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Day 218

7/11/2010

6 Comments

 
Daily stats
Start: 8:30 AM - Cleveland, OH
Break: 12:30 AM - 3:30 PM Huntington Beach, OH
Finish 6:30 PM - , OH
Time: 7:00
Daily dist: 25 miles
Total dist: 4200+
Companions: Mark and Wendy then local paddling club
Weather: Mostly clear w/ variable winds high in 80’s
Notes: A nice day on the water with Mark and Wendy then later with a local kayak club.
Throughout this trip I have benefited immeasurably from the kindness and generosity of people who barely know me. Today was once again one of those days.

Picture
Mark from 41 Degrees North
The day started out from the rowing club dock in downtown Cleveland where I was joined by Mark who hosted me the last two days. His plan was to paddle north with me for about ten miles, then catch up with another paddler near our destination that could shuttle him back to his truck. The plan went off like clockwork and about an hour from Huntington Beach we were joined by Wendy who had put in not too far away. We all paddled in to the beach together, then after a snack break at the “Honey Hut” snack shop, Mark and Wendy launched and headed back toward town to the next beach over where Wendy’s car was waiting.

Picture
Wendy on her way back toward the put in
All morning long I had, once again, been fussing with my camera trying to get it to keep the white balance settings straight. The camera has been exceptionally problematic lately especially, it seems, when the pictures I’m taking are more important than the norm. After watching me fuss with the camera all morning, Mark offered to lend me his camera for the rest of the trip with a promise to mail it back when I was done. It takes the same memory card and battery that my current camera does so it would be perfect. Knot being in an easy position to purchase my own new camera I accepted Mark’s offer and now have a much more reliable camera to use for the rest of the trip. I owe Mark a lot for taking that concern off my mind.

Picture
Lighthouse outside of Lorian OH
The plan for me was to continue on to the west trying to hook up with a few local paddlers who were camped out at a lakeside home that belongs to one of their members Colleen. A few phone calls throughout the day let me to the lighthouse where a posse of local paddlers were on their way to greet me and lead me back to the beach. I’d missed a giant beach party they’d had the night before. Judging by the 10x30 foot pile of still warm ash on the ground one could imagine that it must have been one great party. After getting cleaned up a few of us walked next door and Colleen picked up the tab for a nice dinner at the Mexican restaurant located there. As I write this I’m camped out in Colleen’s back yard ready for an expeditious launch in the morning to once again try to beat the wind.

Picture
My welcoming committie from the local paddling club
6 Comments
Jan Kleck
7/11/2010 02:03:18 pm

I have checked in with you many times today and it finally paid off, it is midnight but your post came through. It is so interesting to think of you in that part of the country. Not surprised but so glad you have met the warm, trusting people of Ohio. I think Mark is amazing to loan his camera - not so surprising, however, because we all react to you in the same way. Continued good paddling!

Reply
Jan Kleck
7/11/2010 02:05:17 pm

I was not lying - all my clocks tell me that it is after midnight! Wierd!

Reply
Janet Wiegel
7/11/2010 03:32:36 pm

Hey, Jake!

Just wanted you to know the kids of River Crossing school in Portage WI are still following you! Can't wait to see you in October!

Reply
Mark Pecot link
7/12/2010 03:47:51 am

Jake,

Glad the camera is working out for you...I was wondering if the USB cables were the same, and apparently they are!

Looks like you're well on your way to Kelleys Island. Enjoy the Lake Erie Water Snakes and be sure to hike up for a peek at the Glacial Grooves.

Happy Paddling,
Mark

Reply
Dave Lindo link
7/12/2010 12:24:44 pm

Way to go Mark. I would hate to miss the pictures at this point. Good man.

Dave Lindo
OKC Kayak

Reply
Portage Dug
7/15/2010 07:16:43 am

Jake all of your time in Cleveland and no Labron James updates?

Reply



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