"Baidarka" - handmade "skin boat" in Aleutian Islander kayak tradition.

Boat builder Christian puts his new "baidarka" skin boat through its maiden voyage paces on a quiet lake in the San Juan Islands.

Skipper Christian poses for a pre-shakedown launch foto by Mark G, well-known Whidbey Island professional lensman.

Stunning attention to detail. Aleutian Islander craftspeople used no plans, made each boat to fit the paddler.  Christian's technique was a carbon copy. 

Christian explains more about his creation:  "My partner Cat and I worked three weeks non-stop building our Baidarka which is a traditional Aleutian skin boat, kind of the predecessor to the modern day kayak.  They are super lightweight and flexible and really nice to paddle.  The traditional ones were made of driftwood and sea lion skin but since we had a hard time finding a dead sea lion this one was made of cedar and ballistic nylon. Neat boats. No screws or nails, everything is lashed together or sewn."

Just look at the size of the sewing needle take a break on the skin boat's deck. 

This baby weighs about 15-lbs, is 18' long, draws perhaps an inch of water.  In the hands of an expert paddler like Christian, the boat is virtually un-capsize-able. 

1920's era Ice Boat kicked ass on Lake Minnetonka back in the day. Now she's in dry dock in the front yard of the West Hennepin History Center in Long Lake, MN, a mere ghost of her glory days under sail.

You've seen the old black and white fotos like I have.  Skeletal wooden frames, massive square feet of sail, and outrigger skate blades that create the bare minimum of friction. In her prime this baby could probably make 40 knots, delighting spectators along the shores of Lake Minnetonka, likely striking terror into the hearts of the skipper and crew.  I must learn more about the boat and reasons for celebrating her history in our neighborhood.  I'll write more soon.

Friday Night Lights in Key West, Big Oil in Maple Plain, Rocking a Boss San Fran Ride, and Big Cheese in Wayzata.

A long time and dear old buddy, really gets into the high school football scene. Here's our man this past weekend as hometown "Conchs" from Key West routed an arch rival from one of the other Fla. keys. Behind on the field during half-time, the "Conchquettes" twirl, dance and promenade to the delight of (sadly) a half-filled stand.  Wait 'til next year, they say. 

Meanwhile, a world away in central Minnesota, a random junk artiste has created a still-life of questionable meaning. Chairs, wagon wheels, an old Schwinn ... and then there's the rearing pony. I still don't get it. Can I get a little help here?

This one I do get.  Much-in-demand San Fran designer cuts a completely contemporary, fascinating figure in the City by the Bay. Add up the Boots, Bricks, Bike, and saddle Bag and you've got a hot, new and iconic brand pedaling the retro look into future. 

The cheese lady at Lund's in Wayzata said the big wheel of Parmesan you see in this foto weighs about 70-lbs. It has a street value somewhere north of $1250. Parm wheels arrive only twice a year at the supermarket, and if you savor the flavor of parm, you'll do no better than this parmesano reggiano, as my brother-in-law Mark G. refers to it.  Mangia, dude!