7-4-09 While the rest of the world was at the 4th of July parade I took the Looksha out for a paddle from Presque Isle out to and around Partridge Island.  Really a beautiful day! Went swimming in the rocky bays on the north side of the Island.  Paddle right up to a young eagle and wondered if the parents were close. I looked up and there they were in the top of the white pines on the cliffs. Two beautiful eagles in all their glory watching down over their youngster as I paddled close by. They had a huge nest in the top of the pines and I wished I had my camera. I had a great paddle and I love the way the Looksha handles the water but I do get a little concerned about being on the big lake with no bulkheads for safety. Especially as I mostly paddle solo and there are not many others out on the lake. Time to get serious about finding a safer kayak. 7-20-09 I stopped by Downwind Sports and talked kayaks with Todd. He graciously agreed to let me take any kayak overnight for a trial run. He also graciously thru in the bait of a $200 discount of an Equinox. Loaded up the EddyLine Equinox into the F-250 and headed to Presque Isle for a test cruise. There was a steady crosswind and a good chop. I paddled out to and around Middle Island with waves running about 2ft or so. The kayak handled great! Seemed to splash a little more water up than the Looksha but it tracked like a dream and rode the waves really nice. The decision to buy it was made for me by The Big Lake. Stopped at the corner beach in the bay for a swim. Great first trip in the Equinox and looking forward to many more. 7-23-09 A little short on time so I went out in the Equinox to make sure I really liked it. Confirmed. Went for a quick paddle around McCarty's Cove and Coast Guard Point.  Ended with a good run into the setting sun towards Picnic Rocks. Thought Dan E. might have a cold beer ready for me at his house on the beach but he did not come out. It was a beautiful night and I was the only one on the lake as far as I could see and only saw one person on the beach. I think a lot of people take what we have around here for granted but that makes it more enjoyable for the rest of us. 8-4-09 Wind and waves were up pretty good so I took the safe route. Launched in the Dead River bayou and paddled the Upper Harbor. Took a spin by the small rock and out around the green buoy. Saw a small water snake by the rocks along the shore - first one I ever saw in Superior, It might have came out of the ballast of an ore boat. Short trip but good exercise in the wind and it felt good to get out. 8-7-09 Fantastic night. Launched at McCartys Cove and Anne Marie took this picture of me from the webcam at  www.YooperLand.com. I paddled around Coast Gaurd Point and over to the end of the breakwall and back. Passed three kayakers heading the other way out in open water between the point and the breakwall. Nice gentle swells with just a little chop. Watched a big ore boat head out while the Coaster II sailed on the horizon with the setting sun lighting up its sails. As the night fell I saw seagulls heading out off the point towards open water and wondered where they were going. It did not look like they were headed to White Rocks. Maybe Munising? I paddle out around the green buoy off the point as a full moon came up over Shot Point. Great paddle on a beautiful evening.