Your pre-trip ritual sounds much more enjoyable than mine. (except for the tunes:-) A longer drive and trying to maximize time on the water has it's price.

In my younger days, packing, especially when doing food for a large group, always spilled into the wee hours of a Friday morning. A few hours of sleep were followed by 9 hours at work. We'd leave as soon as possible after work for an all night drive thru lots of construction. Back then the limit was still 55. We'd finally hit the water around noon, after the wind kicked up, and would go as far as we could.

It didn't seem stupid at the time but it got harder to do as the years went by. Middle age has allowed a wiser plan. More vacation time, funding and smaller groups help. The night before is still hectic but a daytime drive in better cars with comfy seats on excellent roads and a motel room makes the next morning's paddle very enjoyable.

Luckily, the post-trip get-together has always remained constant. Good friends, baked lakers and weather permitting an outdoor slide show all help extend the trip.

Posted by db on February 11, 2002 at 01:59
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