Archive for February, 2010

Organizers Michael Duffy, Kokatat, and Helen Wilson, Explore North Coast President

Thanks for your work!

Michael was introducing the evening

Talk, talk, talk…

It was the night in White (Blue…) Satin with a matching “belt”!

I particularly enjoyed meeting quite a lot of the Kokatat employees! They had a chance to see the great gear they are working on all day “in action”! Thanks!

Thanks to Karl Anderson teaching me the essentials of cross country skiing in skating style! I learnt fancy things like the V1, V2 and V2 alternate, but decided eventually for myself I’m most happy with my V10 sport!

Thanks to Kirti Walpole organizing that stunning beautiful day!

Pictures by Jen Johnson. Thanks!

I had the honor to get a Kokatat factory tour in Arcata prior to my talk in Eureka tonight!

Steve O’Meara, Kokatat owner for almost 40 years now!

Thanks for matching your company’s logo colors and design to my dress, Steve!

Reception lady Tisha

Marta (marketing), Michael (sales manager), Matt (customer service) and Kevin (customer service)

Design “First Lady” Penny

Production Manager Meredith

The talk in Portland was outstanding – most beautiful venue, most people (over 300), smooth going with the technical side and perfect organisation!

Thanks to:

Alder Creek, Suzi Elle and Dave Slover (4+3), plus Kate Ross (5) and Paul Kuthe (6), and my lovely Portland hosts Kirti (7) and Jon (1) Walpole.

Computer expert Jon Walpole helping me with the technical setup

Don’t say those pics are all looking the same on the last day’s posts…At least I’m changing my outfit – but it’s still *black*… :-)

 

Thanks very much to:

Organizers George and Barb Gronseth, Kayak Academy

Organizer Joan and Michael Collins, publisher Sea Kayaker Magazine

Organizer Chris Cunnigham, Editor Sea Kayaker Magazine 

Karl Cohegan, Kokatat

Justine and Greg Barton, epic kayaks

Thanks for your letter on westcoastpaddler.com, Maddie! You’re quite an impressive young woman being “only” 15 year-old, in writing, paddling, appearance! If you triple that in those 30 years laying between us, the (paddling) world will have a way bigger “star” than I’ll ever able to be!

 

Maddie Millsip:

>It is quite easy to say that I did not know the meaning of inspiration until I met Freya Hoffmeister.

Organizers Sheila Porteus, SISKA, and Brian Henry, Ocean River Sports.

Thanks to Brian and all SISKA’s!

Mike Jackson organized the techical side and the paddle next day. Thanks, Michael!

Brian Henry’s Ocean River Sports shop was sold out and packed with about 150 people

It was a very enthusiastic, but as well a very quiet audience, as I had no microphone and felt a bit sick with my voice. Thanks, guys, you were great!

Bob Putnam from Deep Cove Outdoors/ Deep Cove Canoe and Kayaks

was organizing the talk. Thanks, Bob!

The Capilano University Performing Arts Center was a professional stage with all setups. Brian, the manager on the technical side, did a great job. Thanks, Brian!

My “dummy” kayak, an epic 18 x, set with the new rudder

The stage setup with Deep Cove Outdoors ads prior to the talk