Go Canoeing

“I very quickly discovered that canoes are so much more manoeuvrable than rowing boats. I only crashed into the reeds if I put the paddle down to take photos but when I did crash, it was very easy to reverse out and get myself back on track. So much lighter, so much easier. This was a joy! Well, there was one problem. One paddle. I don’t know anything about canoeing and although I was told two methods of turning when I was handed the canoe, it turns out paddling with one paddle – for an inexperienced amateur like me – will just send you round in circles. Even when I thought I had it going in a straight line [...] it turns out canoes understeer. The number of times I found myself sliding sideways, the bow coming round and the riverbanks approaching in a way I hadn’t calculated!”

“What we experienced within 15 minutes of being on the river reminded me to expect something magical and always have my camera ready. The fog was still rising on the water. The only sounds were the songs and movements of birds alongside the swishing of water across our paddles. This is my favorite time of day. The world is still tucked away, I can think clearly and take a few deep breaths.”

“I had never even set foot in a canoe before today. [...] The rain was steady and came in a bit harder about 45 minutes in. The last 20 minutes though brought clear skies. Mid way through the short 3-4 miles we were doing we got to see a bald eagle. Recent storms had brought down a few rather large trees across the stream. Luckily we found a hole next to the bank and between a branch to make it through the largest of trees. We didn't have to portage once.”