Phil's Hole Rodeo

Well last weekend was definitely interesting.

I ran the Middle Channel of the Ottawa River with some of the Petawawa River Rats in the morning. It was a great weather day. Lots of fun was had all around.

I spent the afternoon relaxing with Cheryl and Martin from the CReW before we all headed over to McKoy's for the rodeo.

I knew it was going to be an interesting event when I was paddling the flat water section over to the island. There we lots of different types of floating vessels as the rules for the comp where straight forward. Anything that floated could enter.

I myself had Devyn squeezed into my boat behind my saddle and a floating turtle and kiddie pool on top of the front part of my boat.

Everyone started showing up and the spectactor crowd was pretty big. I watched for about a half hour before I had enough guts to get into my boat and jump into the hole on purpose.

Normally I avoid Phil's like it was the plague. I dropped into rightside sideways. It was pretty bumpy and munchy to say the least. I as more scared surfing in there then my two runs going thru Buseater last summer.





Rest of the pics are here

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cmnypny/sets/72157621880872791/

I drop in two more times but was window shaded pretty fast.

I can't believe I actually did it but I am glad I managed to survive.

The after party was pretty good. I managed to see a video of my first ride which made me happy to see it from a different angle.

Another birthday come and gone

Well I had to spend last friday actually working on my 44th birthday due to a bunch of people being out of the office. It wasn't that bad and went by pretty quick.

I was treated to a steak dinner at Jack Astor's by my friend Mark and the Deacon's. It was a great night out with friends. After all it was the friday night of a long holiday weekend.

What more could you ask for ... paddling of course. My gear was already pre-packed. I loaded up the car first thing saturday morning and headed off to spend the day paddling the Gull River in Minden with friends.

The weather was fantastic. I was able to play around in some other peoples open boats. I had a really great time in a Bell Nexus ... definitely on my list of a possible future boat. It was alot lighter than mine, quick, and responsive.

Soon it was almost time for Ribfest. One of my buddies TJ had organized a kick in 20 bucks and have a pig out dinner of ribs and all the fixings. It was great to see old friends plus meet new ones. After dinnier Monekah and I shared a surprise brithday cake as her BD was earlier in the week.

The drinking had started but there were a few people holding back for a night session paddling in Earl's under generator spot lights. It was pretty cool to watch. I only wish I had my camera as the shots would have been amazing. Too bad it was in the shop being fixed.

The partying continued around the fire until the wee hours of the morning. I wolk up early sunday morning happily without a hang over. I packed up my gear and headed back to Mark's place in Barrie to help him replace some elctrical fixtures and switches before heading home to catchup on my own neglected house work.