: Okay, put it on your calendars, Monday, January 13th is National Boat To Work
: Day.

I know the eskimos are shown kayaking around icebergs, but at least they are paddling on liquid water. In my area the water turns solid about this time of the year. Hans Brinker might have a skating-to-work day, but paddling is out.

How about changing this to the summer. Or, better yet, a day in the late spring, when the ice is out in the northern hemisphere, and it would be autumn in the souther hemisphere -- before the water freezes. Pick some time between the middle of April and the middle of May.

In Chicago the Wendella boat company operates a boat serice on the Chicago River between the commuter train stations and their dock at Michigan Ave. -- at the south end of Chicago's Magnificent Mile -- during the months when the water is ice free. Since that does not include December, the company celebrates Xmas 6 months in advance, on June 25, with a person dressed in a Santa Claus costume welcoming riders. On that day the ride is free, too. A present from them to their passengers.

I might try to do that part of my commute if I ever get a folding kayak built which I could carry on the train. Otherwise, the river by my home doesn't run in the direction I want to go to get to work. By the time it runs into another river which intersects with something that will intersect with the Chicago River I would be about 50 miles from home, and about the same distance from work. A 100 mile plus "commute" is a long day's work by itself. Like the guy said: "You can't get there from here."

But maybe in the spring -- a quick paddle during lunch. Hmm, sounds like a idea that might grow.

PGJ