Mother Nature has spared us from more of that ongoing rain, rivers are receding to more normal levels, and farmers are harvesting where drainage allows. Warm-weather paddlers may hope to receive one more day suitable for a float. Drysuit paddlers continue on, and may already looking forward to a New Year’s Day float. In either case please observe safety guidelines for cold water/cold weather paddling.

November is a good time to gather cold weather emergency gear in your vehicle. A few items can be very useful to you or others when facing a night in the vehicle, being stuck in a drift, or assisting an ice rescue. Among the items to consider are a shovel, jug of sand, sleeping bag, throw line, PFD, energy snacks, extra hats & gloves.

Additional items for your November Checklist might include  Nov 4, Set clocks back 1 hour; Nov 4, Replace smoke alarm batteries; Nov 6, VOTE!; Nov 11-12, Fly our flag for Veterans Day; Check tire pressure due to lower temps; Winterize lawnmower; Test snowblower; Disconnect & drain outdoor hoses; and Ensure there is no water in your boats!