It looks strange to write 2015. Well, I hate to say it but
kayaking is over for the winter. We have frigid temperatures and two to six
inches of snow in central Ohio. I had hoped to get to kayak while it was
snowing but the lakes iced over too quickly.
I feel pretty good about where I stand in the progress of my
BHAG. I have kayaked 11 (12 if I get extra credit for lakes not on my list) of
the 108 lakes since November 7, 2014. Just as a reminder, my BHAG requires me
to kayak all the lakes and reservoirs in Ohio that are larger than 100 acres by
November 6, 2015. My self-imposed year time frame corresponds to my 50th
year on this planet. I will have 97 lakes left to kayak once spring is here.
Prior to 2014, I had owned kayaks twice before. Both times I
ended up selling them because they were not getting used. They didn’t get used
because I had so much trouble with transporting them. I have a Honda Odyssey
that is great for carrying lots of stuff but has a high roof. I am only 5’4”
tall and even with a portable step stool I had a heck of a time getting the
kayaks on top of the car. Once I got the kayaks on the roof, I had even a more
difficult time getting them secured in the kayak carriers.
It got to be that I dreaded transporting the kayaks so much
that I stopped kayaking altogether. I loved kayaking and being out on the water
so I knew that I had to come up with a solution. I decided that I would get a
trailer so that I didn’t have to be able to lift the kayaks on top of the car.
The first step was having a trailer hitch put on the car; I chose to have it
done at the dealer just so I didn’t have to worry about whether it was done
right. Second, I had the electrical installed by U-Haul—it was about half the
price of the dealer and U-Haul does it all the time. Last, I needed a trailer.
I lucked out and bought one used but like new at a garage sale.
At first, I just strapped the kayaks onto the trailer. After
a few trips I made modifications to get it to where it is today. I found that
having the straps go directly through the trailer bed was pulling the floor of
the trailer up, plus it wasn’t easy to get the hooks just right. Some 2x4s
secured to the frame with eyebolts sticking up solved that issue. I use two, ratchet
tie down straps on each kayak and hook them into the eyebolts. Then I attach two
bungee cords, one at the bow and one at the stern. I call these my “Oh, shit”
lines. Bouncing down back roads, I now have no concern about losing my kayaks. It’s
such a relief.
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| Trailer for Transporting My Kayaks |
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| Pool Noodles Make Great Bumpers |
Now for the pool noodles, I found that my kayaks were
rubbing against the medal frame of the trailer. I fixed that problem with pool
noodles that I bought at the dollar store, for you guessed it one dollar each.
When spring comes I will invest in a few more noodles and replace the ones I
have as they wear out.
If something brings you as much joy as kayaking does for me
you have to find a way to make it happen. None of us are getting any younger.
If there is something that you really want to do but something is standing in
your way then find a way over, or around the obstacle. There is a way. You just
have to find it. I will see you back here in the spring!
Your ethos about persevering with something when it brings you pleasure definitely strikes a chord with me. I had a similar dilemma about transporting my bikes in my small car but it never occurred to me to get a trailer. There are certainly plenty kayaks flying along the motorway near me on top of trailers. Your idea is popular and well done.
ReplyDeleteAndrea Wilkins @ Get Away Outdoors