Thursday, June 26, 2008

THE KAYAK FLOATS!!

This evening, in an informal outing with just Leighann and 5,000 blood thirsty mosquitos, I launched my kayak into the water. All the hard work, epoxy dust, varnish fumes and sanding over the past 6 months finally paid off. Not that it wasn't all about the journey, the process of building, but I always knew that the first paddle would be sweet and I would have my own, hand-built wooden sea kayak to show for all the hard work. 

The boat glided through the river with ease, and water shed off the varnished deck. As we paddled along the shoreline, a very gentle warm summer breeze pushed us along in our discovery. A little later, longer shadows and threatening blisters told us it was time to turn around. 

I'd like to thank everyone for reading and viewing the blog over the past 6 months. You have been so supportive and your comments (and contributions to the kayak fund) helped me more than you know. The construction might be done, but stick around for summer kayak tales of adventure.

Mark


Loading up the boats.


Ready for launch.


The first voyage.

Exploring the shoreline.

Reflections.

Happy Captain.

Perfect.


5 comments:

Lupine Lady said...

WOW!! Let us be the first to congratulate you on a wonderful fine job. It's a sweet feeling to have accomplished so much. It's beautiful to see the kayak on water and the smile on your face. What a pleasure it must be to have Leighann at your side in her kayak, too. Love, Mom and Dad

Katie said...

How thrilling that your kayak is finally out of the workshop, and in the water!! Great photos of your first adventure in your amazing new kayak!! Thanks again for sharing the building of this very special boat, and I hope to see many more photos and stories of your future kayak trips!

Katie said...

P.S. Here's a little poem for the Happy Captain, thanks to Judge Smails:

It's easy to grin
When your ship comes in
And you've got the stock market beat.
but a man worthwhile
Is the man who can smile
When his shorts are too tight in the seat!

Cynthia said...

Oh Mark, she's absolutely beautiful!! You've done such a great job; Grandaddy would be very proud of you. Way to go. You're right...PERFECT!

Auntie Cyn

Unknown said...

wow, mark, that's totally awesome. fantastic, splendid, amazing. what an enormous amount of work, and what a gorgeous result. bummer about the mosquitoes - my skin's crawling just thinking about THAT part. but fall is coming - oh, those fall paddles with the leaves and all. nip in the air......and no mosquitoes left alive to harass you! big hug to you and leighann. xxootrish