Keep an Eye to the Sky Contest!

Do you know what clouds signal approaching or potential bad weather?

You are enjoying an afternoon paddle while taking careful note of all weather conditions. You observe some approaching clouds. What cloud photo should alert you to get off the water immediately? What cloud photo should you keep under close watch and be ready to get off the water quickly? As an extra bonus, can you name the following cloud formations?

Post your answers in the Comments section!

Hurry! Contest ends on January 31st!

Cloud Photo #1

Cloud Photo #2

Cloud Photo #3

Cloud Photo #4

Cloud formations are a visible indicator of approaching weather systems and that's what makes them important to kayakers. Always keep an "eye to the sky" so you don't get caught in dangerous weather!

Copyright Durhamblogger. All rights reserved.

Durhamblogger - Thinking about Posts, Readers, and other Musings!

Howdy everyone! Yep, that's me... the Durhamblogger putting on his "best" "pondering and thinking" expression... while expertly holding his BB smartphone... at just the right angle... backwards mind you... to take this remarkable photo! Not sure if the photo is remarkable because of having to do more than two things at a time... or because I'm actually doing some "thinking" for a change... but I digress!

Wanted to take this opportunity... during my off season from kayaking... to solicit reader feedback on the kinds of blog postings found here at Durhamblogger.

1. What should I stop doing?

2. What should I keep doing?

3. What should I start doing?


Three simple questions... that I hope will generate reader feedback?

Cause, I want to make my blog as entertaining, fun, and interesting as possible for my readers!

Please leave a comment or two on the above three questions.

Look forward to reading them... and many thanks in advance!

Copyright Durhamblogger. All rights reserved.

Thoughts for the New Year

"Be always at War with your vices,
at peace with your neighbors,
and let each New Year find you
a better person." - Benjamin Franklin

As winter's cold and snow blanket the land... and dreams of paddling fade for another season... I look forward to slowing down and relaxing more at home. While I miss paddling... I think it is a good and fine thing to take stock of where one is in life and to count the many blessings of family and friends. Last year I posted my wishes and hopes for a new year... and this year is no exception. In fact, these are the same wishes from 2011 because I believe them to be timeless.

Mike's 10 Wishes and Hopes for 2012

Thank God for all your blessings
Spend more time with family and friends
Say "I love you" more often
Smile and laugh more
Love yourself and then love others
Build up, don't tear down
Give more of yourself and watch it returned tenfold
Appreciate, respect, and care for nature
Help others
Take life one stroke at a time ;-)

Happy New Year Durhamblogger readers... and may all experience great blessings in the New Year! - Mike, the Durhamblogger :-)

Copyright Durhamblogger. All rights reserved.

Durhamblogger Top Five Posts of All Time!

Hi everyone!

Well... what end of the year blog post would not be complete... without a "top 3" or "top 5" or "top 10" list of something or another!

So... without further ado... here are the Durhamblogger "top 5" reader viewed posts of all time!

#1. Nov. 22, 2010 "Before Kerr Lake - An Interesting History Lesson!"

#2. Oct 13, 2010 "Installing Kayak Seat Cushions - An Easy Project"

#3. May 8, 2010 "A Great Morning Paddling the Eno River"

#4. May 5, 2010 "Installing Deck Rigging - A Quick and Easy Project!"

#5. Jul 25, 2010 "Sea Kayaking at Wrightsville Beach!"


Many thanks to all the readers of Durhamblogger!

I'm looking forward to many more paddling adventures... and blogging about them here at Durhamblogger... in the new year!

Copyright Durhamblogger. All rights reserved.

Paddling and Cold Water Survival

The paddling season is winding down here in North Carolina due to inclement weather and dropping water temperatures. Paddlers note - if you fall into cold or icy waters... low water temperatures can kill quickly by causing a dangerous drop in your body's core temperature known as hypothermia - -even in moderate water temperatures. A recent US Coast Guard study found that in water temperatures under 59 F, 40% of cold water immersion victims drown... and over 90% of these folks were NOT wearing PFDs! Sobering and chilling statistics. I urge all paddlers to educate yourselves on the dangers of hypothermia by visiting my Cold Water Survival tab... and ALWAYS wear your PFD.

I NEVER compromise on safety when it comes to paddling... and since I don't own a dry suit... or can find folks who wish to accompany me out on cold water with even colder air temperatures... I'm staying firmly on dry land! Instead, I'll pour myself another cup of coffee... check out the latest issue of Canoe & Kayak... and dream about paddling season resuming in about 3 months.

Copyright Durhamblogger. All rights reserved.