Goodbye Hobie and Dan
The Reno River Festival is over, and its a good thing because the minx is suffering from nausea, headache, cramping, dizziness, fainting spells, the chills, and a fever. I guess that means I have a sunburn, which isn’t surprising after spending hours sitting along the bank of the Truckee watching the kayak competition and seeking what little coolness I could by dipping my pink feet in the icy water. I don’t think I could’ve taken much more summer goodness to be frank. It was almost 90 degrees today. Many times I felt like Reno’s own version of Blanche DuBois, wilting and almost fainting in the oppressive heat.
But it was a great time wasn’t it? Sure, some things sucked like the lame cover band on Friday night. And, yes, I went to see them so I could be fair. Bad Intent might be perfect for a Harley event at the Bucket of Blood, but kayakers favor something a bit less black and hairy like reggae, alt rock, jam bands, bluegrass, and other hippish party music. Its cool to hear a couple of Journey covers once in a while, but I’ve come to expect more from the festival than that. Did you catch All About Me? (There’s a concept the minx can understand.) All About Me is a local band that fits right in with the festival vibe and are definitely a local band to support. Go to their myspace site to hear some of their acoustic/alt rock music. The vocalist, Monique Jade is clearly influenced by Ani Difranco which is just fine by the minx–plus she has one of the borderline stipper names. All About Me will be at the Great Basin Brewery on June 2nd so be sure to check them out.
I have a lot of friends connected to the kayaking world Reno witnessed this weekend and have actually done a bit of kayaking myself although the minx is limited pretty much to flat water forays. One thing you may have noticed is the communal or “bro” vibe of the sport. If you want to try out a new boat, Steven Wright will lend you his for an hour. If you need a paddle, all you have to do is ask. Want some advice about beginning the sport? Sign up for a free clinic with some of its all stars. A generous spirit pervades the sport, although you may have to excuse its proponents for their messianic desire to convert all to their worldview from time to time.
The generous camaraderie of the kayaking world extends to its children. Not only are young children taking up the sport and competing, but its become a shared activity for many families and everyone helps them perfect their techniques. It definitely takes a village to raise a kayaker. And could you ask for a better family activity? Its healthy and safe when the proper precautions are taken and techniques are taught. It can be either thrilling or relaxing, but its definitely fun, and its full of people respectful of each other and of the environment. You can see that in action watching kayakers share the “holes.” The patiently wait for their turn and are always willing to lend a hand or a pointer if needed. All of us could benefit a little by modeling their behavior.
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[...] Myrna the Minx has a wrap-up of the River Festival, including this bit of insight into boating culture: The generous camaraderie of the kayaking world extends to its children. Not only are young children taking up the sport and competing, but its become a shared activity for many families and everyone helps them perfect their techniques. It definitely takes a village to raise a kayaker. And could you ask for a better family activity? It’s healthy and safe when the proper precautions are taken and techniques are taught. It can be either thrilling or relaxing, but its definitely fun, and its full of people respectful of each other and of the environment. You can see that in action watching kayakers share the “holes.” The patiently wait for their turn and are always willing to lend a hand or a pointer if needed. All of us could benefit a little by modeling their behavior. [...]
[...] Just think ladies, in less than one week, you can get your fill of Jay and the rest of his kayaker buddies at the Reno River Festival. See you at the Grant’s Landing Boater Cross (creative marketing Silverstar)! May the sun be shining and the river high, well, at least as high as possible in a drought. I have a history with the River Festival—its what convinced me to move downtown four years ago and I’ve never been happier. // [...]
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