Wednesday evening with the HKV

First we paddle on the SPAARNE river, then we drink and talk about things, then we talk about kayakking.

Nieuwkoopse Plassen (Nieuwkoop's ponds)

Our "new old" car is sand free, the kayak carriers are brand new, the roof doesn't leak and we would love to keep things that way: bright and shiny, spic and span, smooth and aerodynamisch. Our car has become a metaphor for growing old and not being able to accept inevitabilities like wrinkles, bags under the eyes and a less than aerodynamische figure.

That's why I suggested we do some flatwater, fresh water kayakking instead of an adrenaline-packed day surfing at the beach. Theo suggested the Nieuwkoopse Plassen where he used to paddle before he got hooked on seakayakking.

The Nieuwkoopse Plassen is very close by - a mere 20 minute drive from Aalsmeer. A drive through the green heart of Holland with its grazing-meadows, cows in the early spring grass and centuries old farms took us to this nature preserve managed by the foundation Natuur Monumenten.

This area is too wet for raising crops or grazing cows, a fact that Hollanders already in the tenth century had discovered, but from the 14th century on the bogs were a lucrative source of fuel: peat!

A landscape of long straight strips of land and water was formed - Google maps! - and eventually as a result of erosion lakes and ponds.

Most of the year the bogs and woods and waterways are undisturbed, but in the weekend in the summer season they are definitely not.

Nowadays the reeds are harvested for making thatched roofs.

Today we enjoyed a unique chance under a bright blue March sky for an afternoon and early evening just the two of us, of paddling and reflecting on (wild)life in general.

Peddelpraat - 1st kayak trip season

Perfect springtime weather, 51 participants, 17 kilometers, and a well organized trip around the island Marken to Volendam and back, led by a perfectly organized lady, Marianne Boer. What person in their right mind would even attempt to evaluate a trip with 50 kayakkers. She pulled it off perfectly.

It was a grand reunion - we were able to catch up with old friends and kayak buddies, chatting and joking on and off the water. Hulde M. and Peddelpraat!

Heading for Marken

Marken Used to be an island in the Zuider Zee. Now it is connected to the mainland by a dyke. Each year the kayak organisation "peddelpraat" celebrates the opening of the season with a kind of reunion. EVERYONE takes part and its a time for catching up and renewing kayak friendships.

Haarlemse Kano Club

Yes Spring has arrived. I spent some time this morning taking some photos of the kayak club - for an update of the website. I wonder if the members really appreciate the well preserved design of the clubhouse. Very 1950s! Talk about sustainability! Here are some pics.

Nanook of the North

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kaDVovGjNOc&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Plannen

The kayak season has begun. After a few short and and a few long daytrips we're getting back into form. Tonight an evening on the Spaarne with the Haarlems Canoe Club. Afterwards a film - Nannook, the famous Inuit movie.
Still have chores tho. The skeg on my flatwater boat is waitng for warm weather and epoxy.