Jay's "New Ride" - Tel Aviv, Israel 2009

(click any picture for enlargement)

 
Hey Gang, I finally got a new beach toy to play with!   

After months of thinking about getting an inflatable kayak, I went online and made an order for the latest Coleman model.  My friend Kelley was coming out to visit a few weeks later and she agreed to bring it out ... so it was shipped to her place.  I don't think she realized that the order would also include 2 paddles, 2 pumps and 2 life jackets ... what a load ... but many thanks Kelley! 
  

 
The initial "cruise" took place at the beach in Tel Aviv ... during their Independence Day celebration.  There was going to be a Navy armada and an air show ... I planned to watch up-close ... from the sea!
  
I pumped up the boat in the garage and tied it to the car. After parking, it was pretty easy to carry the boat to the beach. No champagne for the inaugural ride?  Ok, a beer will do fine!
I began to walk the boat out, but got halted by a few big waves. I moved to a more protected area and got out with no problem. The boat was easy to maneuver and I instantly felt comfortable.

I returned to shore and got ready for a longer ride.  After applying sun screen and grabbing a small cooler, I set off to get a good "seat" for the show!   Nicole thought I was nuts and wouldn't join me!
I paddled pretty far out into the sea ... the weather was perfect and the waves were not very bad. I got out to where some other boats were parked; they smiled and waved, but didn't offer any snacks!  A military trawler came close and yelled something ... I guess they didn't want us to go further out.
 <== An armada of ships went by and I got a close look ... it was interesting, but kind of scary!

 

The air show began, so  ==>
 I went closer to shore for a
 better view ... I'm the little
yellow dot in the lower left!
After the show, I paddled back to shore. I then made a test to see if the boat would tip in the waves. 

I let the boat go and it rode a wave in like a surfboard.  From then on, I've stayed in the boat and ridden the waves to shore.

 
This is the end of the little "boat ride" story ... it's a fun beach toy !

( Thanks to Christian for most of the pictures )
 


Addendum:  Jay's "Future Ride" ?

I found a new toy that I want ... a friend sent me a link to a new electric bike called an UNO.

Unfortunately I will have to wait until it is manufactured ... as it is still in 'prototype' mode.
  
It operates like a "Segway" but instead of standing, you sit.

To make it move, you just lean ... front, back, or to the side.  What fun, and up to 35mph ... amazing!


It is now a dream of mine!


For the write-up, see ... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uno_(motorcycle)

If you hear anything more about this, please let me know!


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