Canoe and Kayak

Classes start tomorrow and I am totally ready, got my books and everything. Now if I was being truly studious, I would already be starting on the reading that I know will be assigned tomorrow. I would just walk into class ready to totally blow those professors away. But instead, I am reading my latest issue of Kayak porn.

Yes, you read that right. I said kayak porn. How else can I describe this lust I feel as I look at the beautiful, svelte shapes and colors on the glossy pages? The wood strip kayaks are beyond beautiful. They are aesthetically appealing and cry out to my artistic side. Suddenly that is me pictured in the ad gently stroking across a placid lake with mountains reflected in the water before me, adventure calling my name. Then there are the fishing kayaks (I want one and I want a rod and reel!), the touring kayaks (I swear it really wouldn’t take me long to put together a pack and explain to my professors that I am going to be a couple of months late for class this semester), ocean going kayaks, and white water kayaks not to mention all the crossover kayaks! Oh the torture of it all!

My own kayak is a small blue sit on top model made by pelican. It is not sexy but it is mine and it does have some very fine points. For one thing it has proven to be nearly indestructible to this very balance challenged individual. What it lacks in speed is made up for by its easy maneuverability. And last but not least, it is light enough that I can load it up myself when I am in the mood for a day out on the water.

I have learned two things from my reading and paddling experience. The first is that size does matter. The longer more gracefully shaped kayaks tend to go faster with less stress. Secondly, although I have never actually owned a sit in kayak, I think it is more fun on top. So grab a paddle and come join me when the weather warms up.

RW

Spring in January

The weather has really been beautiful here in the south these last few days. It was so beautiful yesterday that I threw my cares to the wind and loaded my kayak in my truck. A friend and I headed across Lake Pontchartrain to Mandeville and explored the bayous together. It was a wonderful afternoon. I didn't actually see the turtle pictured above yesterday. I took that picture several months ago but I did see turtles and an alligator or two. The next time I go I plan to bring my camera with me so that I can catch some of the sights at the marinas and along the banks. I have not ever been around marinas much and certainly not from the water side. I found the smells, sights, and sounds fascinating. The people are a treat to be around as well. They are friendly and seem to have an adventurous outlook on life.

The one sour note in the whole day was when we paddled around a bend and came upon a flock of dead ducks floating in the water. Feathers were everywhere and it was pretty grisly. I counted at least 15 ducks in the water and a few out of the water as well. It looked like some nitwit just got out there with his gun and started shooting. I really hated that. It was sad to see such a waste of life and beauty.

I know that this is only a pleasant interlude; we still have February to go and that is usually the coldest month here. Today was a quiet and restful time and I am glad my friend talked me into going. I wish all of you could have been there too.

RW