So much to think about

I talked to my teachers and asked if they could get my homework together so I could start working on it before the Everglades Challenge. I'll be gone ten days, so I will have a lot of homework. But I wont beable to get it until three days before we leave.

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If I got it on the Friday before we leave, I would beable to work on it over the weekend and then on the way down on the plane. On the way back after the challenge we have a four hour lay-over in Ohio. But I don't think I will want to be doing homework.

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My dad bought me some foul weather gear. It has bibs which is nice cause the jacket can come off it I get too warm and it wont ride up against the back rest.

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We have been talking quite abit on the challenge. Kinda going over it in our heads. We are going to take it in sections. Setting goals along the way like we do on the Hardcore Adventure Camp each summer.

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We have been thinking that maybe I should be in the back of the Kruger Cruiser. Up front could be a wet ride if there are lots of waves. I've paddled a Sea Wind and a Cruiser, but not in big waves or on the ocean. My dad says if he can keep me warm dry and fed, we're golden.
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My grandpa lives in Florida and he said he is going to be watching me the whole way taking pictures and stuff, which is really cool. I can hardly wait to get down to Florida. This is really going to be a lot of fun hanging out with my dad.

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The End,

Boo

Getting ready

My Dad and I spent most of Saturday sorting through my gear and getting organized. My paddling boots and a lot of my paddling clothes don't fit any more. So shopping!!

Laura picked out a long sleeve long pants paddling out fit for me and my Dad fitted me to my new life jacket and got all the safety gear attached. I still need to find some foul weather pants and jacket. I have a bunch of under layer clothes, fleece jacket and vest. But we are having a hard time finding a good set of rain gear my size.

We only have a couple of weeks before we box everything up and ship it to Mark at Kruger canoes.

My Dad worked with me on reading the compass. Taking a bearing. How to work the strobe on my life jacket, stuff like that. We mostly paddle the inland lakes and rivers in Wisconsin, so a lot of the stuff is really specific to being out on the ocean. I learned about using the signal mirror and when to blow the emergency whistle too.

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Then we went down stairs and looked at charts. It is a very long way. My Dad showed me all the check points, where we plan to stop and the Wilderness Waterway. Places like the Shark River, Alligator Creek and Whitewater Bay. Come on!!

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My mom had her surgery on Monday. We stayed home from school and went to the hospital with her. She is doing OK but is very sore. She'll be off of work for a few weeks recovering.

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The End.

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Boo

New Sponsor - Bring On the Gear!

My Dad said that Mark has gotten us a new sail / sponsor for us to try on the Cruiser. It's called a WindPaddle.

So easy to use, even an 11 year old can use it!!

So we will give it a try! It looks cool! We are getting a red one to match our other sail and spray skirt.

Awesome!

Boo

The Boat

Everybody is asking me what type of boat I am going to be in during the Everglades Challenge. We are using a Kruger Cruiser Canoe.

Here is what the inside looks like. Lots of room to stay comfortable. It's very strong and very safe.

I am in the back when my dad and I race together. But we will be on the ocean for days. So I'll be in the front so my dad can see me if I fall out or something.

Here is a picture of me, Morgan and Mark in a Cruiser on the Hardcore Adventure Camp last summer.

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Oh yea. I am adding another set to my workouts this week too.

The End,

Boo

Wow...

There sure is a lot going on behind the scenes. My Dad had me - email him stuff for a sponsorship proposal for BubbaGirl A BubbaGirl® is someone who seizes opportunities to grow and experience life. She is always looking for chances to learn about herself while fulfilling her dreams and potential.

My dad is friends with extreme BubbaGirl KiWiBird who has done the Everglades Challenge before. She is really helping us out by introducing us to Mary Holsenbeck, Founder of BubbaGirl. There is a story about KiWiBird on the website. I haven't read it yet, but I will!

Today was my first day back to school since the holiday break, but this weekend my Dad and I are going to start going through are gear checklists.

We never made it paddling over New Years. The weather has been really really cold, below zero. so just wasn't a good idea to go paddling.

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I just want to say that there are so any people helping me help my mom. Thank you so much! I am getting really nervous and excited all at the same time. This is a cool sticker that Mr. Hansen is getting made for our Kruger Cruiser Canoe

Thank you,

Boo