Paddling with the Governor!

Gov. Doyle, his wife, Sec. of Tourism, Kelli Trumble & entourage, spent the afternoon paddling the headwaters of the Wisconsin River with us on Sunday. What a day! The Governor, a camp Manitowish Alum, led the explorers down the winding scenic waterway. He showed that his paddling, like his policies, are crafted with thought & passion. My father, a flaming democrat, was my assistant guide. He took the lead informing us of the importance of this historic river. The "hardest working river" in the United States is home to the country's first hydro- electric dam and was the main trade route for the French Voyageur's. Thank you Governor Doyle for a great afternoon - Andrew

Aug. 16 '08

I do have the best job. Especially on days like this! Thanks Gang!

Paddle Night Huge Success!

Tuesday night is "Free Lesson Night" at Chequamegon.
This years paddles have been loaded with fun. Through the course of the summer we have averaged 25-30 kayakers, beginners to advanced paddlers. Thanks to all who have come out this summer to play with us. See you on the water!

Mary Mile!

Mary was a classmate of Andy's @ Lakeland Union High School. Mary's character was outstanding, the kind of person that radiated positive energy. She ran for the University of Wisconsin. Tragically her life was cut all to short by a rare form of cancer. In her memory the MTH foundation was created & the Mary Mile was born. Today hundreds payed their respect for Mary & her passion of running. Way to go Mary! More Information @ http://www.mthfoundation.org/

Wheels in the Woods Century Ride

Chequamegon's Adventure Bicycles
is a proud sponsor!

www.wheelsinthewoods.org

September 20, 2008

A Century Ride in Vilas County, Wisconsin

Hosted by AV-W Parent Group, Arbor Vitae-Woodruff Public K-8 School. Proceeds will be used for materials and activities to enhance the educational experiences of AV-W students.

The Cat in the Craddle (Not the Andy's)

Sea kayaking the Apostle Islands is on the list of life's must do & see. Celeste' is 7 yrs old. She has already been here & paddled the shore line with Me & the Running family before. This year it was our goal to see the Sea Caves & the Sand Island Lighthouse. The weather forecast, better then last years attempt when small craft warnings relegated us to the leeward shore line of buffalo bay. No, today high of 82* waves 0-2 feet wind 5- 10 knots, Perfect!

Celeste' & I arrive at the home of the Andrew Running family. The Runnings have 4 girls, 2 dogs & a beautiful summer home in the northwoods of Wisconsin. The girls are ready at 7:00 in the morning, I love this attitude every body is gun ho! With all the kayaks loaded up its time to go.

Ashland:
First stop is the Black Cat Cafe' Area of Ashland. On one street the have everything you need to survive in style. The Black Cat is a funky coffee house that rivals Minocqua's own Horhays Java Salon. Next door is the Ashland Food Co-op, across the street is the Daily Bread. After chosing out lunch for the trip we are off.

Little Sand Bay:
The weather is here....... actually no weather is here, just a nice gentle breeze coming across the bay. We are off in record time! As a guide it is awesome to have a group who can be unloaded & on the water before the other groups (who got there before us) are even close to pushing off.

Celeste' is a great paddler, swimmer, philosopher. At 7 years old she will give Sue & I great insights on life. She seems to have the grasp to say the key things at the perfect time. Celeste' says to me on the crossing "Daddy I'm glad you have a boat shop, this is fun, I love you" then sits down in the front of the tandem & begins to paddle.

The crossing was easy 1 hour to the sea caves, just enough weather to make paddling fun. a rouge wave mixed in with the chop splashes Celeste' with a cool Lake Superior spray.

Sea Caves:
I have seen them a hundred times. Felt like the first time with Celeste' EXCITED! I'll let the pictures do the talking.

When Celeste' & I were out paddling we sang songs. A song about a Light House keeper & his relationship with the light by Nickel Creek. (as requested by Celeste') Of course every John Denver song I know by heart. The wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald surprisingly did not come to mind as it does every other time I am out there but I thought of the Cats in the cradle by Jim Croce. As I paddled away from a nice conversation with Andy Running I thought what a great gift... paddling with daddy, sharing life with your daughters.....then John Mayer come s to mind & Celeste'& I sing.......Fathers be good to your daughters, daughters will live like you do..............