Top 10 Lessons from 1st Sprint Triathlon

In anticipation of my next Triathlon, I thought I'd share my top 10 lessons learned from my first Sprint Tri a few weeks ago.

10. The dog paddle and frog swim is acceptable and entertains the crowd
9. Swim goggles may interfere with depth perception
8. Don't line up for the swim behind those with big feet
7. Walking more than a few steps in the water is not swimming...PEOPLE!
6. Socks are not necessary on the run either....who knew!
5. A $4,000+ triathlon bike just might be a good investment
4. 2 servings of GU Chomps with caffeine at 8pm might not be a smart move
3. Brick workouts are your friend...if I had only known that in advance!
2. If you're going to train with a dog, pick a bigger dog than a Jack Russell Terrier
1. Skip the Rice Krispie treat during transition...the chewing slows ya down

Event was the Greenswell Triathlon for Hope at Alum Creek State Park.
0.25m swim - 12m bike - 2m run.

Next event is the Outer Limits Triathlon. 0.5m swim - 16m bike - 3.1m run
I'm leaving the Rice Krispie treats at home!

Paddling Middle Bass Island, Lake Erie - June 2011

Paddling the Lake Erie Islands was on my Summer To-Do List.  Mission accomplished although I hope to go back and visit South Bass Island in July and paddle Kelly's Island too.

Kayaks on wheels. Loaded down with all the camping gear...and then some!

Interesting house.

The infamous Lonz Winery that is now closed due to a horrible accident involving the balcony/deck collapsing killing some people.  Iconic fixture on MBI though.

I met up with a friend from Michigan at Catawba Island (actually a peninsula) on a very windy day.  We purchased our ferry tickets and carted our kayaks full of gear onto the boat.  We caught the last ferry of the day to Middle Bass Island.  Upon arriving, we pitched our tents in the new, yet very primitive Middle Bass Island State Park campground.  Had some wine and appetizers and then headed to Walleyes bar right down the road.  Ha ha.

Primitive campsites with view of Lake Erie

Major waves on Lake Erie this day.  Not a paddling day!

The wind kept the bugs away and the crashing waves against the ragged walls of the Western side of the island keep the music blowing in from Put-in-Bay to a minimum.  The next morning brought light warm rain.  Instead of paddling we walked nearly to the Northern edge of the island (probably 2+ miles one way).  On the trek, we saved a turtle that was trying to cross the road, was snuck up upon and nearly scared to death by a beagle, and was attacked by mayflies.  Apparently these little insects were in their prime during our stay.  Lovely.  I didn't mind a few on me, but when a few dozen were attached to me and my clothing, it became a little bit annoying and disgusting at times.  Locals seemed used to this circle of life.  They hatch at the bottom of the lake, emerge from the water, and then die within 24 hours leaving their slippery little carcass scattered everywhere.  It was a sight to be seen especially at night around the lights.

Mayflies attacking me.  This is light compared to other times.

FBI Agent Wise reporting for duty.  Now that's no fishtale...or is it?

Great Blue Heron...so graceful

The afternoon was spent at Hazards for lunch.  Fun lively place with good food and great strawberry daiquiris.  That evening was again spent at Walleyes having a few beers and listening to the band Faction out of Cleveland.  After stumbling home to our tents we crashed until late the next morning.  I enjoyed some alone time on the little patch of beach in my lawn chair reading Patricia Cornwell on my Kindle.  (LOVE the Kindle especially now camping..thanks little brother).  In the afternoon, the wind had died down and the waves were manageable on the other side of the island.  Off we paddled.

Cool old beach house

Cool new condos ($279K!)

My home (yeah I wish!)

Icky

Yikes!

From sea to shining sea

I've seen some cool things paddling, but by far the coolest thing were these snakes with fish in their creepy little mouths.  I HATE snakes but after I realized the snake could not crawl onto my kayak with or without the fish hanging out of its mouth, I calmed down and took some pix.  I still find them creepy and scary, but it was interesting watching them.  We also saw a Great Blue Heron catch and eat a snake. Fine by me as one less reptile in the world.  The Bald Eagle surprised me and I fumbled to get my camera out as I was in awe of this majestic bird.  At the tip of the island there is a nature preserve and a little dock area.  We beached our boats and stretched there for a bit meeting Jeb the cutest Pug-Boxer-Jack Russell Terrier Mix.  He was adorable!  I wanted to take him home in my yak.  The owner said there was a waiting list for him.  Ha ha.  To top off our paddle, we decided to stop in at Hazards on our paddle back for another strawberry daiquiri.  Are you detecting a pattern?

Jeb (Pug-Boxer-JRT mix)

Hazards rentals

After dinner at Hazards, a quick and much needed shower in the marina after 2 days of roughing it, we caught the ferry to Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island.  I had heard stories about PIB, but had never been.  It was Pirate Festival weekend.  In addition to hundreds of pirates, thousands of mayflies, and millions of drunk kids, we did see fireworks at dark.  After wandering around a bit stepping over drunk girls flailing their bodies on the ground in what they called amusement, we relaxed at the Boathouse with wine and snacks.  Caught the 12 AM high speed ferry back to MBI.  Took like 20+ minutes to get to PIB, but only 7 minutes to get back.  Go figure.

Next morning was rise and shine by 9am to pack up and catch the 10:15 ferry.
Fun trip.  Small island but interesting experience none-the-less.

Hocking Hills Hike

Hocking Hills region is so close that a road trip this Memorial Day weekend was in order.

A picnic lunch at Fern Picnic area in Clear Creek Metro Park was the first stop.  We found a picnic table in the shade to get away from the 93 degree heat.  It was next to the creek and we could hear the sound of water splashing over the rocks.  We also saw a few bluebirds.  This area had about 4 picnic tables, several charcoal grills, and a clean & supplied portapot.  The drive down the side road off of route 33 is a pleasant lazy road.

 

After lunch, we headed to Old Man's Cave and Cedar Falls.  It was probably 20 degrees cooler in the caves!  Saw the cutest Jack Russell puppy on the trail.  I have more pix to add, including the JRT, but the blog won't let me add any more.  Will try again in a couple days.

Big Darby Creek - Swift Paddle

Big Darby Creek - W/SW of Columbus, Ohio (2 trips back-to-back days)

DAY 1
Put-in:  Alkire Road ODNR Canoe Access, river left
Take-out:  Osprey Lake (Darbydale near intersection Norton Rd&Rt 665), river right

Temp:  Upper 60's, partly cloudy with light rain

Flow:  1500 cfs

Depth:  5 feet

Mileage:  6 miles 

Date:  Saturday, 05/07/11
Time:  14:25 - 15:40 (1 hour 15 minutes)
Boat:  Dagger Approach 9

Put-in (river left)

Take-out (river right)

Putting in at Alkire road access is where I most often put in.  Not only is this a beautiful section with few houses along the banks, it's great because I can shuttle myself (with a little effort).  I drop off my kayak at the put-in (locking it up) and then drive down to the take-out to park my vehicle.  Then I walk/jog back up to the put-in.  It's only about a 3.5-4 mile "hike" back up to the put-in mainly on a very quiet and peaceful back country road cutting through the Battelle Darby Metro park the last mile or so.  Or if you prefer to bike, it's about a 9 mile bike ride back as you can't cut through the Metro park on your bike (even with a mountain bike...no bikes allowed on this trail). 

On this trip I saw a muskrat swimming near the shore diving down in the water when I approached.  I also saw several Wood Ducks, which I had not seen previously on this section of the Big Darby.  And the best was about a dozen large turtles, dropping off a ledge into the water like synchronized "divers" 3 at a time.  The river was so peaceful and it was still beautiful even when it started to sprinkle.  I donned my paddling jacket and kept going.  The rapids we're pretty tame at this level (Class 1-2), but still fun. I have the Seals Extreme Tour sprayskirt.  It works great keeping the water out of the cockpit as this boat takes quite a bit of water over the hull in the rapids.  The long rapids at the end of the 6 mile paddle are always the best.  At the take out, near Trapper John's Canoe Livery, I saw 2 fisherman.  Otherwise, the river was all to myself. 

***********************************************************************************

DAY 2

Put-in:  Osprey Lake (Town of Darbydale near intersection Norton Rd&Rt 665), river right

Take-out:  Trapper Johns take out (Town of Harrisburg near Rt 762 & Darby Creek Rd), river right

Temp:  75, sunny

Flow:  1850 cfs
Depth:  5.5 feet
Mileage:  6 miles 
Date: Sunday, 05/08/11
Time:  15:25 - 16:25 (1 hour)
Boat:  Dagger Approach 9

House I want!  It is right on the river as you can see.
I love the barn style and red!  I talked to the owner one day as I paddled by.

The next day I headed out again but did the next 6 mile section.  My boat was still loaded from the day before, but I threw the bike on too to help me shuttle myself back along Darby Creek Rd and Harrisburg-Georgesville Rd to Osprey Lake where I locked my kayak up.  The river was a tad swifter from the day before and a little more fun.  The rapids seemed to be a little more exciting.  I don't paddle this section as often so perhaps the relative unfamiliarity made it more exciting.  The Great Blue Heron kept me company.  Oh and I was serinaded when I first put in the water.  A guy sitting on his porch with his guitar asked me if I wanted him to sing me a song.  I said sure.  So he sang some song that I'm sure was from before my time.  It was a sunny day, but with the river up, no one was out except for the guitar man. 

Take Out:  Intersection of Darby Creek Rd and Rt 762
Travel down Rt 762 and roadside parking is on the left.
Actual take out is just past this intersection on Darby Creek Rd.

Plenty of parking on Rt. 762 roadside pull-off

Take-out (river right)

I've paddled this section but probably not since 2009.  I was surprised that this take out is apprently "owned" or now "owned" by Trapper John's Canoe Livery.  There is a gate across the drive-way now and a sign indicating basically that private paddlers can get a pass (for $ I'm assuming) from Trapper John's.  I'll have to call Jason of Trapper John's and see what the new deal is.  I also need to scope out another take-out but as far as I know there is not another take out point until Circleville (25+miles away!).  Great trip with lots of sunshine!

Paddling Big Darby Creek - Plain City Put-in



Spring is here!  Time to Paddle!

Big Darby Creek - West of Columbus, Ohio

Put-in:  SR 736 and SR 42, roadside rest stop North of Plain City, river left
Take-out:  Prairie Oaks Metro Park, Upper Darby Canoe Access on Amity Rd, river left

Temp:  50's and sunny
Flow:  343 cfs
Depth:  3.3 feet
Mileage:  7 miles 
Date:  03/18/11
Time:  1420 - 1640
Boat:  Dagger Blackwater 11.5

It was a beautiful sunny day and hard to resist getting out on the water.  So despite Pub Crawl and despite the OSU Women Basketball Team playing in the first round of the NCAA tournament, I loaded the boat and headed to my favorite river.  It was a perfect day to explore a new part of this river. 

The put-in location had a portapot surprisingly...and it was fresh.  Well as fresh as one can be but someone obviously takes care of this rest area.  There was also picnic tables, a small overhead shelter, and a charcoal grill.  The pull-off had enough room for about 2 cars.  It was an ideal put-in.

SR 42 Bridge near Put-in

There were 4-5 bridges along the way and you could hear traffic throughout the paddle, but I still felt relatively secluded and one with nature.  Once South of Plain City, the banks were relatively low and the surrounding farmland and country properties were beautiful.  I was truly enjoying this paddle and can not believe I haven't been on this part of the river sooner.  I'm scouting out areas to perhaps do an overnight trip on the Big Darby.  I only saw a few people out.  3 guys in a fishing boat near the town of Amity and further down 2 guys fishing from the bank.

Along the way, I saw a muskrat dive down in the water as I approached.  He popped his head out near the bank and as I tried to get a picture he dove down again.  Kinda cute.  It was relatively small and so that's why I'm thinking muskrat as opposed to beaver.  Although earlier in the paddle, I did see remnants of a beaver being there...stumps chewed down like a beaver would.  A few turtles were sunning themselves on the fallen logs.  A frog was hanging out in the middle of the river and dove down when I approached. 

I also saw tons of Wood Ducks.  Normally I see many Mallards, but it was great to see the Wood Ducks.  I rarely see them anymore but I saw them all over the river.  I did see a few Mallards as well and a few Canadian Geese.  I also saw two Belted Kingfisher, a Great Blue Heron, and I heard the Red Winged Blackbird singing to me the entire trip as if he was cheering me on. At the take-out I think I saw a Baltimore Oriole, but cannot be certain.  Enjoy a few pictures below that I took with my cell phone along the way.

No idea what this is...rest stop I guess for Buckeye (leaf) fans.
Note:  look closely at the paint on the rock.



Little side shoot...and rest stop.



Gorgeous day!

I want this house!  I could live in the barn!

Take-out!

Parking for many cars at the take-out. 
Prairie Oaks Metro Park Upper Darby Canoe Access.

After paddle dinner. 

I look forward to paddling this section again.  However, I don't think it is very conducive to paddling except for the Spring.  Although I didn't have to get out of my boat, there were a few low spots.  This section of the river was amazing.  The day was perfect.

Kayaking the Florida Keys

Many of you know that I'm crazy enough to try anything, but you may not know I'm also smart enough to know my limits.  Yes...I do have them!  Solo kayaking to a remote island off the Florida coast to primitive camp was considered, but after some research I decided to go with an outfitter.  Paddling on the local rivers that have a definite "path" is one thing, but traversing wide-open waters where every island looks the same from afar is totally different.  Ending up in Cuba would not be my ideal vacation.

So I discovered Burnham Guides, LLC, a husband and wife team - Bill and Mary, that lead trips in the Florida Keys.  They hail from the Eastern Shores of Virginia (and also lead trips there in the Summer), but spend the Winters leading trips in the warmer weather of the Florida Keys.  They originally are from Upstate NY and are just plain GOOD people.  What does that mean....you just got to meet them...and their dog Cocoa too!  So I signed up for a 3 day/2 night paddling/primitive camping tour of some remote islands off the Lower Keys.  Loaded my boat and headed South!

WHAT an incredible experience!  If you think you've seen the most beautiful sunset, try viewing it standing in blue-green Caribbean-like waters off a white sandy beach with not a sole around (except for 5 other kayaking pals who are in awe as well).  No city lights, no traffic noise, no distractions.  Might I add that a delicious dinner of grouper and hogfish with mango salsa topped with cilantro was served just after sunset by kayaker Dave, founder of SouthEast Expeditions in Eastern Virginia.  The other two tourists, Andrea and Hamilton (Mother/Daughter paddling team) brought wine for the occasion.  Mary and Bill had real smores for us.  YES...all this in a kayak.  I ate better on this trip than I do at home!  And after dinner as darkness fell upon us....just on queue, the stars emerged uninhibited.  The brightest and most stars I've ever seen. To top our evening off, a shooting star spit across the midnight sky.  I made a wish....think we all did.

Now that I have your attention, I'll share more of the trip details below. And more pictures.




Put in/take out:  Sugarloaf Marina
Paddled Great White Heron Wildlife National Refuge 
Overnight 1:  Snipe Key
Overnight 2:  Marvin Key
~6 mile one-way paddle out
Sunny most of trip
High 70's during day/high 60's at night

Day 1:  Paddled 3-4 miles out I think with the wind pushing us along.  Dave tried out a kayak kite...boys...always fiddling with some new toy.  Unfortunately it didn't work so well this time for him.  He caught up with us via the old fashioned way...paddling.  We paddled up Snipe Key a bit and then pulled over for lunch.  Mary had a delicious curry chicken with sunflower seeds and organic New England cranberries served in lettuce wraps or tortillas.  Hit the spot!  The sand shark must have also liked our lunch as he stopped by to say hello as we all were standing in about 2-3 feet of water having lunch.  I thought it was way cool, but since our guide Bill jumped a bit and said he's used to being in his boat seeing these guys, I seconded that comment.  So off we went paddling another couple hours before landing on the Westernmost Snipe island.  The tide was going out and so the water levels near the island beach was a little shallow.  We beached our boats, scoped out our tent sites, and set up camp.  Unfortunately, the sand fleas ruled this island particularly where I pitched my tent.  They affected me so bad that I ended up at Urgent Care the day off the water to relieve the itch and clear up the skin irritations.  All-in-all, though, I didn't let that ruin my trip! 

Day 2: After a night of listening to the peaceful lapping of water within a few feet of my tent and falling asleep looking up at the stars, I was unexpectedly up by 6:30 am.  I usually sleep in longer when I'm working!  But I was just in time to watch the sunrise.  Another unbelievable moment in life watching the sun mirrored off the water.  By now Mary and Bill were up and I had complimentary hot green tea in hand as I explored the many critters left behind in the sand when the tide moved out.  I'm fascinated by the tide waters and how "predictable" they are.  Up North on my rivers, all I need to worry about is the flow (cubic feet per second) and not the wind direction, water temp, wave height, high tide, low tide, etc.  Although I will always love my river paddling, everyone...even non-paddler types should experience this once in their lifetime. 






Whelk shell? with live critter



Hermit Crab hiding in shell









Red Coral left by the tide



Reddish Egret fishing



After a tasty breakfast of scrambled eggs with chorizo sausage, red onions, green peppers we relaxed on our little Snipe Key island swimming, snorkeling, and soaking up the rays while the tide came back so we could set off on another days adventures.  While snorkeling I saw a 15-18 inch bonefish and lots of 4-6 inch white fish with yellow tinted backs.  I also saw 2 horseshoe crabs left by the tide, but I didn't get a photo of either one.  I didn't want to leave this island, but by Noon we packed our boats and headed out with the high tide.

We headed toward Marvin Key.  On the way there we saw a rookery of Great White Herons nesting.  There was at least 4 adult herons and as we approached the island 2 of the herons, squatted down in the grass barely noticeable as if they were protecting their nest.  Also a little further back on this island, 2 Osprey perched proudly high in a tree.  The Belted Kingfisher seemed to enjoy this island as well, although we'd been seeing these talkative guys the whole trip.  After leaving this island and paddling across the clear blue-green waters, we saw a 4-5 foot fish...possibly a barracuda.  Then when we split up in threes and circled Marvin Key island to find a good lunch spot we saw a ray scoot barely under the water.  On the one small beach there was a 4 foot turtle shell which was pretty amazing to see.  Bill took a GPS coordinate so as to let the marine biologist know about the carcass.  How sweet it would be to be a marine biologist or professional diver working in the Keys.  Ah....perhaps a 2nd career one day. 




Osprey



Turtle carcass





After scoping out Marvin Key, we decided to beach our boats have another delicious lunch of salmon lettuce roll ups and set up camp.  This time I pitched my tent close to the open area hoping the slight breeze would scatter any sand fleas.  There was hardly any seaweed grasses washed in with the tide and so that helped keep the sand fleas away.  Thank goodness!  We beached our boats on one side of the island where an old hard coral reef attracted terns, pelicans, and other birds.  There was a little path leading to the other side where as the tide went out it created a gorgeous white sandy beach for us to explore and relax on.  We had yet another amazing dinner.  For starters, Mary made us an appetizer of creamy tofu topped off with sliced candied ginger drizzled with soy sauce.  It was so delicious.   Summer sausage, crackers, and cheese was also served.  Sipping on our wine, we watched another amazing sunset. 

After the sun went down, we sat around while chef Mary and Bill prepared the main course, a tofu stir fry that was chocked full of scrumptious vegetables and rice.  I couldn't get enough.  We joked that they should have their own cooking show on the Food Network...geared toward camping meals.  After dinner, I was helping to wash up the dishes and as I stood ankle deep in the clear waters, a blue crab came up gently nipping on my achilles tendon.  Apparently I was in his way.  So cute.  With the dishes washed up, we all sat around reminiscing about the day when Dave and Bill jumped out of their camp chairs (and slightly screamed like little girls I might add).  We had a visitor.  A creepy little rat hanging around.  At one point he was on my kayak.  I didn't care for him at first but after a little more wine, I became more brave and he was kinda cute.  We all sat a little closer now fending our campsite from a barely 16 ounce rodent.  The tide came in again about midnight and flushed the rat to higher ground and spread out our kayaks as the water retreated by the break of dawn.  We tie the sea kayaks together and then to a tree so they don't go too far. 

Day 3:  Up early again as the sand flea bites kept me awake itching all night.  I thought perhaps I brought them in my sleeping bag from the previous island.  My mind quickly shifted to yet another beautiful sunrise and exploration of the marine life left behind by the tide.  I walked the "Living Room" beach as we tagged it.  Saw a live starfish, a whelk moving slowly through the shallow water inlet left by the tide, more red coral, and another Reddish Egret searching for food.  After a leisurely morning on Marvin Key and one last swim in the blue-green waters, we headed out for a strong paddle back.  After about 3 miles of paddling the open water, we stopped on a small island for lunch of sardines and cheese on crackers, apricots, oranges and apples.  The final mile or so push lead us back to the mangroves where we started.  We explored the red mangroves weaving our way through narrow channels trying to stay upright as the limbs reached out to grab us....holding us back as if to say don't leave.  We popped out into the bay by the marina where a little Jack Russell Terrier Chihuahua mix sat at the bow of his master's boat earnestly barking and exclaiming his readiness to go boating that day.  My Jacks would have done the same.  I don't think another trip could be as amazing as this one was though.  Just perfect!  Amazing experience that I will truly cherish the rest of my life. 

 





....you can probably see why I did not want to return to the mainland!



Picture of me paddling...taken by Dave!

The Paddling Gang....awesome picture Dave!

 

....many thanks to Mary and Bill Burnham for an experience of a lifetime.