Peaceful was hardly the scene as twelve of us (all family members) took to the water, two per kayak, in a flurry of enthusiasm and anticipation, from the shores of Wade’s Bayou in the small Michigan town of Douglas. About half our numbers were novices (the youngest was just 3), which served to add just a touch of trepidation to our hour on the Kalamazoo River, making it feel more adventure than work when it came to the necessary paddling.
Floats my boat/kayak!
We all seemed intent, initially, on proving to both ourselves and each other what quick studies we were, particularly given the rigor of our instruction. We scattered, taking off rapidly in a half dozen different directions like a classroom of fidgety kids following the final bell.