I'm 49, previously married (for 16 yrs but not now), no kids, 6 ft, 140 pounds, and extremely handsome, loyal, brave, kind, cheerful, thrifty, (you get the picture). Oh yeah, I'm also a gimp, and don't talk or walk too well anymore, but if I keep my mouth shut and stay in my boat no one notices. I have to admit, we do get some neat parking spaces though, you may have seen them. Oh yeah, the pay isn't too great but talk about job security!

I've only been paddling about a year and a half, before that I used to fly hang gliders and before that, go caving. Anyway, I've only had experience in the Pamlico, and now the Manteo, both made by Wilderness Systems. I generally paddle only on flatwater and then only if it is glassy. If I'm feeling real brave I will go out in a gentle breeze. If I were a sailor I'd be known as the Chicken of the Sea.

I live in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Some people think I hate canoes.

Galen Hekhuis, NpD, JFR, GWA ghekhuis@datastar.net

Put that in your pipe and see who salutes