“Insider” Staff Newsletter 2010

This year the usuals will be working again – myself, Linda and Elliot.  So what has everyone been up to?  Well, I’ll try to update you as best I can.

Know about’s of what folks are doing’ (the good gossip):

Elliot now has a new sailboat to play with (actually it’s his brother’s boat, but he has use of it), so not sure how much time he will actually be kayaking!!  He is still working with Coastal Transport and spends as much free time as he can on the water and Wood Island pursuing his interests.  He also bought a house this year and has been very busy with the renovations.

It goes without saying that Linda and I will be here, since this is where we live and work.

We are excited to have Michelle Reid returning this year, it’s guaranteed to be a good time with her around.  Many will remember her as she worked with us for 3 summers and always manages to come down for visit.  However, she is not returning alone – her boyfriend Kyle will be working here as well.  We have met him a few times and is a really great guy and we’re sure he will be definite asset.  They are both from Moncton and have been attending university in Fredericton.  This spring they have been working in British Columbia, tree planting.  Kayaking will be a welcomed break to them   They will be bringing their dog, Huxley with them, so it will be a friend for our dog, Sol.  I’m sure our dog will show Huxley how to get to the beach for a swim, without waiting for someone to take them.

Another new addition to our staff is Jeff Bergen.  He recently moved to Grand Manan with his family from Manitoba and is going to work with us on a part-time basis.  Jeff has an art studio in Seal Cove, so be sure to drop by and take a look at his paintings.  We’re sure you will be amazed.

As for myself, it has been a very exciting winter.  I got the opportunity to travel to Antarctica and the Chilean Fjords with Clipper Cruise Lines, and there is just not enough time to tell you all the things I got to see and do.  But be warned that I did take over 4000 pictures and if you ask me about my trip, I may just feel the need to show them to you.  Upon my return to Canada (March) I was able to spend a few weeks in Toronto with my mother, which was great.

While I was off having adventures in the land of penguins, Linda got to spend a few quality weeks alone with the boys – lucky her!!  I’m sure she has lots of adventures to share with you as well.  Our son Isaac is now 11 and started middle school this year, so that was a big change for us.   Brady is now 15 years old and is very much looking forward to spending the summer kayaking. Brett is 18 and is just waiting for school to be done so he can be free of homework and studying (not that he spent too much time doing that).  He just plans to sleep and hang out with his friends.

Tammy Taylor, who spent the past couple of seasons with us has moved out to British Columbia to be with her sister and brother-in-law, who we understand are expecting a baby.  Tammy will be a great person to have around, we know as she was wonderful with Isaac.  Tammy, let us know how things are going and what you are up to.

Chad is back in the Yukon  to work this summer after spending the winter traveling through South America.  Sounds like a rough life to me!  He plans to return to university  in Victoria, BC in the fall and maybe someday he will actually finish (just kidding).  Best of luck in everything Chad and we’d love to see you back this way, even if it is just to visit.

Mark Mykytyn, always a favorite with us and anyone who has ever paddled with him, is now in Vermont (last we heard).  He was back last summer to help us out and it was great to have him.  Will be giving him a call soon to see what he is up to and any adventures he may have had over the winter – can’t imagine him spending an entire winter in the snow and cold.  He thinks it’s cold here in July and August.  Hope all is well Mark.

Darryn Stevenson was only with us for one summer, but is a friend for life.  He and his wife, Kim, are still living in Orangeville, Ontario and teaching at the local school.  We got the opportunity to visit them this past March and had the privilege of meeting their new son, Craig, I think he was only about a week old – very cute baby!  Congratulations Darryn & Kim.  Hopefully they will be down to visit this summer.Soni Gatta is still living next door (he can’t move too far because he’d miss us too much) with his wife, Jana.  I’ve been told to take their wedding picture off the website, since it’s been nine years, but I’m waiting to get a new picture from them.  This past spring they traveled to Spain with another couple and had a great time – even went to a bullfight and the got the bull’s ear.

Jenn Hutchinson and Sarah MacDonald only spent one summer kayaking but  are both working on Grand Manan.  Sarah is captain on one of the whale watching boats and working with her family.  Jenn is working in the salmon industry, with no plans to leave.

Sheila is still living and working in Toronto with her partner and daughter.  I had the chance to visit with them and can officially say their daughter is a real cutie.

We received an email from Rob Landa and he is still in British Columbia, but is in the middle of preparing to sail around the word.  Sounds exciting!  Let us know how things are going with that.

There are so many others that we have worked with over the years and sorry that we can’t mention all of you.  Would love to hear from everyone and find out what you are up to.