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Bad Bob

The coming depression …

Hank Stuever, one of my favorite writers, imagines what it might be like if the Chicken Littles are right this time and we suffer a big fall. I really hope it doesn’t happen, but the pessimist in me is feasting on current events …

Your favorite neighbors will hit the road in search of work or an upbeat sense of spiritual self-determinism. Pretty soon you’ll pack up and leave too, but the gas will cost too much to get wherever you think you’re going, and the car will break down. Husband will set off in search of a timing belt and there you’ll be, with the kids and your Verizon service down to its final minutes. You will be camped in a strange parking lot, in front of an old Best Buy.

Categories
Paddle Bob

The perfect weather continues



sunrise_09_23_08.jpg

Originally uploaded by Suffering the Benz


I paddled over to Prater Flats before sunrise today under clear skies and a waxing moon. We’ve been getting phenomenal fall weather. It’s in the upper ’50s before sunrise.
I tend to hug the shore because you see more that way, and I was moving at a pretty good clip when I ran aground hard. I was sitting atop a giant boulder that was just barely beneath the surface. I can’t believe I didn’t dump the kayak and it proved the hull is pretty strong. I felt it bend when I hit the rock, but there was no damage. I rocked and paddled backward till I managed to get loose.
I spun my kayak around to shoot this photo as I returned to the main channel. It probably was about 6 or 7 miles roundtrip given all the drifting around I did in coves back there.

Categories
Paddle Bob

Leaper’s Bluff sunrise



sunrise_09_22_08.jpg

Originally uploaded by Suffering the Benz


I managed to paddle about eight miles this morning, which took me past Leaper’s Bluff and within sight of the predawn lights in Lenoir City. I wasn’t ready to go there yet, but I’m going to give it a shot soon.
As I crossed Loudon to return to the north shore, I saw this pre-sunrise glow above Leaper’s Bluff.
Great morning for a paddle. About 60 degrees and clear, starry skies when I set out. Fall definitely is in the air …