On the last Friday in June, I delivered ten canoes to Frontenac Outfitters. As I had to return to Tavistock to pick up the boys, as well as a rowing shell to try out at the cottage,
I didn't have any choice but to make a real early run to Kingston, drop the boats, and return to Tavistock. So at 3:30 in the morning, I hauled my butt out of bed, grabbed the cell phone and my wallet, and got in the van and headed out, trailer in tow. It was a fantastic drive, crossing Toronto in the dark before 5am, and watching the sun rise as I headed east on the 401. I arrived just before 8am at Frontenac Outfitters, and within a half hour all ten boats were unloaded. I had a brief chat with Larry, and just as I was about to leave he told me to hang on a bit, and opened the door to his shop. Inside, he looked at his rack of paddles, selected one, and handed it to me. "Here, this is for you, it will fit you well" He said. I was really a bit surprised, so I replied "So officially, you have to tell me how much I owe you for this." To which Larry laughed a bit, and replied "Absolutely nothing Dave, enjoy!" I know a gruelling 10 hour drive leaving hours before dawn is tough, but Jeff pays me fairly well for doing them, and we are talking about probably a $50 paddle here. Wow! It certainly is nice to know something you do is really appreciated.
Just wanted to say that I have enjoyed reading your blog. I'm a novice kayaker and enjoy absorbing the informnation about paddling, routes, and the environment. Be well.
ReplyDeleteThanks! For the most part, I write for myself, kind of like a diary, but I certainly do understand and appreciate those who read my ramblings, and put up with my rants! And especially those who keep me inspired by leaving comments! Thanks, and paddle safe in those crazy contraptions! (just kidding, I will probably be the owner of a kayak in a year or two!)
ReplyDeleteNice Paddle. Nice story about it too. ;-)
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