Photo: Great grandparents at their farm in Blandinsville, IL, with five of their six children .. my grandpa was yet a twinkle in grandma's eye. Stable boy and governess also pictured. Hodges farm, circa 1903-4

Thursday, August 22, 2013

An Adventure

The Mr. and I enjoy kayaking.  We rented from a local outfitter for the first two years and even took lessons on how to stay safe ... tip over .. get back in drenched .. etc.  We ended up purchasing these same kayaks, used, for half the cost of new ones. 
Mr. Mac and friends

With the short lived summer months, we try and find any excuse to hit the local lakes and waterways.

Now on to the adventure:  As silly as it could seem, kayaking in the same location over and over can get boring.  We live in an area with lots of mountain lakes, streams and rivers.  This summer I have turned to the internet to find local spots worth paddling by following the calender of a kayaking club.  Yesterday we had a double date with a married couple we're friends with .. meeting up for kayaking and then a picnic.

At first glance setting the kayaks in the water, I actually thought this might not be a great spot .. and what was this 'club' thinking when selecting this location.  We launched from a bay with semi deep water and a view of the interstate hwy .. with the noise and such.  Yes, it was still a beautiful spot that I've often admired when we pass along the roadway in our truck.  Then I spied a small channel of water under a roadway with a sign that read 'no motorized' vessels.  Traveling for what seemed miles, we encountered a wetland with a water passage 10 ~ 100 feet wide .. winding around bends, opening up in places with views of secluded farms and cattle grazing.  A huge moose was spied along the shore, eagles, hawks, herons and ducks.  No highway noise .. just tranquil bird song and remnants of hewn log bridges to float under, weathered structures well over a hundred years.  Idaho history before our very eyes ... that whispered of past human existence here.

In the tradition of never giving out your huckleberry picking spot, mums the word on this exact location (LOL).
Mrs. Mac

Tomorrow .. on to some mis-adventure.

5 comments:

Sandy Livesay said...

Mrs. Mac,

I can only imagine the great deal you and hubby got by purchasing the used kayaks. You look like you're in your glory being on the water out in mother nature. It's just so relaxing and calm, I would love to be out there doing the same.

Please tell me you're no where near these fires in Idaho.

Anonymous said...

Goodness, that sounds like a ton of fun. We are exploring the idea of pack rafting... except we live in a place with very few waterways.

Anyhoo, good job figuring out what you enjoy and doing it! And how fun to find such a beautiful place!

Mrs. Mac said...

Hi Sandy, While we are in a high alert for fire danger, the current ones are further south. Thank you for your concern.

mamarachael Long time no 'see' .. your little 'Peanut' must be growing leaps and bounds ... thx for stopping by .. hope you find your niche outdoor hobby.

Anonymous said...

We are SOOO lucky to live in this BEAUTIFUL area! I continue to be thankful for it. Glad you guys enjoyed your outing. And no matter how many moose I've seen since living in North Idaho, I am still awe struck every single time.

Lynn said...

Isn't kayaking a wonderful sport? I've been kayaking since the 90s and must say I love both whitewater kayaking and the milder river or lake paddling. Each has it's own "style" and enjoyment.

I sold my 6-man raft this Summer, though -- the guy who bought it came about 400 miles up from NC. Couldn't find any used where he lives and at the price, it was worth the trip. lol

You have many, many enjoyable times ahead of you. The more you paddle and learn the waterways, the more subtle changes you will notice. Before long, you will be one-with-the-water.

Isn't the silence glorious??