Wood Duck 12 finished and launched

24th October 2009, a try, but rather cold (max 7° C) , misty and partly foggy day, almost no wind, somewhat typical for the autumn in Schleswig-Holstein, northern Germany. No other boat on the water, except 2 -3 hard-boiled anglers waiting for the great catch. This was THE day for my kayak Wood Duck 12:

FIRST TIME HIT THE WATER

The end of the sailing season on lake Hemmelsdorfer See. I took my Drascombe Lugger EMMA out for winter storage. After she was secured safely on the trailer, the kayak was launched. The first trial trip was carried out.

A picture story:


moving out of downstairsboatworks. Now I am already used to completely clear the corridor of the cellar from furniture, bits and pieces stored there. Otherwise the 'transaction' would not be possible.


safely secured for the 60km trip



Arrived at Hemmelsdorfer See .

I love this stern

Those who are looking at this picture very close , will detect the place on port side where the bottom panel was nearly to do the "big bang" , means to crack because of too much twist.

Water is near ! Wood Duck 12 , in full size and her latest finish.


Dear reader please apologize for some more proud, adoring glances !!!
















Wood Duck always on board



ready for launching, but nobody there for applause or christening ceremony . OK, it's just the trial run. The paddle is not yet the final one . It is 'borrowed' from the Sioux River Canoe.

First time hit the water :-)

Bow view

nice stern

stamped and approved by Wood Duck

Out on the lake:

autumn in northern Germany

max. temp. 7° C,

shivering grey heron in the weed.

on more near approach, he felt disturbed and

moved

Later on the trip around the lake i detected a buoy broken from the anchor and drifted into the weed. The chance for the first "rescue action" for my Wood Duck.
This action was successful accomplished ;-).
The buoy (an empty plastic barrel) was loaded on the aft deck and carried back to the pontoon.


First freight carried 'with grace' .












The hooks and the rubber line proofed to be usefull and resistant.

It's autumn. I hope there will be some more fine days or hours for further excursions this year.