By Mary Fairchild Stafford Beach, Cumberland Island. 11/02/12. Surfers on Amelia Island shared with me that there are consistent spots along the eastern seaboard that bring in solid waves for three out of the four seasons. Although I was hoping that Hurricane Sandy, which had already delivered swell from Florida to the Great Lakes(Sun Times story here), would keep things interesting,…
Redeveloping Chicago
Mayor Emanuel calls Lake Michigan “our Grand Canyon” and he has big plans to “make it a recreational frontier.” Governor Quinn added, “Nature-based tourism is a popular new trend.” NBC News In a joint initiative between the Chicago Park District, the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, and the city of Chicago, plans are in the works for the “redevelopment…
Adaptive Paddling: Drawing a Line in the Sand
By Mary Fairchild Bay Cliff Health Camp “Camp Yes I Can” tucked up in beautiful Big Bay, Michigan on Lake Superior. Sam Crowley and Nancy Uschold of Sea Kayak Specialists, in nearby Marquette, have been a part of the Bay Cliff Health Camp kayaking program since 1994. In September they will be teaching a 4-day ACA…
Chicago River Kayaking: Don’t Get Caught Up Creek Without a Paddle
When it comes to kayaking the Chicago River, some don’t give it a second thought, while others wonder if what they are doing is safe. YouTube video here. Erring on the cautious side, I pulled up a few blog posts from our past CASKA trip reports on the Chicago River that may help address concerns…
Sea Kayak Specialist’s Sam Crowley of Marquette: Door County Instructor Development
By Mary Fairchild Marquette’s ACA L5 trainer Sam Crowley. Here you will brush up on skills you should already know. “Mary, do you think you can do an expedition solo?” was the question. “No, I know I’m not ready yet. Don’t ask me to lead a group yet either,” I kept repeating when it came time to committing to the…
Door County: Sea Change and Sea Kayaking
By Mary Fairchild Glacial polished dolostone on Schoolhouse Beach, Washington Island, WI. At one time the whole middle of the North American Continent sank from the Midwest to the Gulf of Mexico. One of the most deeply sunken areas centered in the present middle of Lower Michigan. Gradually this low spot was filled in with about…