Thursday, 29 November 2012

You'll never be able to balance on that thing! The many joys of the trottinette-scooter

Actually that's a quote from the photographer, "You'll never be able to balance on that thing! To do a yoga pose on it you'd have to encase the wheels in cement first!"

Me: "Oh well. Let's try it. Be patient . . . but, BE READY TO SNAP THE SECOND I GET IT!"

Finding balance is a fun challenge sometimes. But why make it too difficult. I grounded myself next to a sturdy tree to help me find balance and did the yoga tree pose on this kid's scooter. It's called a "trottinette" in French.

The wheels were not secured by anything other than the ground, my weight, and concentration. Yoga is a wonderful thing, especially when you can connect it to yourself and the environment! I love yoga in the outdoors. No need to remove the heavy duty hiking boots.

Why I like the scooter-trottinette

It's a lot of fun to get a workout and play and drift on these mini skateboards with handlebars.

It doesn't even feel like a workout when you scoot along on paved bike paths and quiet roadways that aren't too rough and push off and work those quads and glutes. When you feel too much of a burn, switch legs, or take a few moments to hop onto the deck and glide, swerve, and wish you could do some of the tricks the kids so easily manage.

I can see why kids love skateboards. But I'll stick to something with handlebars for now.

What kept me from scooting around before? 

I was afraid people would think I was nuts.

Then someone said, "You know, they make these things for adults too. There's a guy who comes to work every day on his scooter. It keeps him in shape, he folds it up and carries it on the subway. It's faster than walking and it's low impact."

Really? I had no clue. But after looking it up, there are lots of makes and models out there for everyone. Great!

Although I'm the only adult in my neighborhood out and about on the trottinette-scooter, no one seems to mind. The eight and nine year olds give me a longer look as they pass by on their scooters, and the teenagers also scooting around sometimes smile and giggle. The adults out walking are probably thinking, "Hey, maybe we should give that a try too."

When I'm too lazy to put on the rollerblades . . . or if it's too cold and windy outside to put them on and take them off in the fall or spring (your fingers and toes freeze in seconds) . . .

I grab the trottinette and go for about 30 - 40 minutes. Moderate hills make it more interesting and an even better workout. The scooter has a brake on the back wheel. And it works better than the brakes on rollerblades!

I find the scooter a quick and fun way to mix up the workouts, fill the body with oxygen, and really tone the legs. 

Enjoy . . . in places where there's no snow and smooth pathways.
I am definitely holding on to the tree for this pose! And it feels good.

The snow is flying in the National Capital Region of Canada and ski season will be here soon enough.

Happy trails!
The BaffinPaddler

Image taken from my Smartphone, November.
The images are taken in the grass because my wheels won't stay still on pavement.

Saturday, 24 November 2012

Paddle blogger at work

I really hate those point blank self-inflicted shots, but that's the kayak blogger at work.

Do I really look like that close up, and all geared up? Happy and warm! But not cute or stylish. Especially in November!

It's a wet, dirty job sometimes, but somebody's gotta be out there looking for stories. I'll have more coming. They keep finding me. And I need more work!

I wish kayaking gear was more fashionable. It looks good on guys with big shoulders though.
 
Happy trails!
Peggy Varner, Publisher of The BaffinPaddler

Friday, 23 November 2012

Where did lunch take you today?

Even better, what's in the wide-mouth thermos?

Hot, homemade, extra tender corned beef cabbage with carrots and potatoes in a clear, natural broth. The best on November paddles.

Which kayak got lucky to tag along?

Happy paddles!
Have fun with November.
The BaffinPaddler

Tuesday, 20 November 2012

Are you ready to pack up your kayak?

It's November. In Canada that means cold. Packing it up doesn't mean packing it in. It may just mean a road trip somewhere warmer or an extra layer of gear.

I have two awesome sea kayaks. One kayak is still packed with travel gear, ready to go. And I'm just looking at it wondering what to do with it.

Pondering the next paddle. It's called sitting on the fence. Fences aren't made for sitting.

Happy paddles!
The BaffinPaddler

Tuesday, 13 November 2012

Looking for a popular paddle on the Rideau Canal? Here's one! Merrickville to Kilmarnock

November 2012 in Canada's southern parts in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec has had some surprisingly mild days of 16 to 20 degrees Celsius (60's Fahrenheit), fair skies, and tolerable winds. Interspersed with plenty of cold mornings and nights with frost!

Some of us lucky ones are still out there paddling, and finally able to wear that awesomely expensive, but warm and dry kayak jacket and soft Merino wool under layer without overheating. The water is cold, but the kayak gear is so sweet at this time of year. We still can't get out and ski.

If you're looking for a popular day paddle in between locks on the Rideau Canal in Ontario, Canada, here's an easy one I like to do with groups, friends, and family in the late spring, summer, or fall. Merrickville to Kilmarnock. It's 11 kilometres each way, 22 kilometres round trip.

For more details and images, you can check out my story on The Great Waterway, a cool Ontario Tourism website where I'm a regular blogger:

A popular paddle on the Rideau Canal: Merrickville to Kilmarnock

I have to hurry and hit the publish button as there are some rogue snowflakes raining down on my paddling parade today!

Some days are just better for getting an early start on Christmas gear shopping indoors or online!

Happy paddles!
The BaffinPaddler

Saturday, 3 November 2012

Paddler's wish list for Christmas

Dear Santa,

Please have a word with all the tourism, marina, and park people around the world and ask them for kayak friendly docks and boat launches.

I'm just sayin'. It would be much appreciated! And might encourage more visitors of our kind.

Sincerely,
The BaffinPaddler

Send this wish to every tourism, marina, and park agency you know where you've encountered kayak unfriendly docks and boat launches.

Here's to the memories of kayak unfriendly docks, slippery cement boat launches, rocky shores, and silty bottoms to launch and land from and having a good day paddling anyway without getting hurt.

You really can't complain about surf launches and landings. Santa can't do anything about that.

Happy paddles!
The BaffinPaddler