAAAAAD_k/3BbNPjfogQAtsr46hUa4ehNiM4rkqC6swCNcBGAsYHQ/s400/105212599_10223227693937612_6203836498024862530_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Having fun rock gardening and surfing the Pyranha Ripper aka the RipSnake.</td></tr>
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Our vegetable garden is producing well and we have been getting out in our kayaks to catch fish for dinner. We are happy and healthy and feel very fortunate. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fish Tacos! Jeff showing off a black cod that he caught while kayak fishing on the Mendocino Coast.</td></tr>
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We are determined to keep Liquid Fusion Kayaking a float and are developing some new ideas and programs for the future. Subscribe to <b><a href="https://liquidfusionkayak.com/newsletter" target="_blank">Liquid Fusion Kayaking's monthly newsletter</a></b> to get the scoop.<br />
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Be well, be kind, and stay healthy!!!<br />
Cate<br />
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<br />Cate Hawthornehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04839882738486589236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556448269780590797.post-86460298656823384242020-05-03T07:55:00.001-07:002020-05-03T07:57:47.211-07:00Online Kayak Coaching Sessions<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/whitewater-of-the-sea-with-cate-hawthorne-tickets-103046924124" target="_blank">Wednesday May 6, 2020 - Whitewater of the Sea Webinar </a></b></h2>
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Join me for a fun overview and question and answer session about whitewater kayaking in the ocean aka rock gardening. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_pGg2GgR_iI/Xq7aHBx0NrI/AAAAAAAAD9E/B1DBcZ9zZ6YpTe5Zbg8fNHSmaEViMBO4gCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Stoutside%2BCate%2BAxiom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Whitewater ocean kayaking is also called rock gardening and is a form of extreme sea kayaking done in whitewater kayaks. The Mendocino Coast of California has some of the best rock gardens and ocean kayaking in the world." border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_pGg2GgR_iI/Xq7aHBx0NrI/AAAAAAAAD9E/B1DBcZ9zZ6YpTe5Zbg8fNHSmaEViMBO4gCNcBGAsYHQ/s400/Stoutside%2BCate%2BAxiom.jpg" title="Whitewater Ocean Kayaking" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cate Hawthorne riding a Stout during a whitewater of the sea session on the Mendocino Coast of California.</td></tr>
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The <b><a href="https://www.cwwcollective.com/online-coaching-series" target="_blank">California Women's Watersports Collective</a></b> is hosting this webinar as part of their online coaching series. Definitely check out the other sessions being offered as well. This is a great opportunity to learn from top women kayak instructors. Sessions are open to all genders and are available for all skill levels. The topics whitewater techniques, sea kayaking, yoga, expedition planning, managing fear, and more. I am honored to be included in this line-up and sharing my passion and knowledge of whitewater kayaking on the sea on May 6. </div>
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On June 6, you can join me for <b><a href="https://www.cwwcollective.com/online-coaching-series/2020/6/6/the-surf-zone" target="_blank">The Surfzone - a kayak surf skill building session. </a> </b>This session will have skills applicable to a variety of kayaks - sea kayaks, whitewater kayaks, surf kayaks, and fishing kayaks.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In my happy place - on a wave!</td></tr>
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Cate Hawthornehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04839882738486589236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556448269780590797.post-78925669158292209162020-04-20T04:00:00.000-07:002020-04-20T04:00:00.678-07:00Shelter in Place VideosThese are crazy, uncertain times. I feel very fortunate to have a comfortable home, agreeable partner for sheltering in place, lots of projects, and lots of good books to read. What has been difficult for me is the economic uncertainty and not being able to play outside (hike, bike, kayak, camp).<br />
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<b>If I wear a mask can I go surfing? Please, pretty please!!!</b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who is that masked woman?<br />
Cate surfing the Dagger Stratos 14.5 sea kayak on the Mendocino Coast of California</td></tr>
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All beaches, trails, and parks are closed in Mendocino County, and Mendocino County's SIP orders state that you cannot drive to exercise. As an avid mountain biker, trail runner, hiker, surfer, and kayaker this is extremely challenging especially in stressful times. One positive is that I have gotten back into doing weight and flexibility training. </div>
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With extra time at home, I have been working on some new videos. My current video goal is to tell a story. I have a couple of instructional and how to videos planned as well. My story telling videos will have 2 versions. The Hot Lap version will be 1 minute videos designed for those without a lot of time or attention span. The second version will be the full edit and is likely to be between 2.5 and 5 minutes. My videos will all be posted on<b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdXI92xqWl8cmbYb455anig" target="_blank"> Liquid Fusion Kayaking's YouTube Channel.</a></b> </div>
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<b>Please subscribe to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdXI92xqWl8cmbYb455anig" target="_blank">Liquid Fusion Kayaking's YouTube Channel.</a></b> This way you can be notified of new videos. It also helps me stay motivated to produce more content. To subscribe, here is a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdXI92xqWl8cmbYb455anig" target="_blank">link.</a> Click on the subscribe button.</div>
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My latest videos are from a little shelter in place adventure that Jeff and I had last week. It is called the <b>Shelter in Place Triathlon.</b> We walk/hiked from our house, swam across the Noyo River, and sea kayaked out into the ocean. There are 2 versions of the video - <b><a href="https://youtu.be/qbqs_gdxIcI" target="_blank">a fast and fun 1 minute</a> </b>and a <b><a href="https://youtu.be/9CHmhY8ByaY" target="_blank">fun commentary filled 5 minute video</a>. </b></div>
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<b><a href="https://youtu.be/qbqs_gdxIcI" target="_blank">Shelter in Place Triathlon - 1 Minute Edit</a></b></div>
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<a href="https://youtu.be/9CHmhY8ByaY" target="_blank"><b>Shelter in Place Triathlon - 5 Minute Edit with Commentary</b></a></div>
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Please watch and comment on the videos. I'd also love to hear any feedback or suggestions that you have for my videos. In particular, do you like the one minute edits or longer edits or both?</div>
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Be well and be kind,</div>
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Cate<br />
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PS If you haven't heard - <a href="https://www.cwwcollective.com/" target="_blank"><b>The California Watersport Collective</b> </a>is offering a series of online coaching webinars with an all star cast of kayak instructors and a huge range of topics. I will be presenting <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/whitewater-of-the-sea-with-cate-hawthorne-tickets-103046924124" target="_blank"><b>Whitewater of the Sea on May 6</b></a>. Check out the line up of webinars - <a href="https://www.cwwcollective.com/online-coaching-series" target="_blank"><b>CWWC Online Coaching</b></a></div>
Cate Hawthornehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04839882738486589236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556448269780590797.post-9873246716459214862020-03-30T09:40:00.000-07:002020-03-30T09:40:30.741-07:00Vitamin Sea VideoCrazy - uncertain times. Need a break from the news and a dose of Vitamin Sea?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-in-M8h77qm0/XoIgnOy2AVI/AAAAAAAAD7k/JF0OQGiBGVQPkooPD9T978__8jjQpGFrACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/tc%2Bpour%2Bover%2Bcate%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="863" data-original-width="1600" height="215" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-in-M8h77qm0/XoIgnOy2AVI/AAAAAAAAD7k/JF0OQGiBGVQPkooPD9T978__8jjQpGFrACNcBGAsYHQ/s400/tc%2Bpour%2Bover%2Bcate%2B1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sea kayak rock gardening on the Mendocino Coast of California</td></tr>
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Here is a one minute Vitamin Sea Video that features some of our Mendocino sea kayaking and rock gardening highlights from 2019. The video below might not show up well in your browser - if so, use this<a href="https://youtu.be/x7aorDDhMBk" target="_blank"> link t</a>o watch on YouTube.<br />
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<b>I am working on some more videos. </b></div>
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<b>Be sure to subscribe to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdXI92xqWl8cmbYb455anig" target="_blank">Liquid Fusion Kayaking's YouTube Channel </a>to be the first to see them.</b></div>
Cate Hawthornehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04839882738486589236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556448269780590797.post-47623360913755615162020-02-17T04:00:00.000-08:002020-02-17T04:00:10.024-08:00Sea Kayaking Camping TripMy favorite way to getaway is on a kayak camping trip. Whether on the river or the sea, I enjoy loading up my kayak and disconnecting from the world for a few days (as many as possible).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CfuVpKlIDS8/XkV_osIpWwI/AAAAAAAAD6A/FSUQNgQAkdUkSsgxE2Z8AltjEp6lU4qmQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P4238352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="whitewater kayak self support" border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CfuVpKlIDS8/XkV_osIpWwI/AAAAAAAAD6A/FSUQNgQAkdUkSsgxE2Z8AltjEp6lU4qmQCNcBGAsYHQ/s400/P4238352.JPG" title="whitewater kayak self support" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loading up my whitewater kayak on a self support kayak trip on the Eel River.</td></tr>
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A kayak is a great vehicle to carry all the necessities into the wilderness. And you can often carry a few non essential items. My favorite non essential items are my ukulele and a book (or kindle which offers me many books).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing the ukulele by the campfire on Mendocino's Eel River during a self support whitewater kayak trip.</td></tr>
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At the moment, I am tasking away on my winter projects and dreaming of my next kayak camping adventure. I am planning several self support whitewater river kayak trips for the spring and sea kayak camping trips for this fall.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sea kayak camping on the Mendocino Coast of California</td></tr>
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I took a bit of video on last year's sea kayak camping trip into the Akwa Triangle and am in the process of putting together a couple of videos. Where is the Akwa Triangle? It is a favorite remote stretch on the Mendocino Coast.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sea Kayak rock gardening in the Akwa Triangle on the Mendocino Coast of California</td></tr>
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Here is <a href="https://youtu.be/0QRA4PNOihU" target="_blank"><b>video</b></a> from day one. Please use the link if it doesn't play well in the blog.</div>
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I hope you enjoy the video. A second video sharing our rock gardening and sea cave exploration from the trip is in the works. Stay tuned.</div>
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Cate Hawthornehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04839882738486589236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556448269780590797.post-81116618138413993492020-02-03T04:00:00.000-08:002020-02-03T04:00:00.209-08:00Nature TherapyI recently heard the statistic that the average American only spends 15 minutes per day outside. Research studies are showing the beneficial effects on mind and body of being out in nature. Schedule it into your day and get out there! Ideally around trees and/or water but at a minimum getting outside is beneficial.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying a hike in the Redwood Forest in Mendocino County, California.</td></tr>
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Need some inspiration - here is a <a href="https://youtu.be/i24xXRZIArE" target="_blank">1 minute video</a> that I created from some nature, wildlife and kayaking clips from Fort Bragg's Noyo River. Take a moment and enjoy . . .</div>
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/i24xXRZIArE/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/i24xXRZIArE?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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To share our love of nature, Jeff and I are offering a nature therapy aka forest bathing experience. Check out Liquid Fusion Kayaking's <b><a href="https://liquidfusionkayak.com/forest-immersion-tour" target="_blank">Forest Immersion Tour.</a></b></div>
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Cate Hawthornehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04839882738486589236noreply@blogger.com032399 Basin St, Fort Bragg, CA 95437, USA39.431973 -123.794951413.909940499999998 -165.1035424 64.9540055 -82.4863604tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556448269780590797.post-81602541670202876552020-01-20T06:54:00.000-08:002020-01-20T06:57:43.229-08:00Crabby KayakersWinter is probably my favorite season on the Mendocino Coast. I love the excitement of winter storms - big waves, dramatic skies, and rain. It is fun to watch the weather forecasts and to go out on storm watching missions. Often our storm watching missions evolve into wave watching missions both on and off the water.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b2FhVvaTlrQ/XiW80eitxwI/AAAAAAAAD4M/bdqyp0jxaS8p5cPxNNu9AvmWAcN0P-1TwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/USCG%2BHail%2Bor%2BHigh%2BWater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b2FhVvaTlrQ/XiW80eitxwI/AAAAAAAAD4M/bdqyp0jxaS8p5cPxNNu9AvmWAcN0P-1TwCNcBGAsYHQ/s400/USCG%2BHail%2Bor%2BHigh%2BWater.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hail or High Water! The USCG training our of Noyo Harbor in stormy conditions that included hail, high winds, and huge surf.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xjApFsIlOvw/XiW9iCEclaI/AAAAAAAAD4U/WGXMeVJw-Xg437Wj-DV4j9FGgwupmPAdgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Little%2Bkayak%2Bbig%2Bsea.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xjApFsIlOvw/XiW9iCEclaI/AAAAAAAAD4U/WGXMeVJw-Xg437Wj-DV4j9FGgwupmPAdgCNcBGAsYHQ/s400/Little%2Bkayak%2Bbig%2Bsea.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing in big seas in our whitewater kayaks on the Mendocino Coast of California.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Winter is also Dungeness Crab season. This weekend kicks off<b><a href="https://visitmendocino.com/event/crab-feast-mendocino-2020/" target="_blank"> Mendocino County's Crab Feast</a></b>.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-68N6kZPfg_0/XiW_ilIAaUI/AAAAAAAAD4o/St2XMPS_zvw7pOJq94WmgKPiurB6-NsygCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Crabby%2BDay%2BHatch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-68N6kZPfg_0/XiW_ilIAaUI/AAAAAAAAD4o/St2XMPS_zvw7pOJq94WmgKPiurB6-NsygCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/Crabby%2BDay%2BHatch.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kayak Fishing for Dungeness Crab - aka crabbing.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Last week, <b><a href="https://abc7news.com/community-events/crab-feast-mendocino-2020/5842451/" target="_blank">ABC 7 Bay Area Life aired a special feature on Crab Feast Mendocino</a></b>. They interviewed Jeff and I and shared a little bit about <a href="https://liquidfusionkayak.com/" target="_blank"><b>Liquid Fusion Kayaking</b></a> in the feature.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="267" src="https://abc7news.com/video/embed/?pid=5843711" width="476"></iframe><br />
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This weekend's weather forecast is looking pretty wet. Grab your rain coat and do some storm watching and then feast on Dungeness Crab.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9jVSsyMSE8/XiW-hhIqDaI/AAAAAAAAD4g/tX402LpNaIgQxD9NqC-AK7WQfdG1_6FPACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Rain%2Bjacket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9jVSsyMSE8/XiW-hhIqDaI/AAAAAAAAD4g/tX402LpNaIgQxD9NqC-AK7WQfdG1_6FPACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/Rain%2Bjacket.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Storm watching from Fort Bragg's Noyo Headlands Park.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />Cate Hawthornehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04839882738486589236noreply@blogger.com032399 Basin St, Fort Bragg, CA 95437, USA39.431973 -123.794951439.038846 -124.44039790000001 39.8251 -123.1495049tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556448269780590797.post-16563379156546387832020-01-13T13:44:00.001-08:002020-01-13T13:46:49.146-08:00Gearing up for Winter Kayaking<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">It's a new year!
Are you excited to get out on the water but concerned about chilly air and cold water temperatures. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Here are some tips that I have found helpful for staying warm when kayaking in the winter months.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOBZ3P_vC5o/XhzkXF-t2AI/AAAAAAAAD3o/kbaKyNHdvo8OI2ugCiE-8hbBrEQN7LH3wCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Pelle%2Bphoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOBZ3P_vC5o/XhzkXF-t2AI/AAAAAAAAD3o/kbaKyNHdvo8OI2ugCiE-8hbBrEQN7LH3wCNcBGAsYHQ/s400/Pelle%2Bphoto.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sea kayaking on a chilly day on the North Coast of California. Photo by Pelle Hammarstrom</td></tr>
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</o:p></span></div>
<h3 style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><b>First - what is cold water?</b> </span></h3>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><a href="http://www.coldwatersafety.org/nccwsRules3.html" target="_blank">The National Institute for Cold Water Safety</a> says we should treat any water temperature below 70F with caution. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><b>What are the dangers of cold water?</b> </span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">Cold shock, drowning, heart failure, stroke, and hypothermia are the dangers. For more information, check out <a href="http://www.coldwatersafety.org/ColdIsDangerous.html" target="_blank">Why Cold Water is Dangerous</a>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><b>Tips for Winter Kayaking Warmth</b></span></h2>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Thermal Protection -<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">My number one choice for
paddling in the winter months is a <b><a href="https://womanonwater.blogspot.com/2017/12/drysuits.html" target="_blank">drysuit</a></b> - specifically one that includes
feet. I make sure that my drysuit is roomy so that if it is really chilly
or I am going to be in the water a lot I will still be warm. Read my <b><a href="https://womanonwater.blogspot.com/2017/12/drysuits.html" target="_blank">blog post on drysuits</a>.</b></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-57hZE_Ff5dI/XhzhPk5u6KI/AAAAAAAAD3U/jRkEolrXrfwEFrAj0wrlyxm-oODU6f3RwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/ABC7%2BBay%2BArea%2BLife.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="767" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-57hZE_Ff5dI/XhzhPk5u6KI/AAAAAAAAD3U/jRkEolrXrfwEFrAj0wrlyxm-oODU6f3RwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/ABC7%2BBay%2BArea%2BLife.jpg" width="255" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drysuits are a super comfy option for cold water and cold weather paddling. LFK instructors Jeff Laxier and Cate Hawthorne showing off their colorful and functional <b><a href="https://immersionresearch.com/collections/dry-suits" target="_blank">Immersion Research Drysuits</a></b>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">My layers
under the drysuit vary depending on air and water temperatures, how hard I am
going to be paddling, and how much time I plan to be in the water. My go-to base layer is my <b><a href="https://immersionresearch.com/collections/womens-base-layers/products/womens-thick-skin-union-suit" target="_blank">Immersion Research Women's Union Suit</a></b>.
I have found the Immersion Research (IR) women’s onesie to be the best fitting and functional
of the union suits available.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> The 2</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> features
that I really appreciate are the relief flap in the crotch and no zippers.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Depending upon
water and activity level, I may layer over my union suit (both top and
bottom).</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">I also carry an extra fleece
top in a dry bag in case I get chilled and want another base layer under my dry
top.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AlniRFREEeA/Xhzhy33cqDI/AAAAAAAAD3c/e-aL84cqxfMQ34rSOdvtgjAg7_sgGlwjgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IR%2BWomen%2527s%2BUnion%2BSuit.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AlniRFREEeA/Xhzhy33cqDI/AAAAAAAAD3c/e-aL84cqxfMQ34rSOdvtgjAg7_sgGlwjgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IR%2BWomen%2527s%2BUnion%2BSuit.webp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Immersion Research makes a super comfy zipperless onesie with a convenient relief flap.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">If a drysuit is not an
option, then a wetsuit and drytop combination is my second choice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here are 2 combinations that I have found to
work <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>5/4 surf
suit and a dry top<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3mm
Farmer Jane with a union suit and additional fleece top.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Keep Your Feet Warm<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">I often wear a pair of
wool socks (sometimes 2) and a pair of neoprene boots in my paddling
shoes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When its cold, I find neoprene paddling
shoes/booties to be warmer than my regular paddling shoes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Keep Your Hands Warm<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Pogies are my first
choice for keeping my hands warm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On
very cold days, I will wear gloves and pogies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My favorite paddling gloves are <a href="https://www.patagonia.com/product/r1-fishing-gloves/81721.html" target="_blank">Patagonia’s neoprene fly fishing gloves</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their XS fits my small hands perfectly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LK3ftBuElA8/XhzcK6SxAEI/AAAAAAAAD3A/R0vh4bJlxokP32XICe3QhVzLE3bPhF0LQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/pogies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="469" data-original-width="834" height="179" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LK3ftBuElA8/XhzcK6SxAEI/AAAAAAAAD3A/R0vh4bJlxokP32XICe3QhVzLE3bPhF0LQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/pogies.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pogie are mittens for kayaking. They velcro over the shaft of the paddle and work quite well.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Keep Your Ears Warm</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Keep your ears warm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I prefer ear plugs because they keep out cold
water and wind, work with my helmet, and <a href="https://womanonwater.blogspot.com/2016/10/protect-your-ears.html" target="_blank">protect my ears</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some people prefer to wear neoprene hoods or skull
caps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I am doing a lot of rolling or
swimming in cold water, I wear both ear plugs and a hood.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--coKCUTpzYc/XhzcmvPorZI/AAAAAAAAD3I/29Idf-sShJ0TFXH3Lb1QjdettGwA4KxdgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/macs%2Bplugs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="350" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--coKCUTpzYc/XhzcmvPorZI/AAAAAAAAD3I/29Idf-sShJ0TFXH3Lb1QjdettGwA4KxdgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/macs%2Bplugs.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ear plugs are an essential item for kayakers to protect their ears from the wind and cold water.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Protect Your Eyes from the
Wind<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Try wearing sunglasses
or glasses with clear lenses. You might be surprised how much they cut down on
the wind and help keep you warm.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P44i1A5CFB8/XhzZcucuOkI/AAAAAAAAD2k/8EBbtbhQegc-Fwmtzeqq9fI97XN8VGCVwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Cate%2BProfile.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P44i1A5CFB8/XhzZcucuOkI/AAAAAAAAD2k/8EBbtbhQegc-Fwmtzeqq9fI97XN8VGCVwCEwYBhgL/s320/Cate%2BProfile.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another excuse to wear my Maui Jim's.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Keep Well Fueled<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Make sure you stay well
hydrated and fueled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I usually bring a
small thermos with hot tea and honey or hot chocolate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On a cold day, I find the warmth and
sweetness are more appealing than plain water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At lunch time, I find that fatty foods like cheese and/or a nut or seed
butters work well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CjByGP4GsaI/XhzabpoTOyI/AAAAAAAAD2w/DMgVSiffxPAQkdg3Ph13fu6JBjtR5gDdwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1200878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CjByGP4GsaI/XhzabpoTOyI/AAAAAAAAD2w/DMgVSiffxPAQkdg3Ph13fu6JBjtR5gDdwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1200878.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Other Comforts<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Poncho</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> – I often carry an inexpensive easily packable
poncho to pull on at lunchtime and when we are off the water but not getting out
of our paddling kit right away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
provides a wind break and keeps heat in.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Dry Gloves and Hat</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> – for off water breaks, I keep a dedicated pair
of warm gloves, and a warm, dry, knit or neoprene hat to pull on during lunchtime
and off water breaks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jCn3xLJPBVA/XhzaH4u9ThI/AAAAAAAAD2s/sc55ObPsaa4VVZ52CRV3TLPkv2g61wahQCEwYBhgL/s1600/P1200873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jCn3xLJPBVA/XhzaH4u9ThI/AAAAAAAAD2s/sc55ObPsaa4VVZ52CRV3TLPkv2g61wahQCEwYBhgL/s320/P1200873.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunglasses and knit wool hats are part of my cold weather kit. Thanks mom for the cool hats.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">After paddling, I change
out of all of my paddling clothes (including base layers) and into dry, warm
clothes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For changing out of my paddling
base layers, I use my fleece changing station for warmth and modesty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Usually I have another warm knit hat stowed
with my extra dry clothes to be extra toasty (thanks mom for all the warm wool
knit hats).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">Please share in the comments below if you have other tips for staying warm when kayaking in the winter or if you have found any of these tips to be helpful.</span></span></div>
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<br />Cate Hawthornehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04839882738486589236noreply@blogger.com2