An Evening at Rutabaga Paddlesports

We want to extend a huge and heartfelt thanks to those who came out to Rutabaga Thursday night. The attendance was far greater than we could’ve imagined. Your support and enthusiasm left us feeling like rock stars (once again) far luckier than we have any right to experience. And for all of you that bought a book Thursday or maybe before that, we can’t thank you enough – it means more than we, especially Timothy, can put into words – despite him being a word guy.

To our friends, family and contributors (Rachel, Jared, Eric) who showed up: your support at these events and contributions to the site is beyond awesome. And Rachel, we love you for being the Jill-of-all-trades you are in helping us, as well as milespaddled.com.

We say this all the time because it’s true: we love hearing from folks as passionate about paddling as we are. We really do. But getting to meet so many of y’all in person and putting a face with a name, or make a brand new personal connection then and there, was even better! (The Uppakrik contingent and the up-coming Chi-Yak guys – we’re looking at you – so great to meet all of you!) Without you, we’re just two guys geeking-out over water levels and weather reports, bridges and dead trees, barbed wire and rants over snakes, ticks, and poison parsnip. With you, we’re Miles Paddled.

Thank you.

And thank you to the awesome staff at Rutabaga! Your hospitality went well above and beyond for the occasion, making us feel truly at home. And thanks again to Dan for making this all happen in the first place. There was a great vibe Thursday night; it was a pleasure and a privilege to be a part of it.

Cheers everybody!
Barry and Timothy

Photo Gallery:

Next best thing to a Vegas show.

Mr. Bauer signs a few books.

Mr. Kalpinski offers signing assistance.

Loved these women. #neverputyourkayakaway

“Between two paddles”.

Not a bad turnout.

Steller photo from Rachel.

Dan gives us a great introduction.

Just a couple of guys talking about a blog.

Note the props: Beer = cool, calm and collect. Notes = freaking out.

Discussing the finer points of duct tape.

A few more than we expected on a cold, dark, Thursday evening.

Birds-eye view.

Q+A time – with a lot of great questions.

I don’t know what was so funny but the whole thing might’ve been.

Post-talk wrap-up with some Miles Paddlers. We’ll have to get one of these guys out on the water someday.