Not terribly lost in translation

For those of you who read yesterday's post and thought, "That's cool, but I wish I could read about it in French," we have good news!
It was picked up today by "Le Kayak et la mer."
Here's what they wrote:

Fabriquer son bout de remorquage court

Publié le 27 octobre

En principe tous les kayakistes ont déjà un bout de remorquage long, c’est obligatoire en 6eme catégorie.
Mais plus rares sont ceux qui possèdent un bout court pourtant bien utile pour sortir rapidement un kayak d’un endroit difficile, assurer une pagaie ou même servir de leach. Vous trouverez sur le site Have kayaks, will travel une méthode très détaillée pour en fabriquer un de très bonne qualité ainsi qu’une méthode d’utilisation. C’est en anglais mais les nombreuses photos sont très explicites. Je crois bien que je vais m’en construire un sur ce modèle.

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Art and Life

"Not all are called to be artists in the specific sense of the term. Yet, as Genesis has it, all men and women are entrusted with the task of crafting their own life: in a certain sense, they are to make of it a work of art, a masterpiece." Letter of Pope John Paul II to Artists
I don't believe that God has called me to be an artist in the specific sense of the term. I do believe that he's called me to surround myself with beauty and share it with others.
This is the photo which won The Heritage Award in Photography at our local county fair last week. I've tried for years to win first place. Finally, it happened. This has been a good month for me, photographically speaking. One more thing to mark off the ole' bucket list.

40 days of beard-growing goodness

Race day is almost here for the Mankato Marathon.
Almost everyone participating in this year's race is probably in the midst of tapering and mentally preparing themselves for the big day.I definitely fit into that category as well, though my tapering had to begin early due a nagging Achilles injury. I've had difficulty going on sizable runs without feeling pain in that area, and most of my longer workouts have been confined to eliptical running machines. I'm not particularly thrilled about relying on elipticals, but I know they're good for maintaining the necessary cardiovascular endurance.
In terms of being ready for the race in a cardiovascular sense, I think I'm good to go. As for the nagging Achilles, we'll just have to wait and see.
Of course, tapering isn't the only thing I'm doing this week in regards to race day. As followers of my blog probably know, I also have a poll people can vote on for what type of facial hair I'll be sporting for the half marathon.
The photo at right was taken today to commemorate 40 days of growing a "runners beard." As it stands, the mutton chops option of the poll is winning by a nose, but voters still have until Friday morning to cast a vote.
Personally, I'm kind of hoping for the mustache to win the poll. I've never sported a mustache before and imagine it would an invigorating experience. However, I will adhere to whatever choice my readers.
Hopefully it will make for some interesting race day photos.

Kenosha Lakefront

Sunday I was planning to ride in the morning. But, the forecast was for rain in the morning. The rain hit during breakfast.
Spent the day visiting with family. After some dinner, I was getting antsy to ride. Though it was a bit warm and humid, there was a breeze and I was heading to the lakefront.
Rode from my mom's apartment to Carthage College. From there down the Pike River Trail along Lake Michigan. At Southport I stopped for G2 and granola bar. Today's photo was taken along the channel from the Lake along the marina.
Temperature was much cooler along the lake. Had a good ride. Ended up just over 11 miles, taking my annual miles up to 901.
Monday was driving time to home. Today after ham radio breakfast, brought the Fuel EX7 to the shop for a thorough check-out. Hope the temperatures moderate for more comfortable riding soon.

Kadunce River Gorge

Did you know that there are canyons in Minnesota that could qualify as slot canyons, similar to those found in the southwestern United States? Well, here is one! Sure, it's not a super-skinny slot that you have to squeeze sideways to get through it, but I think it's narrow enough and deep enough to qualify. This is on the Kadunce River just north of Grand Marais, MN not far upstream from Highway 61. There are many wonders to explore on this beautiful little river. I think I could spend the whole day photographing just the first mile of river upstream from Lake Superior. It is a magical canyon wonderland, in an area where you would least expect it! When you start out on the trailhead from Highway 61 you would never guess that this deep gorge is just a short walk away.

How rude!

How rude, to just disappear for so many moons with no explanation.
In the beginning, I didn't realize it would be so long. I intended to start back several times, but somehow my good intentions kept getting foiled. (Evil forces, no doubt.)
Listlessness, lassitude, lethargy. Laziness! And also a bit of a detour towards a genealogical addiction.
I know, those dead relatives aren't really going anywhere. But with the living ones, well you never know. Got to prise all those deep dark family secrets out of them while they're still around. Got to motivate them to dig in the closet for those old portraits, before they're sold for a song at the estate sale (since nobody has a clue who those old moldy dudes are anymore).
Anyway. Sorry for the long absence. Hope you'll forgive me.

Multi-purpose gifts

Dear in-laws, we thank you for the fruit!

And so do the cats.
George especially. She sits in the box and seems particularly content, at least until someone starts flashing a camera around.
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Submitted to the Friday Ark.