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Fanny's Maiden Voyage

by Brad Clarke bclarke@v-wave.com

The boat is named Fanny in honor of the fact that the design name is a bit misleading. She is not a complex boat to build, and a novice using two 4X8 sheets can, as I did, construct her in about 20 hours. (this includes finishing) To do it in 6 hours (no finishing) would require experience and a 4X16 sheet. Hence the name; "Six Hours my Fanny!"
Getting ready to brave the waters of Hasse lake, west of Edmonton. It was a hot, calm day. The lake's beach, located over my right shoulder about 100 yards, was crammed with about 200 hormone soaked adolescents showing off the latest in florescent colored swimwear and raising a cloud of cigarette smoke that many mistook for a forest fire.
Fanny is loaded with a canteen of fresh water (you just don't drink lake water on the praries!), a floating seat pad (delicate bum) and my paddles. Wearing my aqua-socks, I prepare to "take 'er out." We were going to christen her with warm ginger ale, but we forgot it and I'm loathe to waste beer. hasse3.jpg (24609 bytes)
hasse4.jpg (45930 bytes) Push Off! After a push from my bro-in-law Bill, I'm backing out into Hasse Lake. She looks OK doesn't she? I was a bit nervous at this point that my boat might be a bit less than sea-worthy. My fears were to prove groundless.
I have successfully cleared the dock and not sunk! (Note the smile!) My paddles are recycled; my dad found them in his neighbor's garbage can. I sanded and varnished them and presto, I have paddles! I still refer to them as the garbage paddles. hasse5.jpg (14478 bytes)
hasse6.jpg (8679 bytes) Off to explore the lake. My first destination is the clump of weeds located directly in front of my bow. It is a little bird sanctuary. Some little fork-tailed critters got very excited over my visit and dive bombed me as I perused the area.
Brother-in-law Bill tries out Fanny. I took this photo from Bill's rather nice cedar and canvas canoe.  I have since invested in a double paddle as this boat doesn't really track all that well and I can't do a very good J-Stroke. hasse7.jpg (10885 bytes)
hasse9.jpg (16164 bytes) Bill later in the day. He has put his life jacket under his knees and is wearing the seat. (it is an approved PFD) Note the garbage paddle.
Going out for another trip. I'm more relaxed this time. We had just had a lovely lunch of hot dogs and Coke BBQ'd in the parking lot. We've got to find a less crowded lake! hasse11.jpg (14469 bytes)
hasse12.jpg (7980 bytes) Here I am coming back in to the launch and doing much less than the posted speed limit! The water was like glass and if you stayed away from the fishing dock and the beach, the lake wasn't too badly crowded.
I went way to the south (over my left shoulder) and was entertained by a very concerned loon who was trying his level best to keep me away from his mate and chicks.
Fanny had a successful launch and I had a great day. Here's to more paddling!

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Read more about Fanny, Brad, and Brad's other adventures at Brads Boat Pages

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