The annual communist day post

Little different subject matter this year; apologies if it seems I’m beating the horse to death.

No work today; boss told us all to take it off on Friday as he will be at some Harley shindig or ‘nother. Typical Labor Day weather, hot in early AM, hotter by noon, putrid by three, and thunder boomer fun by 6. Said to hell with it, took the Yak on the river. Left out at 9, just made it home at 5, in time to hear the sky starting to grumble.

8 miles down river, one set of rapids that borderline whitewater, and 7 areas where water speed is pretty quick, guessing 5mph or so. Had considered taking it all the way to the next decent sized town, Bville, then got a masochidtic streak in me and turned around to head back upstream.

Only had the greenland with me. Reason: I had used the euro for a short spell on Saturday, maybe 15 minutes, and my shoulder was throbbing all day Sunday. Those leaf blades just tear me up.

Anywhoos, masochistic streak, greeland paddle, but had a tow rope along because I KNOW I can’t paddle UP that whitewaterish area.

Did pretty good IMO. Didn’t have to portage but the one time, and was able to get far closer to the splash than the last time I came up that way. The more I use this greenland, the more sold I get with it. Even in fast moving shallow water, I was able to pull ahead. Shifting strokes was intuitive, though I did hit a few rocks with it. Gouged up the tips a bit. Was even able to ‘pole’ my way out of a right spot on a tougher section. I’d have bent the shit out of my euro paddle if I’d done that with it.

8 miles down stream is easy compared to 8 miles up. I’m whooped and feel like I have done 10 gazzilion push ups, pull ups, and crunchers. My ass even hurts right now. But all those hurts don’t compare to what my shoulder felt like Sunday mornin. I’m thinking of making another greenland so I have a back up, just in case I snap this one or off chance lose control of it.

Its a steak n salad night tonight. I earned it.