Posts filed under 'Uncategorized'
It has been a week now since I returned to the land of 8-5 work. I had the wonderful opportunity to travel the country with Stephen and the world with the US freestyle kayak team. I had more work than anticipated as the team Physical Therapist, and am now back to PT full time. I have a ton of stories and experiences, however need to get some pics to make the stories more exciting. Be back soon for more stories.
My first day back in the Reno Whitewater park was amazing. Super fun play, and an interesting rescue.
I was in Hole 5 when I heard shouts from the shore. I look up in time to see some poor old, and drunk, guy float by face down. I peel out, flip him over, he starts breathing again and with the help of some others pull him to shore. As we pull him out of the water we realize his pants have fallen off. Welcome back to Reno!!!
September 27th, 2009
I do have a lot to write about kayaking, but I just got off a great mountain bike ride and thought I would share that first while it is fresh on my mind. Or while I can still feel it on my behind. (The seat and shorts help, but your still gonna feel a couple hours in the saddle).
I just got a new mountain bike. Yeti 575. And it RULES. Plus, Stephen bought me a new helmet with pink flames!!! I swear it makes me faster. I was able to take the new bike out a couple times in Salida. (More to come on FIBark), but now I am in Southern UT. THE place for downhill and rolling single track. My brother, Corey, and I took an 11mile loop around Navajo Lake. Great single track, an occasional swim break for the dogs, and a weird mile or so through lava beds. All I need is a steep creek and play spot. Life would be close to perfect. Oh. . . I guess having Stephen here wouldn’t hurt.
July 2nd, 2009
It has been cloudy and rainy for the past two days and has brought the mighty Truckee River up to almost 1000 cfs. Finally, some water. I met Ruth and Justin at the Reno park for a couple hours in the cold. I wore gloves, but can’t feel my fingers. I wore a skull cap, but can’t feel my face and ears. Oh the things we do for a thrill.
I sure hope the moisture in the mountains help the levels stick. Stephen is on his way out and I would hate for him to miss all the FUN. The Sierra’s are going OFF!!!!
March 3rd, 2009
There aren’t any pretty pictures or videos in this blog. Just a public service announcement.
We have added to the Ultimate Kayaking Vehicle. My brother John, with the help from Stephen and myself, added a boomin’ sound system to the van. Yes, 10in sub and amp. So the next time you are at your local play spot, and feel the windows shaking. You know the big red van has arrived.
February 9th, 2009
YAY. . . New Years with Stephen. Who can ask for anything better!!
I had an amazing New Years. Kristine made delicious food and chocolate mouse. We played hours of pinball and rock band. I got to play with the new puppy Tilly. And I got a sore throat. Yep, the most aniticipated week with Stephen was spoiled with sickness. Sore throat, boogers, and whole body fatigue. I stayed the next couple days in bed or struggling to make it through disc golf. Clay and Tara allowed me to slouch on the couch for hours.
Finally on one of my last days in Tennessee I got dressed and went kayaking. I wanted to try out the Little Hero and fortunately there was enough water to make it over the falls. Stephen, Clay, EJ, Dooley, and I headed down to the falls. It was super fun. . . until I broke a paddle. Oooooops!!! Sorry about that. It is a good thing Stephen can also C1. 
Even with the broken paddle. . . It was super fun. Soft landing and good people. I’ll do it again in a second.
January 5th, 2009
I think it was Ruth and Jason.
The biggest storm of the season landed in Reno this past monday. My mind became full of joyful images including snowboarding, skiing, and mountain fun, but Ruth, Jason, and T. Faux had other plans. Plans of kayaking. . . in 30 degree weather. And I fell for it.
After layers of capalene and fleece (I love my NRS union suit), my hands placed in pogi’s, and the 4 inches of snow whiped off my boat, we ended up with a great day at the Reno whitewater park. Yes, the water was low but who really wanted to be upside down anyway.
At least least now my little brothers can’t call me a pansy anymore!!! Thanks for the photos Toby, and GET WELL SOON!!!!
December 16th, 2008
Now that it is officially cold (below freezing), I am reminded of the trip we took less than a month ago to Skookumchuck Narrows in BC.
We started in the big red van with Sera, Black Dog, Figi, Ruth, Stephen, and myself. After a day of travel we arrived to pick up Clay in Seattle, and only a couple hours late Dane and Nick. The biggest happy family in the biggest happy van. Unfortunately we missed the ferry out of Vancouver, so Billy and Carly Harris were brave enough to house us for the night.
Finally after a ferry, Tim Hortons, and couple cups of coffee we were on the road to the little freezing rainforest of heaven.
The peak this November started at 7am, therefore every morning started out with a paddle or bike ride in the dark. Talk about a strain on the senses. A out of place root and you were on your face. Thanks to the dog beacon, I at least knew where the trail was.
I wasn’t much for surfing when the peak was huge. The whirlpools of death sat at the pit of my stomach, but I was able to get out a couple times each day. For the rest of the time I played the world best photographer for the people who get paid to do this stuff. Enjoy.
December 14th, 2008
I know. . . I know. . . Halloween was about a month ago and I am just now getting up something about surfest. I have no excuses.
Anyhoo. . . Surfest is an annual shindig Toby puts together at the Pacific coast. It isn’t just any coast, but Bodega Bay. Which, I learned while watching Shark Week, is part of the “Red Triangle”. The Red Triangle is a fun place full of Great White Shark attacks. YAY!!!! I guess that is part of the lure of ocean kayak surfing.
The weekend was great. There was a costume party, ocean kayak surfing, rain, and a showing of Jaws. Did I mention rain. Yes, the entire weekend it rained. Luckily we had an old tarp and a bunch of paddles. We made a great shelter. Did I mention the delicious seafood goulash??
November 27th, 2008
This Fall in Reno has brought out our new phenomenon. An almost daily triathlon. We start with a mountain bike ride. The initial point of this is to wear out the dogs, however it is also fun. We usually head up Evans Creek or Keystone Canyon so we can end at the brand new DISC GOLF course.
Ah yeah. . . the second event is disc golf. Reno just opened the back nine at Th Ranch. That would be Rancho San Rafael. Feel free to drop by sometime. It Rules.
Our last event is appropriately kayaking. The park is low, but still fun. Hole 3 is still the spinners dream, and Hole 5 um. . . I still get my butt kicked. And we now have TWO, yes I said two, parks. Sparks has water in its park, however it is kinda hard to get there since they are still doing construction on the banks.
October 26th, 2008
It seems like I just started kayaking for the season, and already it is snowing. Friday was a winter wonderland here in Reno. Huge flakes and almost an inch in the valley. Looks like it is time to get my snowboard all tuned up. Strange. . . I was just at the Sparks whitewater park on wed.
Fall in Reno is a strange place. Freezing snow today. . . back to the 70’s midweek. Can’t complain about a place where you can kayak, mountain bike, and snowboard all within a couple of minutes of each other.
October 11th, 2008
Previous Posts
