You are no doubt, aware of the traditional eight reindeer, typically pictured as being exploited by some old fat guy up north; Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, and Blitzen, listed in a poem by Clement Clarke Moore, in 1823. Add the mutant with the radiation emitting proboscis, Rudolph, first exposed by Robert Lewis May in 1939, and you've got the standard nine enslaved polar ruminants most are familiar with.
However, what both Moore and May tried to keep quiet was the 10th reindeer, Bubba.
You see, Bubba was no typical reindeer. I mean, sure, he could fly, and yeah, he is pretty much ageless, just like his brethren, however, that is where the similarities stop. Whilst the other nine reindeer are pretty much resigned to a life of servitude, Bubba broke the philosophical chains which bound him many centuries ago. These days, while the aforementioned nine antlered serfs are hauling around a poorly dressed burglar around the world, Bubba prefers chilling on the beach in Maui, sipping on a mint julep. As a self proclaimed Pagan, Bubba doesn't really go for the whole buying gobs of crap, covering said crap with brightly colored paper, and shoving said crap under a tree, as a reward for good behavior. Bubba did, however, wish to share his mint julep recipe, in the spirit of the holidays.
Ingredients
1.3 oz. Bulleit® Bourbon
1.5 tsp sugar
Fresh mint leaves
Water
Equipment
Highball glass
Jigger
Ice
Spoon
Method
1 - Muddle mint leaves, sugar, and splash of water in a rocks glass or julep cup.
2 - Add bourbon, water, and fill glass with crushed ice and stir.
3 - Garnish with fresh mint.
Unless you are at least 21 years old, please ignore this recipe.
Happy Winter Solstice, or whatever holiday(s) you celebrate!
Anyone is welcome to attend this event. You need only show up at the posted coordinates, at some point betwixt the starting and ending time. However, if you wish to participate in the paddle, you'll need some sort of paddle craft. The Coast Guard requires paddle craft operating at night to have a sound producing device, like a whistle, a PFD for each occupant, and a white light capable of being directed in 360 degrees. (For you Gators fans, that means a good flashlight) Suggested gear includes clear eye protection, (as getting poked in the eye is a very real danger), warm clothing, (wool and fleece both maintain their warming properties when wet), a cell phone in a dry box, a good hat, and a pokey stick.
Those paddling will likely be leaving the launch site around 5:15pm.
We hope to be back by 11:00pm.