Kayaking the James River

We spent memorial day floating and paddling down the James River.  We did an eleven mile stretch from Maidens to Watkins Landing.

A couple more builds

A Cigar Box Dulcimer I built for my mom

3 string guitar for my dad

detail

I already blogged about my first two cigar box guitars.

I built this banjo for my sister, Katie, from a tambourine.  Because of that tricky 5th string, I found it was easier to construct a banjo upside down with the tuners in the tail.

Next was a cigar box mandolin.  I decided to move away from just doing F holes.  These are S holes, for Scott

I just finished this stick Dulcimer for Laurel, for her birthday next month.

I dyed the wood (poplar) pink with food coloring, and I used pink zip ties as frets.  The sound is not nearly as good as real metal frets, but it'll be good enough for her fourth birthday and she likes the look.

Of course, I went with "L" holes for Laurel's instrument.

Happy Easter

Hoppity Hop Hop

Spring Break- Yurt Camping on the Beach

 We spent a few days at the beach, camping at Kiptopeke State Park.

 

This was our yurt in the woods

And this was the view from back up at the yurt.

We did some hiking and bird watching. 

Everyone had fun until it rained.  We got drenched.

Back to the yurt for a change of clothes and some time to play inside.

 

Hooray...Spring!

It feels like it has been a long time coming this year, but finally I think it really is Spring.