This is my pandemonium prize.  Hobie Lynx pedal kayak. 
Actually, I bought it because of my pacemaker.  What?  Yes... I had a pacemaker installed 2 years ago, and now I had to get another (new and improved) pacemaker.  Why?  Paddling is the suspect, although not officially the culprit.  Apparently there is a good possibility that my paddling motion had partially severed one of my pacemaker leads because of a nearby tendon.

There is something to be said for pedaling. It's great for fishing and photography.  It keeps my hands free to do what I want, like take pictures underwater, or reel in the 'big one'.  The pedal system provides a great amount of torque for pushing through the water.  It is reasonably fast...  almost as fast as my ultralight canoe. But that torque, and free hands, allows me to actually tow other kayaks/canoes who's paddlers are getting tired arms.

Disadvantages?  My ultralight canoe weighs 21lbs, with the seat.  This weighs around 50lbs with the seat and pedals, although I've never officially weighed it.  Although it has wheels to put underneath, it makes portage a bit tougher, especially over rocky terrain.

Advantages?  That peddle system gives you a lot of power.  The kayak design is looks like a modified SOT board, with an actual bow to split the water. The seat reminds me of a lawn chair, very comfy. I don't think it's possible to tip this over - ever!  So that means I can be more indiscriminate when it comes to throwing my body weight around.  Plus now I've got a huge area up front and in the rear for 'stuff'. 

All in all, it was a switch I HAD to make if I wanted to keep paddling, but it was well worth it. Did I mention this is a brand new model by Hobie?  It's their lightest non-inflateable. They can be hard to find, but this one came from Connecticut... by the grace of God go I. 

We've been rather dormant this past year with Wilderness Recharge... so many things have tried to interfere!  The weather did not cooperate with any hike we had planned... then my wife suffered a number of setbacks that kept her from hiking, and then I had my own setback (a pacemaker).    Needless to say, we were missing the outdoors.  

So we went camping up to Rollins Pond in the Adirondacks to 'feed the need'.  Had a great time of paddling and mountain biking.  For me the best part was that my stamina and energy level have a new lease on life.  I can do things easily that I have struggled with for 20 years!  So I'm looking forward to a great new season of getting out doors!

Why?  Because if you can't find God outdoors, then you can't find him anywhere!  Evidence of his handiwork is every where you look. It's much more fascinating that a walk in the city full of man made stuff.  Nature is full of crazy antics that seem to work together so nicely!

I look forward to seeing you out there.  Incidentally, we'll be doing a meetup activity last Saturday of every month, God willing and the creek don't rise.

Welcome to Wilderness Recharge.  This group is for those who feel a certain ‘connection’ to the great outdoors. We want to help you get outside and hear from the Creator as well. Whether you bring others, or just go alone, you can’t get that same quality time any other way.

It’s a chance to be exhilarated, with your blood flowing like crazy, and it is also a time to mellow out with friends. It's a time to be silent and be with God… and just listen. This is what we call being RECHARGED.

Read up.  This sight will have lots of things for you!  The adventure waits!