Hey Mike -

Nice to have you back. Sounds like you had the adventure we all assumed you were having! Lots has happened while you were off. I made a trip up to Edmonton over Labor Day week and had a day on the river with Rob. One thing I learned is that you're in for a treat to spend a day with him. Check out his trip report from Sept 6 or so. Don't shake him too hard though because there are enough loose screws rattling around in his head already. While I was up there I bought a Waters Dancing kit to build for my wife and just started working on it this last week. Still in the sanding and prep phases right now.

: We're looking to make light-weight
: S&G for long paddle trips of a month or more between resupplies. Also, the
: yak needs to be sea-worthy for rough water and high winds, and needs
: neither rudder or skeg box.
(SNIP)
We're
: looking to add a tiny bit of volume in the bows by making the forward deck
: flat versus the shallow V deck in section.

Don't know if you're looking for kits or plans but while I was up in Edmonton I fell in love with a new model of Waters Dancing called the Solace 18 EX. 18 feet x 22" and roomy without being balloonish. I'm considering that for my boat as soon as I finish the wife's. I'm very impressed with the kit I'm working on for her. They'll help you modify the kit too if you're interested. I think Rob might have paddled one last weekend at a demo day they did up there so ask him for his opinion. He can sure tell you about gear space. This Saturday I'll be at the Southwest Kayak Symposium over at Campland if you're around. Treating my honey to a day with boats! Hope to see you around.

Paul

P.S. Word on the street was that there were SEVERAL juvy GW's hanging around an old buried whale carcass north of San-O while you were gone. A buddy was surfing Old Man's then went over to the bluff to see what people were looking at. They were cruising just outside the surf line. He s&%^t his pants! Don't know if they're still there or not. I'm sure you'll bring us up to date soon! HA! Make sure to include pics!