Duluth anybody?
six one two 270 one two two four
duluth - looking good
Moderator: MK
-
ice_kmauve
- Posts: 537
- Joined: Mon Jan 02, 2006 7:18 pm
- Location: St. Paul, MN
duluth - looking good
"They call me Doctor Love.. Doctor love!!" - an obscure rock band.
Milly No, Superior Yea!
Heading out soon, Sorry- car is STUFFED w/ gear. C U there, Jim.
P.S: Thanks for the tip!!!!!!!!
P.S: Thanks for the tip!!!!!!!!
-
ice_kmauve
- Posts: 537
- Joined: Mon Jan 02, 2006 7:18 pm
- Location: St. Paul, MN
-
ice_kmauve
- Posts: 537
- Joined: Mon Jan 02, 2006 7:18 pm
- Location: St. Paul, MN
Prk. Pt. a bust
The Point didn't deliver..only a steady 5 to 10 so headed back to Milly. Nice session on my 16 made it worth the drive. Thanks for the beer & burger at Carlsona, Terry! Getting air off the wave faces was a total blast! JRN
JRNDuluth always delivers.
I think the key distinction in this thread deals with 'addiction' vs. 'passion'. When there's a prospect for wind on Superior, it's opportunity without expectation. At the very least, even without wind, a blue sky, summer day in the world's biggest fresh water lake (10% of all fresh water on the planet) is a major gift.
With a focus on economy, the most extreme case I ever saw was a detailed breakout on what each component of a windsurfer really costs per hour used. It was different, I was amused, but can think of more interesting ways for me to spend my time.
I had a great drive up, only to meet diminishing winds on the Point. I enjoyed the cool water, residual wave action and the feel of an ocean beach, played music, read, and later noticed the return of wind in the afternoon. It was marginal on the point, so I discovered a park at 42nd street (100meter walk to the water). The wind was coming in much better here, nice swell, and good 7.4M sailing.
For sure, some don't like big sail riding, some don't maybe like Duluth without wind...we're all different. Personally, I couldn't leave, spent the night in Duluth and had a great morning on the beach before heading home to clouds and drizzle.
Wind in Duluth is always a gamble. I know what it's like to stay home, checking the hourly winds, finding a brief delight in seeing it didn't happen. Still, after all my trips, I have no regrets...nothing ventured, nothing gained. We create our own reality and I'm not trying to put negative energy to those who want a more sure wind thing.
Superior is Superior....she commands a 'no complaint, no complaint' attitude.
I would have loved to have been there last night at 8pm when she turned on.
With a focus on economy, the most extreme case I ever saw was a detailed breakout on what each component of a windsurfer really costs per hour used. It was different, I was amused, but can think of more interesting ways for me to spend my time.
I had a great drive up, only to meet diminishing winds on the Point. I enjoyed the cool water, residual wave action and the feel of an ocean beach, played music, read, and later noticed the return of wind in the afternoon. It was marginal on the point, so I discovered a park at 42nd street (100meter walk to the water). The wind was coming in much better here, nice swell, and good 7.4M sailing.
For sure, some don't like big sail riding, some don't maybe like Duluth without wind...we're all different. Personally, I couldn't leave, spent the night in Duluth and had a great morning on the beach before heading home to clouds and drizzle.
Wind in Duluth is always a gamble. I know what it's like to stay home, checking the hourly winds, finding a brief delight in seeing it didn't happen. Still, after all my trips, I have no regrets...nothing ventured, nothing gained. We create our own reality and I'm not trying to put negative energy to those who want a more sure wind thing.
Superior is Superior....she commands a 'no complaint, no complaint' attitude.
I would have loved to have been there last night at 8pm when she turned on.
Ride...just be it!
www.just-be-it.com
www.just-be-it.com
Mother is Superior.
Heck YA Randy! Duluth sailing is THE MOST INSANE in MN, however, one never knows what they will get. Even living in Duluth, one has to grab your gear and head down to the lake and check out conditions. But when it's on.......................... OH DADDY, IT'S ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Windsurfing is cool.
Windsurfing is cool.
-
ice_kmauve
- Posts: 537
- Joined: Mon Jan 02, 2006 7:18 pm
- Location: St. Paul, MN
Randy -- thanks, I appreciate your positive thoughts and life-affirming attitude. It's okay to get to the beach, even Duluth, to find no wind. It helps to remember all the times you've made road trips and such with no thought of even boarding. That's what makes wind sports so delicious, I guess, in my experience.
I feel like sending out my condolences or whatever to folks that went up to Duluth Saturday, as I know they wanted it and might have experienced some disappointment. Then I also remember last fall when Tom and I went up there only to find we didn't have a kite small enough!! for the 40+ mph on shore winds. WEll, I've fixed that problem let me tell you, but it was sstill a cool road trip. Duluth is a great hang out.
Here's looking forward to getting doused in the cold mother lake again sometime soon.
Peace.
I feel like sending out my condolences or whatever to folks that went up to Duluth Saturday, as I know they wanted it and might have experienced some disappointment. Then I also remember last fall when Tom and I went up there only to find we didn't have a kite small enough!! for the 40+ mph on shore winds. WEll, I've fixed that problem let me tell you, but it was sstill a cool road trip. Duluth is a great hang out.
Here's looking forward to getting doused in the cold mother lake again sometime soon.
Peace.
"They call me Doctor Love.. Doctor love!!" - an obscure rock band.
reply
As to water quality on the lake side, I've consistently heard it's improving and the referenced article is just confirming the dubious quality of the harbor water. It would have been interesting if they provided samples of the lake side.
As to Hank and the use of 'addiction'. This is an important discussion for all windsport enthusiasts. My first interview question for potential windsurfers was about their vocation. Wind doesn't operate on a fixed schedule like so many of us want. Yes, it is intermittent and our behavior will take a stronger hold from this type of reinforcement. This will bother friends and family, because so many others are addicted to routine. A recent study showed that the average American spends 80% of his discretionary time zoned out in front of the TV. I basically told potential customers you have to look at it like a fireman. Let everyone know you'll be the greatest worker, father, etc., when the wind's not blowing, but when it does, you've got to meet your appointment with life. People that get into windsports and don't set this scenario up from the get go end up hurting themselves and others, squelching their passion in exchange for the good opinion of others.
As to 'addiction' vs. 'passion', I view addictions as causing harm to oneself or to others. Basically, when reviewing my actions at the end of the day, would I repeat my actions? Was it food or poison? Years ago, I was a wind addict, sailing long past my body's fatigue point. I sailed to the point of muscle injury, simply because I was on a mindless feeding frenzy. Fueling one's passion is different. It's knowing, from the heart, what must be done. There's sensitivity to 'not causing harm to oneself or to others'. There's honesty to let people know what this passion is and why it must be honored. So many waste a good day's passion locked into denial of fun simply because they haven't done a good job communicating this passion to friends, family and employers.
I find many non-windsports people simply don't get our hearts' draw to the wind. Perhaps they've locked into the times where we have caused harm by not listening to them. My father's advice to Davin for marital happiness was 'live in moderation and be kind to one another'. Jane's had great reason to grow her anger over my wind passion since it's true, I've gone pretty deep with it. Is it outside of moderation? I haven't moved to a wind destination, and when I visit one, I'm pretty good about sailing just for a few hours. Still, this intermittant thing causes problems, since it seems the wind takes priority, and it's my job to communicate my passion for her when it's not blowing.
Interestingly, in most cases, when I have her blessing the wind exceeds what I thought it'd be. When my decision to sail hasn't involved solid communication with her, when I've done harm, the sailing conditions aren't that good. My observation is that long time wind enthusiasts have done a good job setting up their relationships for understanding wind passion, not addiction.
Another observation...never ever complain about a sailing session to a non-windsport person after they've understood your passion. Nothing pisses Jane off more than to hear me whine about conditions that didn't meet my expectations. When they can see how wind feeds the soul, makes you a better person, puts a smile on your face, puts positive stoke in your job, family, etc., they'll be more likely to endorse your next trip.
Finally, Ben, congrats on your family addition. Looking forward to another sesh up there with all you Duluth natives. Sometimes I think I'm as stoked by you guys as the wind and waves.
As to Hank and the use of 'addiction'. This is an important discussion for all windsport enthusiasts. My first interview question for potential windsurfers was about their vocation. Wind doesn't operate on a fixed schedule like so many of us want. Yes, it is intermittent and our behavior will take a stronger hold from this type of reinforcement. This will bother friends and family, because so many others are addicted to routine. A recent study showed that the average American spends 80% of his discretionary time zoned out in front of the TV. I basically told potential customers you have to look at it like a fireman. Let everyone know you'll be the greatest worker, father, etc., when the wind's not blowing, but when it does, you've got to meet your appointment with life. People that get into windsports and don't set this scenario up from the get go end up hurting themselves and others, squelching their passion in exchange for the good opinion of others.
As to 'addiction' vs. 'passion', I view addictions as causing harm to oneself or to others. Basically, when reviewing my actions at the end of the day, would I repeat my actions? Was it food or poison? Years ago, I was a wind addict, sailing long past my body's fatigue point. I sailed to the point of muscle injury, simply because I was on a mindless feeding frenzy. Fueling one's passion is different. It's knowing, from the heart, what must be done. There's sensitivity to 'not causing harm to oneself or to others'. There's honesty to let people know what this passion is and why it must be honored. So many waste a good day's passion locked into denial of fun simply because they haven't done a good job communicating this passion to friends, family and employers.
I find many non-windsports people simply don't get our hearts' draw to the wind. Perhaps they've locked into the times where we have caused harm by not listening to them. My father's advice to Davin for marital happiness was 'live in moderation and be kind to one another'. Jane's had great reason to grow her anger over my wind passion since it's true, I've gone pretty deep with it. Is it outside of moderation? I haven't moved to a wind destination, and when I visit one, I'm pretty good about sailing just for a few hours. Still, this intermittant thing causes problems, since it seems the wind takes priority, and it's my job to communicate my passion for her when it's not blowing.
Interestingly, in most cases, when I have her blessing the wind exceeds what I thought it'd be. When my decision to sail hasn't involved solid communication with her, when I've done harm, the sailing conditions aren't that good. My observation is that long time wind enthusiasts have done a good job setting up their relationships for understanding wind passion, not addiction.
Another observation...never ever complain about a sailing session to a non-windsport person after they've understood your passion. Nothing pisses Jane off more than to hear me whine about conditions that didn't meet my expectations. When they can see how wind feeds the soul, makes you a better person, puts a smile on your face, puts positive stoke in your job, family, etc., they'll be more likely to endorse your next trip.
Finally, Ben, congrats on your family addition. Looking forward to another sesh up there with all you Duluth natives. Sometimes I think I'm as stoked by you guys as the wind and waves.
Ride...just be it!
www.just-be-it.com
www.just-be-it.com
One thing overlooked is what kind of price peeps are willing to pay for all the travel "chasing the wind". With cheap energy costs "passion" is easy. Now, let's say that trip to Duluth is going to cost, say $100 in fuel? At what point does one decide "it's not worth it"? When does the "passion" slide into "addiction"? Yes, fuel will cost more & more in the future.
OK, gas has dropped as of lately, can't argue wit that one.
OK, gas has dropped as of lately, can't argue wit that one.
Ok i'll bite.
$100 for a trip to duluth in the future.
Thats 300 miles.
Lets say 30 mpg (for a somewhat fuel efficient car in the future)
10 gallons of gas used.
$10 a gallon for gasoline.
Ok gasoline might get that expensive some day. But FUEL is a different matter.
Hell, I could probably make some biodesiel or ethanol my back yard for cheaper then $10 a gallon.
Or buy a plug in hybrid (due to come out soon) and toss in some more batteries plug it in at home and drive the 150 miles up there.
Or take the public transportation that is sure to appear once people can't afford to drive (take the bus/train with your kiting gear to duluth... although getting windsurfing gear would be a bit harder)
Or move to duluth
Or even better.... if gas gets that high and there are ZERO alternatives. Get a mountain board and kite down the interstate pulling all your windsurfer friends on a trailer behind you...
Back on topic.
I don't get the reasoning about addiction? Are we supposed to see gas going up, give up on what you have a passion for, and sit at home and watch TV? The world isn't black and white (ie. Driving to duluth = Using Gas = Addiction)
Peak Oil has NOTHING to do with kiting/windsurfing being an addiction.
$100 for a trip to duluth in the future.
Thats 300 miles.
Lets say 30 mpg (for a somewhat fuel efficient car in the future)
10 gallons of gas used.
$10 a gallon for gasoline.
Ok gasoline might get that expensive some day. But FUEL is a different matter.
Hell, I could probably make some biodesiel or ethanol my back yard for cheaper then $10 a gallon.
Or buy a plug in hybrid (due to come out soon) and toss in some more batteries plug it in at home and drive the 150 miles up there.
Or take the public transportation that is sure to appear once people can't afford to drive (take the bus/train with your kiting gear to duluth... although getting windsurfing gear would be a bit harder)
Or move to duluth
Or even better.... if gas gets that high and there are ZERO alternatives. Get a mountain board and kite down the interstate pulling all your windsurfer friends on a trailer behind you...
Back on topic.
I don't get the reasoning about addiction? Are we supposed to see gas going up, give up on what you have a passion for, and sit at home and watch TV?
The world isn't black and white (ie. Driving to duluth = Using Gas = Addiction)Peak Oil has NOTHING to do with kiting/windsurfing being an addiction.
Yup, our Nation is addicted to oil like no other. Does anyone walk or bicycle anymore. What kind of public transport do US Americans have? Crappy! It's STILL the American dream to live in the Burbs & commute in 50 miles a day wit the SUV.Bryce wrote:So is there such a thing as an addiction to talking about gas prices and peak oil?Addiction: An addiction is a recurring compulsion by an individual to engage in some specific activity.
The point I'm making is these water sports are destination activities and require driving all over Hell for most ppl. We start getting the squeeze with energy and "it's gonna be a problem".
At $3 gal I'm looking at $10 in fuel to go MTBiking just once. It's not just the cost, the fricken traffic is enough to want to make you stay home. Most peeps don't bat an eye, just fill er up and away we go.
So is there such a thing as an addiction to talking about gas prices and peak oil?
What is the solution then? Does that involve telling everyone about it on LAKAWA? Or heckling people not to drive?We start getting the squeeze with energy and "it's gonna be a problem".
Did you get your fix or blow another $50 on a line............
In principle I agree with a lot of what your saying, Hank. I live outside the big city and I try to bike on non-windy days (car is ready to go when it is windy). I get to kite on a lake only a few miles away. So what! These are personal choices! You can't yell at the guy that drives a SUV up to mille lacs or duluth to kite and spend day at the beach with their family. That won't change anything.
It is great that you feel strongly about that issue... but this does not seem like an effective way to find a solution.
Bryce