Kip’s Comments - September 4, 2024

What is Not To Love About This?

I am an equal opportunity watercraft picture poster. A few days ago I shared an image of one of my canoes. Tonight I share a photo of my dear old beater boat - the HMY Kristina. She is old, she is rough, she is dented. But, she keeps water out, she isn’t afraid to go where others won’t (or can’t), and she is special.

This boat joined my fleet years ago after getting away from her previous owner and floating stern up, down the river. A conservation officer and I towed her back to the boat ramp where I offered the owner a pittance for her. About six weeks later he asked if I still wanted her and I did. I paid the pittance price and then bought a tube of JB Weld to patch the holes. I have since added some Flex Seal tape to protect my JB Weld investment.

This old boat is reliable and I am not afraid to use her. I thought it was time to share a picture of her again.

Oh… she is named the HMY (Her Majesty’s Yacht) Kristina. I read somewhere that it is respectful and maybe romantic to name your boat after your bride, so I did!

HMY Kristina - Image 908578

What is the Rest of This Story?

A fellow really never knows what he might see on the Wapsie. Today I noticed something swimming across the river that I did not recognize. Past observations taught me not to approach too quickly, so I moved at a non-threatening pace.

Imagine my surprise when I recognized the aquatic traveler was a squirrel! This thing is lucky a large northern pike, with hunger on its mind, wasn't nearby. I wonder what the rest of the story is. Why would the squirrel take such a chance?

Squirrel Swimming Across Wapsipinicon River - image 908518