Hello again -

I really enjoyed building "Betsy," and this board was so helpful that I'm just glad I can pay the debt down a little.

Yes, Betsy was christened, but I found out that the cockpit fitout wasn't what made me uncomfortable in a kayak - it's my anatomy. Even as an athletic teenager, my legs were not very flexible. I can do 50 miles on a bike but I can't sit flat on the floor.

I discussed this problem with Hank Vanderaa, and he suggested stretching exercises and keeping away from dead-weights and similar workouts. I have tried, but it is still so darned uncomfortable for me that any picture of me paddling would include a painful grimmace! :-) Talk about feeling bummed out, but I'm getting over it.

As an aside, I can offer some research that few builders get to do, and it relates to discoloration of varnish and epoxy in a "controlled" environment (Hey, stop chuckling) . . . My kayak has seen very little UV, but the finish is darkening everywhere but under the straps and rigging. I suspect it is air more so than UV that causes that phenomenon. It is not severe, but quite noticeable when the rigging is removed, FWIW . . .

I'll try to check back more often, I like to read about what you guys are up to.

Best Regards,
Ken (Spidey)