August 24, 2011

River Kayaking

Two weeks ago Mike and I headed North for a boating adventure. The "plan" was to head out to the San Juan islands on Mom & Mark's boat and do a little salmon fishing. Unfortunately that plan was derailed when a leaky boat pump was discovered on Friday afternoon. Not one to let that little setback keep us off the water, Mom suggested taking the kayaks out on the river.


Mom has no less than 7 kayaks. Seven. They range in size, color and use, and we made sure to try them all.  On Friday evening Mike, Mom and I headed out to the mouth of the river in a Necky, Dagger, and a sweet little Walden Sunapee.





When we reached the closest bay we rafted up to chat and drink cold beer.



 By lovely coincidence we also happened to be celebrating our 3-year wedding anniversary.

 
 




On Saturday afternoon we again headed out on the river, this time with Aidan in tow! Literally!



This was Aidan's first time in a kayak solo, so he started out slow. We put him in the Dagger and tied it to the back of Mom's new sit-on-top kayak, a Lifetime Daylite.

When we got past the bridge we asked Aidan if he wanted to untie the rope and paddle around a little on his own. He was game, and got the hang of it so quickly that the training rope was off!





Knowing that we might not get another chance this summer, before we left on Sunday we took the kayaks out for one last paddle.


This time Mike and I tried the Hobies - a pedal boat and a paddle boat in one.


Being morning, the tide was very, very low.


We pulled up to a sand bar to explore before heading back up the river (against the current).




Despite having to change our weekend plans, we had a really great time. The time on the river in the kayaks was wonderful, as was the time with my nephew and mom. Aidan is such a great kid - that wonderful combo of sweetness and sarcasm - something that I can truly appreciate. I  loved watching his cautious nature about kayaking, but not being afraid to try it on his own once he felt comfortable. I hope that he can keep that level-headedness about him as he grows into an adult. Mike and I hope to make these kayak weekends a new tradition!

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