As a novice builder, just finishing up my first S&G kayak, I just had the distinct pleasure of spending a day with Hank (a long-time contributor to this BBS) who is in the San Francisco area this week on business. With all due respect to the virtues of a virtual community, there's still nothing like an old fashoined face to face meeting.

To top it off, I was lucky enough to be able to arrange a visit from local kayak kit/plan manufacturers Doug and Cindy of San Javier Kayaks who brought one of their boats for us to see. While I was delighting in examining their lovely boat in minute detail, mysterious terms like "prismatic coefficient" literally and figuratively floated over my head. I think the three of them were enjoying a lively exchange of kayak design ideas, but their years of experience were a little much for me.

After working alone on my boat for over two months (though with very much essential help from this virtual community), it was nice to have some expert eyes actually look at and comment on what I've done. Have to admit I was a little nervous, but as usual, everyone was supportive. So either my work looked presentable or all of these folks are incredibly polite. Probably some combination of each.

Moral of the story: it's nice to meet people you've only "talked" to online, at least if you've met here. Why I'll bet there's no more than one or two axe-murderers among us. And if Hank's ever in your neck of the woods, by all means entice him to come by and visit. The guy is a wealth of knowledge on kayaks and a remarkable number of other subjects as well.