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 Post subject: Clean-up Day at the Lake
PostPosted: Wed Nov 19, 2008 9:56 pm 
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Location: Escondido
Some people are pigs (no offense to the pigs). This is a good thing because it allows us to have "clean-up" days. This is where we get to go kayaking in areas that are normally closed or not allowed -- and actually get thanked for it.

The success of any clean up is measured on a trash-to participant scale. So where human discards are normally shunned by others, for these events they are exceedingly valuable. The more trash you're carrying around, the higher your prestige. If the dumpster gets filled enough, then a bonus is usually awarded in the form of another free kayaking, or rather clean-up day.

The dedicated start early, work hard and rise to the top conspicuously. The ne'er-do-wells (NDWs) use the event to enjoy a leisurely day of kayaking and often employ deceptive means to make it look as if they are toiling away.

For example, here's a picture of one who has pre-planned his deception. He loaded his Oasis tandem with a bunch of equipment which can be toted around to impress the organizers:
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On the other hand, this is my friend John, a dedicated individual returning with his first load in his Hobie Sport, even as everyone else is getting started. Here he is giving directions to a major trash source:
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You can see his reaction when an NDW offers to buy his trash so he can cruise around with it instead of actually collecting it himself...
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...after which he leaves promptly to drop off his valuable load:
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A sharp eye reveals one of the inspectors inconspicuously monitoring the event:
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In a trash pick-up, any human by-product is fair game, while everything else is considered natural and should not be disturbed. Here, the NDW suddenly shows up strutting around with a major trophy he claims had washed ashore, although several onlookers reported seeing him lurking around one of the lake buoys:
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In the meantime, our friend John cements his leadership as master collector with his second full load -- and by the smile on his face, he knows it. Some of the jealous were heard spreading rumors that he must have a secret stash hidden.
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Our NDW finally raids a trash can and quickly empties the contents into his craft. Fortunately there is still plenty of room on the boat! Here he heads back with his booty:
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The authorities were so pleased by the result, they have granted another clean-up day next month, mostly thanks to John. I'll start saving my trash. :wink:

If you ever want to go kayaking someplace that is closed or forbidden, simply get the authorities to agree to a clean-up day, bring your tools and camera and enjoy a lovely day at your local watery! 8)


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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Sun Dec 07, 2008 8:12 pm 
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Joined: Mon Sep 17, 2007 8:40 am
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Location: Omaha, Nebraska
We do clean-ups every once in a while here in Omaha. Not to get on restricted rare water, but just to clean-up the environment. We always find more litter than we expect is there. Biggest hauls include bottled water bottles and styrofoam mostly from fishing bait. It's actually a great excuse to get together as a yaking group and *gaspe!* make a difference.

Neat pics. The wheel barrel is a bit overkill though.

Thomas

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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Mon Dec 08, 2008 12:19 am 
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Location: Escondido
Thomas, thanks for your comments. You're probably right about the wheelbarrow. It was intended for removing rocks from a remote beach and landing area but got filled with mostly broken glass instead with no place to dump it until the return.

That reminds me, the next clean up is this Wednesday Dec. 10. Anyone wanting to make a difference call the Lake Hodges staff for details at 858-538-8112. Anyone just coming out to clean-up the environment there is no requirement to bring your kayak -- you can walk the shoreline. Those wanting to enjoy some kayaking are also welcome as long as you at least look like you're collecting trash or doing something else productive (this does NOT include fishing). 8)

If you come, be sure to notice how all the rocks have been removed from the kayak launching beach (at least until the water level drops some more). :wink:


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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Mon Dec 08, 2008 8:17 am 
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Location: Omaha, Nebraska
It IS fun to clean-up a lake, so if you are in Roadrunner's area, give him a buz. Here in Omaha at this time of year my yak would have to do double duty as an ice breaker.

It certainly is impressive what you can get on board a sit-on yak compared to a sit-in yak! A wheelbarrow! Who'd have thunk that?

Thomas

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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Dec 11, 2008 12:22 am 
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Another beautiful day for kayaking... er I mean cleaning up the lake! One great thing about the Oasis -- it can hold a lot more than just a wheelbarrow. Unfortunately with this load, the forward view is somewhat limited:
Image

Here's what it looks like from the front. There is only so much one can pile on any boat (yes, there is more trash stowed inside the pipe).
Image

Oasis -- a true workhorse and most versatile boat in the Hobie kayak line! Always try to have one on hand for your local clean-ups. 8)


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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Dec 11, 2008 10:49 am 
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Joined: Tue May 27, 2003 12:44 pm
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Location: Oceanside, California
Nice work Roadrunner!!

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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Dec 11, 2008 11:04 am 
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Joined: Mon Sep 17, 2007 8:40 am
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Location: Omaha, Nebraska
I agree. Nice work Roadrunner!

Mmmmm. Roadrunner, are you actually in that last pic somewhere? Raise your hand or somethin'.

Thomas

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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Dec 11, 2008 5:20 pm 
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Joined: Thu Sep 11, 2008 6:42 pm
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My gosh is that lake a city dump? :)


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