OH YES, it happened. We have been searching and waiting for the perfect kayak post to come across Craigslist (we're in love with the iPhone app) and SUCCESS!
It all started when we began to explore all around our area - tons of parks, rivers, lakes, etc. and we suddenly got hooked on getting kayaks. We kept talking about it and soon it became a reality.
Clay had been wanting to trade in his Explorer for a truck (I made SURE it was equipped for future car seats) and he had been looking at various options before deciding on a 2012 Nissan Frontier. When my parents came to visit (blog post coming soon) we headed to Jacksonville to check it out! We came back 3 days later and purchased our first new car together! I really didn't think I would be that crazy over it....but I LOVE it! It's so comfy & we love how it can haul all our outdoorsy stuff now!
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A couple weekends ago, Clay and I met a group to test out some kayak's from a local store at a river close to our house. We really liked the sit-on-top type instead of the sit-in but we tried out several that morning. That was helpful to see what length would be best for each of us and to decide exactly what we wanted. The only problem was that this store's prices were a bit much. We scoured Craigslist and stumbled upon two great deals...and of course each purchase has a story!
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| Craziness. Endless weekend rain. |
We met a guy to buy my kayak in the middle of a massive storm system that lasted an entire weekend (see above pic.) We actually had a tornado come through Lake City the day before and rip through a ton of trees and buildings down one of the main roads. The damage was seen on our way (in the pouring rain) to meet this guy about 40 minutes away. In hindsight, not such a great idea, but we didn't want to lose this steal of a deal!
My lovely 10' sit-on-top was originally bought by this guy to go shark fishing with his friend...and he used it 3 times. We paid $160 less than retail value for it AND I got the paddle ($50) and sweet camo vest (priceless) as well. DEAL # 1!
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| FL law doesn't require that this camo beauty to be worn while kayaking so it'll be stored behind me most of the time. |
On to Clay's great find! We were home in Raleigh visiting friends and family (yet another post to come soon) when Clay found a post for a 12' fishing kayak + paddle in Jacksonville. We had to meet him by 4:00pm on Easter Sunday. We were traveling back anyways but we had to leave a little earlier than planned. We realized that in order to get his 12' one home with us we'd have to get a truck bed extension, which we were planning on getting anyways. We ran into Bass Pro Shops in Savannah to buy one, stopped at a hardware store to get a hitch pin & heavy duty straps, and pulled up just in time to the guy's house as his family was loading up in their car! PHEW...so an hour later, we managed to put it all together and fit everything in! For $200 less than retail value + a $50 paddle Clay was all set! DEAL #2!
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| Truck bed extension, kayak, used lawnmower we picked up for free in Raleigh, and weed eater all crammed in the back. Love that truck! |
We are proudly taking these babies out tomorrow, RAIN OR SHINE!!!
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