Cub Scouts

I am actually enjoying Cub Scouts more than I expected. The big meetings are a bit of a drag, but the den meetings have been great since nearly all the parents are really involved.

I was in charge of the Biking den meeting and we were able to get all the kids their biking badge.

All they needed to know were the basics, but we actually had a fun time talking about the history of the bike from push bikes (like the toddler bike we have) on up to Penny Farthings, fixed gear safety bikes, and geared bikes. Pedals/cranks and gearing are really the two quantum leaps that occurred in the history of biking, the rest is just refinement. They really seemed to get it.

On to the fun. We went up to a street behind the house where I had a little obstacle course to get them used to turning, and braking. Then we did "slow" races, followed by fast drag races.



All in all, a great time was had by all (including parents who I forced to participate on my loaners). How can you not have fun on a bicycle.



Another parent arranged for us to get a Kayak lesson at the YMCA. This was awesome. Ethan totally dug it.





I could not get him out of this thing. All the other kids sort of got bored after 1/2 hour, but he stayed until they closed the pool down on him (1.5 hours).

Once some other kids were done, I was able to get in for a while. They are quite fun, but driving a keel less craft is very different from the canoeing I have done. My legs were very cramped in the boats available, and I ended up with a partial peroneal nerve palsey for about 24 hours. Fact is, I was having a great time, so I ignored my numb feet.

After about 5 tries, working with one of the instructors, I was able to do a complete Eskimo roll, so that was cool. Doubt I could do it in a moving current though. I think the years of swimming really helped with this because I don't much care if I am stuck upside down in the water for a minute or so, and even with failed attempt to right myself, could at least grab a breath before flopping back upside down and giving it another try.

It was funny, once to come up after flailing around for a minute or two and see the lifeguard standing over me about ready to jump in. I absolutely felt fine, but nust not have looked too great.



We may have to explore this sport a bit more, especially given Ethan's obvious interest. I never took to outdoor watersports because I simply hate being cold and wet. This could be a good family outdoor activity for us though, as the kids get to be competent swimmers. I know Heather would love it.