Second Wind - Erie Leg

Headed south to Lake Erie on Saturday to hang with this old salty sea-dog & his first mate for some R&R time on Second Wind. The weather was hot and the beer was cold. \m/

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Great Lakes Pirate

A few years ago on the north shore of Lake Erie, my buddy (and best man) Sean told a bunch of us that he was going to buy a sailboat and sail it from his home near Wasaga Beach down to Erie, and anchor it off the shore of another good friends' cottage. The ambition was dismissed by many as foolish; just more empty 'Sean talk'.

Then he went and bought a sailboat.

Fast-forward to late July of this year; he and his longtime girlfriend set out from Penetanguishine harbor, sailing every day for over 3 weeks, stopping at ports of call, marina's and anchorages along the shores of Georgian Bay, the North Channel, Lake Huron, Lake St. Claire & Lake Erie. Overcome was rough weather, squalls, blazing heat, rain, strong winds, no winds, ripped sails, propeller issues and a slew of other adversity on their nautical journey.

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(These pics property and courtesy of Sean & Quyen)

On August 10th, he dropped anchor in Lake Erie, a stone's throw from the cottage where he made that statement two years previous.

Now, those that know Sean, know that he likes to talk. But holy damn, when he sets his mind to something, this guy bloody well follows through. The traveling spirit and stick-to-itiveness is alive and well in this boy. Way to go man, Helluva feat.

(Also noteworthy: way back in 2006, Sean flew to the other side of the world to join me for a 3-week backpacking trip in Eastern Australia, and in 2008 on a day's notice, dropped everything for a week-long hostel raiding stint in Amsterdam. 'No dramas, mate.'

 

Merrell Service

In these days of rampant consumerism where warranty loophole clauses allow companies to financially fleece consumers, it's great to see solid, quality, customer service alive & well.

My favorite pair of sandals literally 'came apart at a seam' as it were, 14 months after I bought them. I contacted Merrell and provided pictures of the flaw. After some back-and-forth correspondence, I was approved for a replacement pair of available footwear.

Within a few days, a pair of black Tetrex Crest Wrap water sandals showed up on my doorstep. These things fit killer. I'd recommend buying Merrell product for the name, fit, quality and customer service. Get 'em..!!
MERRELL

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5th Spin

After a long, dark winter season, I went to catch the April rise marking the son's 5th full orbit.

I love this son.
 

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Shelf Life!

Scoped 6 copies on the Indigo shelves. Contact me directly for your own personalized copy! Email me: contact@brandonianwade.com
 

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Library Date

Did an interactive talk & reading session for my book at the Sherwood branch of the HPL. A small group turned out, who contributed travel tales and unique experiences, all while bringing back some incredible memories for your truly.

It was a fun event that was wonderfully organized by Ania & Sandy - Thanks so much for having me.


Library Reading

Hey superfans, I'll be doing a reading from my book at the Sherwood Branch of the Hamilton Public Library (at the corner of Fennell & Upper Ottawa) on Thursday, April 12th 2018. I'll have a few copies available for purchase and will happily talk bikes & travels with any and all. Hope to see you there!
 

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