Canoecopia : It's not a small world after all

We often talk about paddlesports being a small world. But when most of the major manufacturers of boats, paddles, clothing and gear, along with clubs and organizations, outfitters and publications, come together under one roof in March, it feels pretty big. Add more than a hundred presentations in meeting rooms and a swimming pool, and more than 20,000 visitors, and Canoecopia earns its claim of bring the largest paddlesportsconsumerevent in the world.

Dusting off a canoe before the crowd comes in.

We arrived early this year to help set up a table for The Gales Storm Gathering, the intermediate/advanced, bumpy water sea kayaking instructional event that will be held October 11 to 13 in the Apostle Islands.

Keith Wikle taping the new banners behind the booth.

We also got the update on the current line of spray skirts and pogies from Scott Lynch, who representsSnap Dragon Designat Canoecopia and spent more than a decade working in the paddlesports industry before launching his dream business: La Fortuna, a mobile wood-fired pizza business. (Like so many people in this business, he wears several hats.)

Scott Lynch explains the construction and features of the Glacier Trek spray skirt. Durable Snap Dragon skirts feature a one-piece spray deck and graduated levels of bungee tension depending on the model you buy.

We were double agents (at least--perhaps quadruple agents) at Canoecopia this year. We were vendors in the Snap Dragon booth, exhibitors at the Gales and CASKA tables, speakers at the swimming pool, and customers eager to soak it all in. And there was a lot to absorb. As usual, we prowled the aisles looking for new products and innovations.

Sharon tries on the new Kokatat Maximus Prime PFD, a whitewater rescue vest that really fits smaller paddlers (and larger ones, too). This vest has especially wide shoulder straps and webbing adjustments in the front, making it easier to get a snug fit, even on a short torso.

Level 6 offers a Creek Boot with a wide toe bed and a grippy, flexible and sturdy sole. Designed by Level 6 co-founder and Canadian Slalom Team racer Stig Larsson, it's slim enough to to bend and fit in a boat but sturdy enough to protect your soles during a portage.

North Water offers the tow systems preferred by most of the top paddlers and coaches in North America.

Alec checks out the P&H Delphin 150, which launched a new category of sea kayaks designed to excel in surf and play spots.

Canoecopia also offers a rare opportunity to talk with the designers, sales managers and often the founders of the companies that make the boats and gear we use. It's a chance to hear talks by and engage in conversation with all kinds of paddlers on all kinds of topics. And even though we always say there's nothing more we need, we end up buying something new and exciting. This year it was kneeling pads and painter rope for our canoe, and one new shirt apiece. We'll be back next year.

Superior Ice Arch

I found this cool arch today just as the day was ending. The cloud cover was pretty thick so there wasn't much "good" light for sunset, but I still found the scene interesting enough to photograph. A few days ago we had a lot of wind which pushed some ice in close to the shoreline, and the resulting wave action as it buffeted the ice along the shore made some neat arches, caves and other formations.

Sunset Amphitheater

The Headwall Couloir...

A team of five climbers made a strong attempt on this remote and difficult route a few weeks ago. Here are a few images from one member's website; I'll attempt to sumarize the trip. They decided not to post a report, but did share a few details with me.

The team first noticed that a major section of the Tahoma Creek Trail was destroyed below the suspension bridge/Wonderland Trail. Last fall, glacier outbursts from a heavy rain storm took out some of the westside road and Tahoma Creek Trail. The trail washout, in particular, was rather amazing. The original trail abruptly disappears into a creek bed of gravel, rock and boulders. What was once an old growth forest, moss, downed trees, dense vegatation, is now a creek bed with gigantic trees. The forest floor is buried. In all, about 1/2 mile of the trail is wiped out.
As for the climbing route... The team reported a few problem, the first significant one being a dropped set of tent poles. This would make things difficult later on. Also, and maybe more importantly, they selected a route up St. Andrews Rock that cost them a day of travel... This exposure left them more vulnerable to the changing weather. And that's what happened, wind, snow, /12 a tent, and a snow shelter... It made for an interesting night.

After losing the effectiveness of one tent, and a day of travel, the team reluctantly retreated with plans of returning. Despite not summiting, they felt the route was a go! Here is a closer picture of the Amphitheater and upper Puyallup Glacier.

For more information, see: a listing of climbs here. These photos are courtesy of Alexandre Mineev

Wildlife and the Cosmos

Monday was cold, Tuesday was windy. Took the opportunity to get some rest and recover. Yesterday, I was ready to get out and do something. Once it warmed up enough, I headed south to revisit Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. Figured that if I had time, I might check out Very Large Array while in te area.

I was disappointed with the wildlife out yesterday. No snow geese - guess they had headed North already. Did not see any deer. Lots of cranes and ducks. Took a couple photos and headed to VLA.

Very Large Array is a collection of 27 antennas configured in a "Y", comprising a radio telescope. Each dish (antenna) measures 82 feet across. When set in the widest configuration, the array acts as one dish 22 miles in diameter!

You will find the Very Large Array in the Plains of San Agustin 50 miles West if Socorro, New Mexico. Interesting day.

Trails Clear

Yesterday was the day to take the hybrid up for a spin. Sunny, light breeze from the WSW, temp in the 30s. There were some clouds when I headed out from the Wabash Trace trail head, they started dissipating.
Had reasons to ride the hybrid. Wanted to checkout the fenders and how it would handle on slippery conditions. Well, did not really accomplish these goals as the trail was clear and mostly dry.
Council Bluffs Parks & Rec did a great job clearing ice/snow off the trails. I did not encounter a slick spot on my ride from the trail head to the Trail Center. The photo above shows the "worst" section of the ride. Thanks Larry Foster and Crew!
Though it was in the 30s, near 40 when riding, it felt cooled than yesterday. Even had a layer more on the core. Since the hybrid is equipped with SPD pedals, I had to wear my cycling shoes. With the neoprene booties, they were comfortable.
Logged 17 miles. Longest ride of the year. Unfortunately, it looks like the weather is heading south, soon.

Liesurely Ride on the Lake Manawa Trail

A little remiss blogging about my ride last week. Wednesday was about the only day that was warm enough and not windy, conducive for a bike ride. Aired up the tires on the hybrid and loaded the bike to the car rack.

A chilly breeze was blowing from the SW. Temperature did not feel the 50 degrees that the thermometer indicated. Headed down the Lake Manawa Trail and see how far I decided to ride. A little before I reached the Indian Creek bridge, I ran across "Tom" - a bird watcher & photographer. We had stopped and visited previous (at almost the same place on the trail).

Tom told me he was planning to shoot some photos of the eagles that are now calling Lake Manawa State Park home. That peaked my interest. Continues my ride to the bridge and turned back towards the trailhead.

In no special hurry, when I caught up with Tom again, I rode with him (he's on foot). He's still shooting film (slides) with a Canon EOS. Planning to get some photos along the E side on Lake Manawa. Made plans the meet with him after I finish my ride.

Decided to take a little side ride on the Nature trail. (see photo). Noticed several large bird nests high in the trees along the nature trail. Pedaled on to the car and loaded the bike on the rack.

Thought I might have missed Tom since it took a little longer for me to get back to the car and load the bike. Thought I might have missed him, but found him at the place expected. Watch the eagles and visited a little. Gave him one of my calendars.

Didn't ride many miles but sure had a enjoyable afternoon. Topped it off with a visit with Blaine at the bike shop.

Eagle Landing

Just one of the 4 Eagles that I saw flying around the visitor center at work today. This immature Eagle was coming in for a landing on one of the Birch trees along the banks of the Pigeon River.