This year I decided that my discretionary spending would go towards hobbies instead of travel. I dipped into my savings and bought myself a new kayak and the necessities to start a new hobby: firearms.
On the water
After five years with my inflatable kayak, I decided it was time to upgrade. I loved my Kokopelli Moki-Lite, but it took days to dry as water would hide in the crevices and storing it unfolded, as recommended, took too much space.
I replaced it with a Pakayak Bluefin 142, a hard-shelled matryoshka doll style portable kayak. The set-up is quick and it barely takes up any room to store. It’s been great on the Ottawa River.
I’ve also been swimming at some at the East Wharf Dock, one of the new NCC swimming spot. It’s been empty the times I’ve biked there after work.
Off-road
I’ve continued on with the Jeep club. I unfortunately did two thousand dollar’s worth damage on the first run of the season. That kept me off the trails for the remainder of the season.
However, that has not kept me away from the club’s other events. I’m now one of the organizers for the group! I also kept doing other activities with the Jeep this summer, like going to the drive-in.
At the range
I started a new hobby this year: firearms! I got my license, joined a gun club, and I picked up two guns, a safe, and all the maintenance necessities.
It’s been a ton of fun, and I’ve been building competency in something I’d always been curious about. My only experience before this with firearms had been at a remote respite twenty years ago with the tour boat company I worked for.
Movies and music
Otherwise, I regularly watched movies, including seeing the amazing Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma with a bunch of pals.
I went to musical performances, including Party Girl, Hug Mosh, and free local concerts.
Hobbits and pride
I dressed up as a hobbit with friends and had a potato-themed birthday party.
I attended the trans march with my date and aforementioned friends.
And Smith Falls Pride also with my date!
As well as antiquing, going to a wristwatch show in Montreal, and so much more.
Most of all, I got to rest. Here I am with the Jeep club again at a camping spot.
Next up: fall colours
Short sleeve weather is giving way to sweater mornings. Soon, the leaves will change colour. I’m glad about my decision to focus my spending locally this year.
I will keep on these little adventures.