The day started good, though cold. It went from 26 all the way up to 34 during the afternoon. Three to five inch icicles hung from branches at every rapid or limb in the river generating splashes.
Just after I passed I-575 in Canton, my beloved ZRE carbon fiber paddle broke. This is no reflection on the paddle, but it is a reflection on the incredible abuse that I have given the paddle over many years. I had long ago worn the epoxy coating off the edge of the blade—had even resurfaced it with epoxy once, just not recently enough. The paddle blade delaminated, ending up looking like a duck with its mouth open. It was worse than useless since I got splashed when this happened right in the middle of paddling up a small rapid. I had brought Kathy’s kayak paddle as a spare, but I learned today just how wet you can get paddling with too short a kayak paddle. My clothes were soaked and I was getting a bit hypothermic before it was all over. I will paddle upriver a few miles in the morning and be met by my good friend, Richard Grove. I will spend a few days re-equipping and then finish up the trip.
Robert, do you need me to run you down another paddle ??
Hate that your ole faithful gave up on you.Take her home and put her back together again.Stay warm.Safe Paddling.
It’s tough to go when your paddle won’t! Stay warm, and I hope we get to be there cheering when you approach your final destination!
Getting closer! Yay! 🙂
Don’t tell Kathy I said this but I think your duck-billed paddle might look good hanging on the wall above the fireplace in your living room. It has stories to tell.
I read about your trip in today’s (01/27/2013) Gainesville Times ( a reprint from last September, I think). I googled you and have spend the last couple of hours immersed in your blog. Marvelous trip! I was astounded to learn of your friendship with David Oberhausen. He and I were co-workers at the District 2 Health Office in Gainesville in the late 1990’s. I will follow your daily notes the rest of the way. Perhaps one day we can meet. I have many friends in Dahlonega and go there frequently. Best Wishes! Ed Pledger, Gainesville, GA.
Great to hear from you, Ed. David and Marilyn are dear friends.