Things...

I realize it's been a bit since I put anything on here... sorry 'bout that. Don't have a very reliable internet connection. So what's new? Took Zephyr to the vet today, partly to update her vaccinations, and partly because she had what looked like the classic lyme-disease bullseyes on her belly. Turned out to be black fly bites. That was a relief. Went hiking a few days ago with my old buddy Rachel, to a couple land trust places. Zephyr and her dog had a great time, and it was nice to catch up with her as usual. However, hiking along in sandals on a new stretch of trail, I kicked a small stump, and ripped off my ENTIRE big toe nail. Just hanging on by a corner. Had to pull the sucker the rest of the way off. Ouch. It's nasty and hurts a bit.
What else... the bike/kayak shop is going pretty slow so far, but racking up the hours. Haven't been paid yet, but hopefully soon, because my credit card bill is going to be a big one. All that gas (~$250), the wheel bearing replacement ($300), Zephyr's vet bill ($150) and lots of other little things is really gonna hurt. I'll manage though.
Things are going fine where I'm staying. They're wonderful, friendly people and I enjoy them a lot. I'm not around too much, but it's fun when we are there at the same time. And they love Zephyr too, so that's a bonus. Working out well.
Not much luck with the "real" job search I'm afraid. Applying to all sorts of things all over the country, but still haven't heard much back from any of them. Still trying, something has to turn up eventually though, right?
Anywho, been doing some paddling in the evenings, and have had some great times. Here's a couple pictures from that, and a picture from my one failed attempt at riding so far...

Some of the people I work with, from L to R. Travis (owner and guide), Cathy (newbie, eventually a guide), Teresa and Mike Lewis (friends of Travis and owners of Carousel Theater), Steve (guide). We were watching the relaunch of the H.M.S. Bounty replica, which was also "The Black Pearl" in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies.

The good ol' Sherman Zwicker at sunset.

From Burnt Island (with the lighthouse) looking towards the Gut. This was a short time exposure, it was about 9 pm and almost dark.

Me on Burnt Island, a little later. Paddled home around 9:30, it was gorgeous.

The Southport Bridge on another evening. Nice and glassy...

The west end of the Gut, looking into the Sheepscot River. Pretty calm eh?

3 days of rain + lots of 4-wheelers = mud bog. This looked like a good line through it all, but apparently not. This was after my chain broke and the bugs ate me alive fixing it...