Around the Great Lakes

Expedition Hat in Texas!

My new Spring Green NDK (Sea Kayaking UK – SKUK) Explorer came attached with a bit of a story. A couple of years ago, on a fluke, Tim Russell stayed at Lutsen Resort. We offer free kayaking lessons and guided trips to all guests at the resort, and Tim signed up. After the three hour tour, kayaking placed a hook into Tim. He went out on a few private lessons with me, and then we created a monster, because he’s fallen for the sport enough to have it have taken him all over the world kayaking. He’s even gone as far as becoming an ACA Instructor.

When I started talking about my trip around the Great Lakes, he decided to give me a kayak for the trip. I think it was his way of paying me back for introducing him to kayaking, and I really appreciate the gift. (P.s. He let me mention this only if I made it clear that he isn’t giving kayaks away to everyone that comes looking for one.)

So, when you see my kayak in pictures, please, think of the passion that kayaking develops in a people. It is and can be a life changing activity.

A couple of days ago, I sent a questioner to Tim. Here are his answers:

BH: What is your connection to the Great Lakes?
TR: I never lived right on any of the Great Lakes but have been lucky enough to live near them for several years.    During that time I visited all five and was enchanted by their diversity.    The lakes range from thunderous falls to quiet backwaters, open seas to marshes, from cliffs to wide sandy beaches,  from world class cities to quaint villages, from glorious spring mornings to tremendous storms.    There are many adjectives but perhaps the best one was simply Great.

BH:Why do you like kayaking?
TR: Paddling provides a wonderful perspective from which to enjoy the environment that I immensely enjoy. While it takes incredible skills and ability to attempt the adventure on which you are embarking, anyone with a little effort and training can have adventures of their own in their own area enjoying things that this quiet perspective offers.   At the same time, the sport can offer as much challenge as one is willing to pursue.  Kayaking is a life time adventure about which you can learn something every time you go out.

BH: Where is your favorite place to paddle on the Great Lakes?
TR: My favorite places are now the memories since I recently moved away. Of these, two come quickly to mind.    One is paddling along the shore of Lake Superior with friends from the UMD program.  One trip in particular was from the Split Rock Lighthouse up to Tettegouche.   The other is paddling with a buddy at the mouth of the Brule River playing in the tide race as the waves hit the river current.

Thanks, Tim, for the support, the friendship, and the sweet kayak!

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Tags: gear, hat, help out, NDK Explorer, spring green