ESB

7/04/2009

My New Hobby

This summer, I was either going to join the Charles River Sailing Club or buy a kayak. My obvious issues with kayak ownership was a lack of car and storage. But I happened to type in "kayak" at Amazon.com (where I now buy everything except groceries) and got clued in to inflatable kayaks. I was a little skeptical of their quality and durability, but the reviews on the Advanced Element models sold me. I ended up going with a smaller 10.5" model. It's only $399 and folds up into a big, yet portable storage bag.

http://www.amazon.com/Advanced-Elements-AdvancedFrame-Inflatable-Kayak/dp/B000J2Q0C6/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1246760305&sr=8-4

It takes about 15 minutes to blow up and you're ready to rock. I've taken it out twice on the Charles River thus far - once from Newton to Harvard, and the next time all the way past downtown to where I could go no further (dam). It's definitely not as fast as a "real" kayak, but I'm in no hurry!

# posted by Eric B : 7:16 PM

6/14/2009

Block Island, RI

We headed out to Block Island, Rhode Island for a nice birthday weekend. After a 90-minute drive from Boston, it's a quick 30-minute ferry ride from Port Judith, RI. Our friend Amanda has a gorgeous house overlooking the harbor and ocean where about 8 of us crashed. Unlike the tourist traps of Nantucket & Martha's Vineyard just up the coast, Block Island is like taking a 50-year trip back in time with its rural and rustic settings.

I was really bummed that I didn't bring my kayak along. But we were able to dig for a bunch of clams right in the back yard before the DNR lady busted us. Next time I'll pay the $20 license.