The Sunset Race is always a good time. Today, I was racing with JoJo and Jason in a Spencer Canoes C3. We are consider taking this boat on the MR340 together this year if the river stops flooding.
As an added bonus, Jeff Hug came out to paddle as well. We’ve worked together in the past and he’s a great guy. Nothing is better than a great night out paddling with friends!
Hogan Haake
August celebrated our 129th Sunset Race on the second Thursday of the month. This month, we were going downstream from Greentree ramp in Kirkwood to the Meramec Marina. There, we’ll tie up the boats and get some pizza and beer before heading back upstream. Eight paddlers made the trip. its always interesting taking over the marina tying up boats anywhere we can get space.
Look closely and you’ll actually see three kayaks in this photo.
Bernie didn’t waste any time getting to his beer. His shirt is soaked from the workout, so its okay.
Melissa has never been here before and loves the vibe!
Jason behind the umbrella post, Jay, and JoJo.
Melissa wanted to see how to get from the marina to land, and loves it.
Overview of the marina.
Looking upriver on the way back. JoJo is in the middle with Melissa in front of the canoe. We had a fun time chatting and paddling.
The Sunset Race is always a blast. Join us any time and paddle with friends!
Hogan Haake
The second Thursday of the month, you’re going to find me on a river paddling. Generally the Meramec river. Tonight was no exception and I was bring a new paddler with me. I met Tonya at a doctor’s appointment. She was working and I struck up a conversation with her. Somehow, it came to paddling. It sounded like she had not had the opportunity to go in a long time and I invited her for the July sunset race. I think she gave up on me, because she was quite surprised when I called her about a week before to make sure she was still coming.
It took some serious encouragement, but I got her to come out to the river. She ended up bring her son (I think his name is Sam). The three of us piled in the canoe and took off for an adventure!
Melissa paddling away.
Melissa and Jojo paddling kayaks.
Sam and Tonya. Look closely and you can see the deer on the bank we’re pointed at.
Always making faces at Melissa.
Which is why she returned the favor!
There are the three of us enjoying a perfect evening together.
Tonya didn’t bring any shoes that could get wet. We were helping her stay dry as she got in the boat.
It brings me joy to spread my paddling opportunity with others!
If you’re reading this and you want to go out paddling, drop me a comment and we’ll see about working something out!
Hogan haake
Our normal monthly paddle on the Meramec river. Some photos of our fun.
Andy playing Humpty Dumpty. This time he didn’t fall or break, but he also didn’t have time to paddle. Still awesome that he came out to see us!
Bernie Arnold brought me a boat to borrow. We paddled for a bit, but he didn’t have time for the official Sunset Race.
Jo Jo in her race boat with Jason behind her. Can’t remember the orange dude, but very cool guy.
I’m in the foreground with Mark in the boat and my wife Danelle getting ready to join us. A real treat for all of us!
Jay Doty in a skin on frame his son made. That boat is fast and lightweight!
Hogan Haake
Its Valentine’s Day, but that doesn’t stop the Sunset Race. I’ve been married long enough that it isn’t a highly encouraged [or else] type of holiday. Actually, we both agree its a made up holiday, but that is another topic.
I started off the Sunset Race with a unicycle ride. Even after all these times of the Sunset race, I still get excited every month. So getting in a ride before the paddle is a good way to help calm myself down. I even turned a few segments of my ride into a video if you’re curious.
This is what my two of my favorite hobbies look like together!
We had a great race err paddle. We didn’t go all the way to 141, but we still had fun. One dark photo at the Simpson Lake damn.
Hogan Haake