I've decided this was the year I would join the kayak-owning ranks. I bought a rack for my car, then the Hullavator (I'm by myself, there's no way I'm getting a kayak on top of my car without assistance). Today I went to a shop recommended by a friend to check out my options.

Things got off to a shaky start when it took me a solid hour to mount the rack to my car. When I came inside, I saw that the shop in town had called to tell me the Hullavator was in, so that cheered me up. Swung by, threw it in the trunk, and headed out to Rhode Island. Should have taken me 90 minutes. Yeah, no one told my GPS the main road to the shop was closed from flood damage I made U-turns, I drove on dirt roads that seemingly went to nowhere. Finally my GPS was able to devise a new route, and I pulled in well over 2 hours later.

I went in, told them my anticipated uses, and they directed me to the 12'-14' boats. I sat in a Necky Looksha and a Wilderness Systems Tsunami 135. The Looksha was ok, but it felt a little big. The Tsunami felt great. As well it should have, as it's made for tiny people such as myself The cockpit felt just the right size, my leg placement felt good, and the seat was fairly comfy. I saw the price and panicked - it was a bit more than I wanted to spend. But it was meant to be! It was deeply discounted, as they'd mistakenly been sent a double shipment and had to move them out. Even though I just went to "look" I decided it was too good of a deal to pass up and bought it.

So what's the problem? We went out to the car to mount the Hullavator when my stomach sank. In my rush to leave after fighting with the rack, I left the key to the locks home! They were going to mount the Hullavator for me and I could have driven home with my new baby, but NOOOOOOOOO! I get to drive back to Rhode Island and try again next week. I could not believe I'd gone through all that trouble just to be foiled at the very end. I'm sure the first time I slip into the water, this will all be forgotten and I'll have many hours of paddling joy.