Kayaking Queen

This adventure has been on my list for a while--I'd wanted to try this since last summer, when The List adventure was begun.  My dad has been kayaking for several years, so I knew I had access to the equipment and a willing teacher, but last year's summer got away from me before we could make plans to figure this out.

My deadline, however, of August 31st is quickly approaching, so we made time this week, and I'm so glad we did!  It was pretty great!  Dad made arrangements with our friends the Asburys, who have a farm with a pond on it, and we drove out there today.  Dad drove his truck, and Mom and I followed in the Miata.  Which is stick shift.  And I drove.  Because I can.  :-)  I actually had to reverse this time, and after I almost hit the garage door, we were off!

All week, I was picturing a strip cut, because I had some knowledge that the pond was deep (and it is--about twenty feet at its deepest point), but it is a man-made swimming and fishing hole that is longer than it is wide, and winds around with a view of a vineyard and treeline.  The Asburys have a lovely farm house with barns and projects everywhere--I'd love a country house like theirs, with a hammock. And apple trees.  And two gorgeous but friendly and curious dogs--who would point at fun things like quail and frogs.

So after admiring the view and pups for a bit, it was time to put the boats in the water, and Dad and I had practiced this maneuver in our own back yard, so I was prepared to get in without tipping myself into the water.  Dad went first, pushing himself off the ground and into the water with his oar, and then it was my turn.  My craft was a camouflaged kayak, made comfy with a fishing seat and little pedals for my feet, and I pushed off the ground and clung to the dock until I was ordered to let go and start paddling.  Oy.  When you're in a kayak, you are RIGHT THERE by the water, by the way.  It would be SUPER EASY to roll right over and be upside down in the water--knowing this, I let my last wishes be known on Twitter this morning.  But you know what?  It's easier than I thought!  The kayak is pretty sturdy in the water, not rocking back and forth as I thought it might.  So then I focused on paddling down the pond.  Oof.  I thought my arms were pretty strong.  I sort of pride myself on being able to hoss a stack of books down the halls at school, or move my couch around the living room, or do my weights at the gym, but good GRAVY paddling will exhaust a lady.  My left arm is grouchier about kayaking than my right, which I suppose is natural.

Mom and Tricia were under orders to take pics of the event, so here they are!  A word about these pics.  This morning, I had gone to the gym, so my hair was a little sweaty.  Then, we drove the convertible, which meant my hair was sweaty and parted all kooky in the back.  And my dad wanted me to wear a life vest, so I did, but didn't realize that I had one side of it all twisted.  So don't be looking for glamour shots here.  And to those who could SEE my not-cute look and didn't WARN me (looking at you, mama), you are GROUNDED.  Okay.  Here we go . . .

Clinging to the dock.  Which is nice and stationary.

Out on my own!

Totally have this figured out!  Mostly.

"Push with your left!  Pull with your right!"

Those bubbles behind me are NOT from an alligator.  I asked.

So big giant thank yous to Kevin, Tricia, and Madelyn!  I had a great time!!  I'll let you know how well my arms enjoyed the process later . . . .

P.S.  There are quail there!