The little guy seemed unfazed by our presence, going on about the business of soaking up the afternoon sun atop the waters of Michigan’s Kalamazoo River as if we’d always been a part of this living picture of tranquility.
Say hello to Shelly!
I think that’s what I liked most about my first foray into kayaking – the peaceful coexistence this river encouraged. Gliding quietly through the water that supported me so effortlessly, water that was so very close, I felt one with the planet at a very primal level.
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.
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.
Kayaking is good for sculpting the arms. Are you sure this is your first time kayaking, Laura?
We’d had about 30 seconds of instruction (no slouches here!)
Easy as pie! I'll have mine a la mode, please.
before we’d shoved off. Basically, we were told to dip the smaller edge of the paddle into the water vertically, alternating sides to move forward through the water; to turn right, paddle on the left only; to turn left, paddle on the right only.
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.
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.
In a matter of minutes, we’d gravitated back to the fold, seeking the affirmations needed to shore up our confidence before truly heading out to face the river alone.
Okay, we weren’t really alone, given we each had someone with whom to share the ride, and work. I had Jimmy, which simply meant less work for me, more fun photographing the world from my new perspective. Yes, my guy spoils me rotten; hence the big goofy grin on my face in the selfie below.
Doesn't get much goofier than this!
Goofy is good! Goofy keeps me young, keeps me reveling in the beauty of the moment. The fact I got to share that peaceful moment with the most important people in the world to me (and with my new friend, Shelly) was sheer bliss.
Okay, the bliss wasn't all that sheer given all the algae in the water.
An hour of bliss was all my body could take, despite my half-@$$ed efforts when it came to paddling.
Jim wasn't the only one who did the lion's share of paddling. Jenny was with our little turtle, Grace.
Everybody else seemed to be of the same frame of mind. We rendezvoused one last time, in the middle of the lake,
Rush hour traffic was getting heavy.
then took off for the shore in one last competitive heat.
And we were off, like a herd of turtles. No sign of Shelly.
What choice did we have? Letting go the spiritual connection with nature required distraction.
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