|
Fanny's Maiden Voyage
by Brad Clarke bclarke@v-wave.com
| The boat is named Fanny in honor of the fact that the design
name is a bit misleading. She is not a complex boat to build, and a novice using two 4X8
sheets can, as I did, construct her in about 20 hours. (this includes finishing) To do it
in 6 hours (no finishing) would require experience and a 4X16 sheet. Hence the name;
"Six Hours my Fanny!" |
| Getting ready to brave the waters of Hasse lake, west of
Edmonton. It was a hot, calm day. The lake's beach, located over my right shoulder about
100 yards, was crammed with about 200 hormone soaked adolescents showing off the latest in
florescent colored swimwear and raising a cloud of cigarette smoke that many mistook for a
forest fire. |
| Fanny is loaded with a canteen of fresh water (you
just don't drink lake water on the praries!), a floating seat pad (delicate bum) and my
paddles. Wearing my aqua-socks, I prepare to "take 'er out." We were going to
christen her with warm ginger ale, but we forgot it and I'm loathe to waste beer. |
 |
 |
Push Off! After a push from my bro-in-law Bill, I'm backing out
into Hasse Lake. She looks OK doesn't she? I was a bit nervous at this point that my boat
might be a bit less than sea-worthy. My fears were to prove groundless. |
| I have successfully cleared the dock and not sunk!
(Note the smile!) My paddles are recycled; my dad found them in his neighbor's garbage
can. I sanded and varnished them and presto, I have paddles! I still refer to them as the
garbage paddles. |
 |
 |
Off to explore the lake. My first destination is
the clump of weeds located directly in front of my bow. It is a little bird sanctuary.
Some little fork-tailed critters got very excited over my visit and dive bombed me as I
perused the area. |
| Brother-in-law Bill tries out Fanny. I took this
photo from Bill's
rather nice cedar and canvas canoe. I have since invested in a double paddle as
this boat doesn't really track all that well and I can't do a very good J-Stroke. |
 |
 |
Bill later in the day. He has put his life jacket
under his knees and is wearing the seat. (it is an approved PFD) Note the garbage paddle. |
| Going out for another trip. I'm more relaxed this
time. We had just had a lovely lunch of hot dogs and Coke BBQ'd in the parking lot. We've
got to find a less crowded lake! |
 |
 |
Here I am coming back in to the launch and doing
much less than the posted speed limit! The water was like glass and if you stayed away
from the fishing dock and the beach, the lake wasn't too badly crowded.
I went way to the south (over my left shoulder) and was entertained by a very concerned
loon who was trying his level best to keep me away from his mate and chicks. |
| Fanny had a successful launch and I had a great day. Here's to
more paddling! |
|
