Vacation!

This week I find myself on Manisota Key, which is right between Sarasota and Ft. Meyers, Florida. My parents, aunt, and uncle had planned a week-long getaway over Christmas break, and they were gracious enough to let me escape work and join them. We're staying in an amazing condo that is right on the gulf, and thus far I've had a great time beach-walking, sunbathing, exploring, eating way too much, and even fishing!

Here around the Gulf and Intercoastal, sea kayaking is all the rage. I've seen beautiful kayaks strapped to the roofs of cars and available for rent at local marinas, and one of these days, I'd absolutely love to try it! There are great canals and islands to explore along the Intercoastal waterway, and to be able to paddle next to manatees and dolphins....what fun it would be!

Here in Florida, there is an incredible department store, Beall's, in which things are always on sale. I've taken full advantage of this. I've bought three pairs of quick-dry, zip-off pants, two quick dry sun shirts, and three pairs of zip-off pants for my boyfriend, who requested them after hearing what a rediculous deal they were. Needless to say, I think I'm set on camping clothing now!

On a silly note, my dad is reading a book by one of my favorite authors, Carl Hiaasen. When he pulled the book from his bag, he noted, "Hey Mer...it's you!". I had to laugh....brunette girl in her red kayak, complete with snake and mosquitos. If only I could grow my hair that long. Even more amusing - the title of the book is "Nature Girl". In the past, I've gone by the nickname of "Nature Mer", so I'm really enjoying the book cover.

It will be tragic leaving the 70s and 80s of Florida and returning to the cold and snow of Michigan, but that's life, and hey....Spring is coming....I know it is....

Buying more gear....

I crumbled.....I bought the Taj 3 tent. If the damn thing wasn't so on sale (I saved over $70 on the purchase), I would have held back. But it is such a good tent and such a great price. And besides, it will never hurt be to have a larger tent. Even if I drag aforementioned significant other on his first paddling trip and he ends up hating it, there are friends to share a tent with, or I can just enjoy more space to myself. Or I can find a new boyfriend. Just joking about that last one.

The tent's going to get in when I'm away in Florida for a week - what a fun toy to play with when I get back, though! I hope this baby serves me well. In examining it further, it looks like the setup is nearly identical to my current one-person tent, so I hope it feels familar and performs just as well as my first one.

I'm ready for camping by myself, and I'm ready for camping with two. Now the ground just needs to thaw, the temperature needs to rise, and I need to be back out in the woods and on the river!

My Wishlist

This weekend I was supposed to be in Ann Arbor, spending quality time with a very awesome guy. Unfortunately, the flu has struck with a vengence and I am on self-imposed house arrest for the weekend, fighting fever, hacking cough, aches, and all the fun that comes with the flu.

In my boredom, I've been knitting, planning spring paddling trips (my first two destinations - the Huron and Dowagiac), and looking longingly at gear that I wish to purchase. In this spirit, I have compiled a list of gear that I would like for my paddling adventures.

#1 - REI Taj 3 Tent

I absolutely adore the one-person tent I got at an REI garage sale two years ago. My current tent is solid as a rock, water tight, and has served me well on several paddling trips. Even in the worst of weather, it hasn't failed me. But it truly is a one-person tent, and with the hopes that I'll have a tentmate come spring (the boyfriend claims he'd love to try overnight paddling trips), I'll need a bigger tent. This tent is rediculously on sale at REI Outlet, it has glowing reviews, and I am so tempted to buy it an the footprint that goes with it. A big purchase, but a practical one, I think. Every year I have one "frivilous" buy with a portion of my tax return. This may very well be this year's purchase.

#2 - A New Paddling PFD

My current PFD, which I've had since high school, is in horrible shape. The fabric is torn and mildewy, the straps are worn, and all in all, it's not very safe anymore. There are so many great and exciting options in PFDs nowadays! The best thing I've found, thus far, is that several women's paddling vests now have built-in cups to accomodate large busts, as opposed to the usual squashing and squishing of past PFDs. As a well-endowed paddler, I'm beside myself with joy to discover this new innovation. It's about time. I'd like one with good pockets in the front (for storing maps, knife, and other tools) and mesh, at least on the sides, for ventilation. The MTI PFDiva and Stohlquist BetSEA are top contenders.

#3 - Primus TechnoTrail II Stove with Ignitor

I was so jealous of Brett's MSR "Pocket Rocket" on a previous trip! I have a two-burner Coleman stove currently. It is huge and totally inconvenient to take on a trip. I always borrow Nate's stove when we're actually on the river, and I think it's high time to get my own. I looked at the MSR, Brunton, and Coleman models of this type of stove, and from the reviews I've read, the Primus has much larger and more supportive arms for holding up a pot than the other models, yet it still folds down to the same size as its competitors. This is another rediculously on sale item that I'm chomping at the bit to purchase. May have found a good cheap one on Ebay.

#4 - A good cookpot/mug

My "el cheapo" mess kit is awesome for basic dining, but I would like a sturdier container for boiling water and cooking up my meals. I really like this cookset, it's only $20, and I think it'd be a fine purchase. They nest together and have their own storage sack....a good addition to my dining kit, I think....

Cushion is in!

My new Crazy Creek inflatable backrest/cushion came in this past Monday, and after examining it, I can't wait to take it out on my first trip in the Spring!

The cushion is certainly large enough to give me lots of support...I just hope it will fit within the cockpit of my kayak. I love the quick relase on the airvalve - it ought to make adjusting the backrest, even while in my kayak, a piece of cake. The straps to attach it look entirely compatible with my kayak's seat, and thus far, it looks like a very good purchase.

I even layed on the ground and tested it as a camp pillow - it feels great! I'm planning on buying some quick-drying fabric from JoAnn's and sewing a simple pillowcase for it. Afterall, I'm not going to want my face against the same fabric that has been against my sweaty back all day. I know, gross....but true.

The stuff sack it comes with will make packing a breeze and I think it packs pretty small. Needless to say, I'm stoked by my latest paddling purchase!