Surfer's Ear

For those of us in the cold water a lot or even on the water, maybe we should consider wearing ear plugs? Over the years there may be subtle changes to the ear canal. Surfer's ear is actually a small bit of bone growth that is caused by temperature changes in the ear canal either by wind or cold water. Surfer's are prone to this because they are more frequently in the water - but it is not clear how much is a lot. A key factor is the coldness of the water. Wind is another factor combined with water splash.
Check out this site:
http://www.surfmuff.co.uk/surfers_ear.html
An ear plug keeps a warm pocket of air in the canal blocking cold water and air out without loss of hearing and balance.

Canada Day

Happy Canada Day!!
A good day to paddle.

Bay Bulls

Great workout today - protected paddle, but nice wind heading back home.

Rescue Practice

Photo taken mid way through an assisted cowboy scramble or ladder. GH is holding bow of kayak at right angles for stability, stern is down. I could swim over rear deck, then scramble cowboy style into cockpit. Keeping the bow up creates this ladder idea.
The video shows how to scramble in from the stern independently.

AGO exhibit

Anyone who creates albums of their photos or uses webshots or blogs will find this photo collage exhibition interesting and in some cases bizarre. I had not been aware of the phenomenon described as Victorian photocollage. The exhibit was organized by the Art Institute of Chicago and curated by Elizabeth Siegel, it features a number of the albums and loose pages from collections across Europe and the US. The unusual collages add an odd twist to the more serious photographers at that time. No doubt in a hundred years folks will be looking back at what is being created now and wonder - what were they thinking?.

Standup Paddleboarding

Paddleboarding seems to be making considerable headway in the paddling community. It definitely takes fitness,coordination and balance. The video above shows a fun oriented - fin turn.

In Ontario, instructors are combining surfing and standup paddle boarding. It takes what we do for practice, balance training and fun: standing up in our kayaks - to a whole new level.

Check out this website: http://www.surfontario.ca/

I know there are more surfers on the east coast of Newfoundland but the conditions are highly dependent on the sea state and can be optimal for local areas such as Spaniard's Bay, but often for only a short time.

We may see some of these folks at the retreat next year. Ask your local outfitters about these boards - you never know what is developing.

Stones into Schools

I am in the midst of reading this book - Greg Mortenson's follow-up to Three Cups of Tea. I highly recommend it.
With all the discussion on Afghanistan - this book should be required reading for Prime Minister Harper's office staff, and political decision makers, not only in Canada but in the US.
Greg Mortenson, his board and foundation have accomplished a significant amount by just being present and building schools. We are fortunate to have individuals like Greg working tirelessly in the region, who seem to deal head on with foreign policy dilemmas and get the job done, without creating extraordinary complications.
An alternative approach to fighting terrorism involves building positive relationships with village leaders and the people. Greg through his non-profit Central Asia Institute(CAI)have provided a positive example and in the areas they have worked have reduced the fears that some Afghan residents had about the US and the west.
The subtitle of the book seems to summarize things quite well - promoting peace with books not bombs. I think the Central Asia Institute www.ikat.org may be my choice this year for donations and fundraising.