To finish the kayak episode - it all worked out as planned. I received a photo of the boat sitting in my daughter's spare bedroom.  Apparently her ferret loves it.

Exams are finished, marks are submitted, and I've packed all my materials for the move to a new building.  I am going to miss some of the best that Fort Chip has to offer by leaving right at the end of term.  Lake Athabasca and the rivers are still iced over and the spring growth has yet to show.  It's a mistake to treat such a beautiful place as just somewhere to work, and I will come back early or stay for part of next summer to enjoy it.  But for now, I am growing impatient and counting the days.  My family claims to be anxiously awaiting my arrival - I gotta admit I love the welcome back.  I am looking forward to visiting MEC for kayak accessories, drinking a good latte instead of the muddy stuff I manufacture myself, and getting a haircut.  My older daughter and I are going to a steampunk convention to see a band we both love, and my younger daughter and I will spend some time hiking and watching sunsets.  It's going to be a great summer.