Author Archives: hogan

V7 Paddle – 6/16/2020

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I purchased an Epic V7 surfski. I’ve been wanting to paddle a fast boat for a long time. My race times are getting faster, but the next big step is a faster boat. I found one online and made an offer. Eventually, my offer was accepted and I drove 4 hours round trip to pick up the boat. Today is the first day I’m able to race the boat.

In the summer a group that connects on Facebook, Creve Coeur Lake Show Me Oars 5k meets and paddles a timed 5k race around the lake. I met up with the group and started racing them on Tuesdays with today being my first day. I’m a bit shaky in the V7 as its a narrow boat and I’m used to it. The photos below are of Jeff, who also has a V7. I’m thinking about outfitting options based on what he has already done.

Jeff getting ready to race against me.

There isn’t much storage on a V7. Jeff’s solution is this YETI dry box and a GPS just under his feet. Note that its tethered to the boat. I’m not quite ready to put something over my feet, but it is a good idea.

For my first 5K in the V7, I paddled 33:06. I was happy with that time.  However, at the end of the race at my last paddle stroke, I fell out of the boat in the water to the right side. I just couldn’t keep from falling out with most people watching! I laughed it off. However, my cell phone had enough. It was the last day that the cell phone worked! So an expensive but fun day!

Hogan Haake

State 36 – Mississippi

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6/20/2020

Sonora was out on a trip with a friend and we had a weekend free. Danelle, Corvin, and I drove south to knock out three states. The first of these states is Mississippi. One of the benefits of having Danelle there is not having to ride a loop, or going out and back. This was in our favor as we planned to ride the Tanglefooot Trail. We were riding from Ecru Whistlestop to Pontotoc Gateway. Based off the trail map, it should be an easy ride. Being a weekend (even during COVID-19), we figured we would see a decent number of people.

It didn’t take long and we were off riding down the trail.

The whole trail looked like this, nice smooth paved path.

We were all confused by this sign on the trail! Based on United States driving on the right, the slower traffic goes on the right and faster (passing) goes on the left. Yet, this sign states the opposite.We didn’t understand and didn’t encounter anybody that paid those directions any attention!

We didn’t expect much from this trail, but it decided to show us otherwise. This turtle appeared on the path in front of us.

I’m not an expert, but it seemed like a snapping turtle. We gave it lots of space, only wanting a photo with it before heading on our way.

And yet again, another surprise. Corvin almost ran over this “stick”. I stopped to check out the snake sunning itself on the warm path.

Corvin’s Journal Entry

Our Strava Entry.

Our map of completed states.

Stats:
Total Trip Miles:  200.36
Total Moving Time: 38h 37m
Total Elevation Gained: 5597 feet
Total Hogan UPD: 16
Total Corvin UPD: 9

Hogan Haake

Home Made Pasta – 6/10/2020

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After a fabulous hike, Hannah decided to make my birthday extra special and make home made pasta! We had a pasta machine, but had never used it before. Today was the day to try it out. Hannah started with a lemon pasta mix.

From there, Hannah, Sonora,  and Danelle took turns running the dough through the flattener and then finally through the splitter.

There is the pasta coming out split.

We were fortunate that this recipe doesn’t require drying the pasta much, so we were able to shortly put it in a pot and start a fantastic dinner!

Hogan Haake

Hughes Mountain – 6/10/2020

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Who doesn’t want to take a day off of work. Add to that the fact that its their birthday, and you can see why I took the day off work. I also noticed that my driver’s license expired today. With the COVID-19 pandemic going on, I waited a bit too long to get to the DMV and renew my license. I decided I needed to go early and get a spot to take care of it. I made it to the office 1/2 hour before they opened, but it was too late. There were at least 75 people in line socially distanced outside waiting to get in and take care of government business 🙁

I looked on my phone and it turned out you could be somewhere around 30 days late and still not have a penalty for renewal. With that fantastic, news, I was out of there and headed back home. Unfortunately for me, the kids were both in summer school and Danelle was working. But luck for my, my sister, Hannah, was in town visiting. I can talk Hannah into just about anything. I decided we would drive to Hughes Mountain and hike to the top.

We had a laugh driving out there and hanging out catching up. I had been there before, but didn’t make it to the top. So this was my chance to hike all the way up.

It turns out that my last visit, we turned around very close to the top! Just the same, the view was fantastic!

It may seem crazy to some, but I drove over 4 hours to hike about 2 miles of trail. I wish I could say I did more, but the day was worth it. And we were back at the house before the work day was over, giving me plenty of time to spend with Danelle and the kids on my birthday!

Hogan Haake

Paddling On The Meramec – 6/8/2020

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I think we need to have Hannah in town more often. I’m paddling more than ever. Better than that, I’m bring lots of people with me. Today, Hannah and I paddled the turd while Danelle and Melissa paddled our small aluminum boat up the Meramec river. we didn’t go too far,but had lots of fun!

Hannah is looking at the damn that keeps Simpson lake from dumping straight into the Meramec river.

Danelle and Melissa checking out the damn as well.

And darn Hannah for grabbing a photo with me. I do my best to be the one behind the camera… You can tell I sure don’t like it!

Hogan Haake