Patrick arrived a little behind schedule but we loaded the gear and headed to the Yellowknife River bridge and proceeded as planned. Patrick wanted to test out his new inflatable and I wanted to paddle and sail "Sploosh" if the wind were up. Sploosh is my Prijon, Seayak and my my favoured kayak out of the three (sea kayaks) that I own. She is not my fastest boat, however she is the most comfortable for me at this time.

The river was a very busy place this afternoon trucks and boat trailers parked everywhere there was any spare room. It can be quite funny at times as many of these folks have no idea how to back up a trailer or unload a boat. Many of them should not be on the water probably. The boater card when it comes into effect will thin this lot out hopefully but I would'nt bet on it.

Rivers here are shared by all types of crafts and following a few rules like speed limits and wakes in no wake zones would make every ones life easier.

I was pleased to see that the majority of the folks were smart enough to wear their PFDS. Canadian law requires only that you have a proper size PFD in the boat for every person on board your vessel.

When you consider that putting a PFD or lifejacket on in the water is very difficult unless you know how and have practiced you should be required to wear it at all times you are on the water. We lose usually one a year here that drown because they were not wearing their PFD. Last case a few years ago a young man drown in front of his wife and kids only fifty feet from shore. Poor swimmer and rough, cold water he was unable to hold the boat and slipped under. The life jacket would have saved him. The Paddlers for Parts Association require everyone that uses our kayaks and canoes wear a PFD at all times they are on the water in our boat. This is our rule with our equipment and if they don't like it they are free to buy their own boats and use them any way they see fit. We wish them luck.

Today however went very well with no boating accidents and last I saw the paddlers were all still upright which is great. Patrick and I had fun and the sunshine was very nice. Back Bay is opening up and soon Yellowknife bay will be free of ice and the sailing will be grand.

Looking forward to some longer trips on great Slave and other waters this summer and have yet to decide where we will end up.