As much as I'm loving the snow, I'm really looking forward to spring. I can't wait to hit those swollen rivers & go exploring! We've got some interesting trips planned for this paddling year, and I can't wait!

On the morning of a trip I'm like a little kid on Christmas morning. I'm so excited I get a little flighty, and it's amazing to me I haven't forgotten some key component back at home, like, um... my paddle.

Wait, I have done that! I can't take all of the blame though. Steve helped me unload from the previous trip and he took my paddle out of my boat, unbeknownst to me. Lesson learned? Never let hubby help unload?! Nooooooooo. (Never let him tie the boat onto the Jeep, but that's another post)

The lesson is: always, no matter how short the trip, go over a checklist. It will save some running later, or maybe even a life (i.e. whistle, or thermal blanket, etc.).

The Mad City Paddlers, out of Madison, have an excellent checklist on their website. Please visit this link to check it out. You may want to print out a few to keep handy for the upcoming year.

So, with that, I'm off to the real world of mommying my girls, while daydreaming of my boat.

Here are some pics to hold you over 'til the thaw.



(Yes, I am aware that hubby is not a water diva, but he is fun to take along.)