Paddling Shinnecock Bay

With Sunday's strong west wind, I chose to head out to Shinnecock Bay and paddle in the lee of the Hampton Bays shoreline.  There is a great little put-in at the eastern end of Shinnecock Road that I used, putting me on the water just north of the Coast Guard Station by the Ponquogue Bridge.  I haven't been there in a long time, but was quickly reminded why I love Shinnecock Bay so much.  Here are a few pictures of the short, but awesome paddle from that day. 

Wood Burning Camp Stove/Generator

Here's a link to the GearJunkie website for a review of what looks like an amazing new product for those of us that love camping.  It's a small camp stove that burns wood, but also uses the heat generated to charge electronic devices like cell phones and iPods.  Amazing!!!  (if it works)

A cold, winter paddle

Nothing like breaking through the early morning ice to get your boat back to the beach!

My New Greenland Paddle

I just started carving my second Greenland paddle yesterday, using Chuck Holst's directions at the site "Carving a Greenland Paddle". His directions are super-easy to understand and follow, and are almost fool-proof. The problem I had with my first paddle had nothing to do with his site at all. rather, I picked a board that did not have a balanced grain, and thus, was not a balanced paddle.

So, I spent much more time carefully selecting my piece of cedar this time, and am excited about the progress I made so far. The paddle is measured, the lines are all drawn, and the basic shape has been cut out. Now the true carving begins. So far so good...

Someone tougher than winter paddlers?

I thought I was tough, paddling in sub-zero temperatures and breaking through thin ice with my kayak. At least, I did think I was tough until I saw this guy swimming through the same water I was paddling. He just happened to be wearing nothing more than a Speedo and a bathing cap. Now, that is one tough guy!