When the Powerboats are Away the Kayakers will Play

For all of you who were thinking of putting your kayaks in mothball for the year, what the heck were you thinking? Didn't you know that this is the best time of year to be out there? There are all sorts of reasons to get out there right now. For example there is more wildlife out to see, it is not 115 degrees, it is more peaceful, you don't have to dodge drunken power boaters , there are no fist fights over the boat ramp usage, and plenty of parking are just a few. Now I know what your thinking, "That sounds really nice, but I'll freeze my butt off." To that all I can say is you'll have to trust me, Garth, and the other Penguins that have discovered what we consider "the real paddling season." All you need is the proper paddling gear and the coldest part of your day will be the time it takes you to get in your boat. Rain or shine and even snow, kayaking will be very enjoyable. If you're still hesitant to get out there just remember, kayaking originated in places where a summer heat wave would be in the low 60's. (Greenland)

Powder Monkey?

How did I come up with the title Powder Monkey?  Well when I thought about starting a blog I didn't know what I would wright about after the first few things I had floating around in my head had been blogged. I needed a title that would help me stay focused in one direction instead of rambling aimlessly.  Since kayaking started this desire to start a blog I figured something to do with it should be an appropriate title.  During my brainstorming I remembered Garth Schmeck's nickname "Captain Penguin."  Since I work for him at Penguin Paddlers Kayak Pro Shop in Redding I asked myself "what position I would hold on his ship?."  That got me looking on the internet for ship crew titles. I found a few and among them I found one that I could reasonably call myself. It was the position of the Quartermaster. It was acceptable but it was not what I was looking for.  I kept looking for something I knew had to be out there. And then I found it. When I found the title of Powder Monkey and read the description I started laughing and knew my search was over.