Kayaking Swift Creek Part 2
I found kayaking easier and more enjoyable yesterday evening. The boat was easier to inflate. It was also easier to get into an out of. Rather than pointing the boat straight out into the water, I turned it sideways against the water's edge. With this orientation, it was easy for me to sit down into the boat without even getting my feet wet.
The tide had just reached its lowest point. The current was negligible. The sun was setting, and was partially obscured by clouds. The sky and clouds were brilliant with warm shades of orange, red, yellow, pink, and purple. There was practically no wind so the water was a smooth as glass. I could easily see the reflections of the surrounding banks stretching down into the shallow depths. I paddled down river to where the river hooks right and around the Peninsula. It took me about thirty minutes to travel that far. I wanted to go farther but was concerned about visibility if the sun set before I got back. I was also concerned about the possibility of me becoming too fatigued. Thirst was also a factor. I had left my water bottle in the car. I didn't spend more than an hour out on the water.
My arms and shoulders showed improved coordination, strength, and endurance this time. The boat's tendency to veer off course was not as pronounced. I am sure the the technical pointers Sarah gave me helped considerably. I "feathered" my kayak paddle, and gripped it according to her instructions. I also did not dig as deep when paddling. That improved stability. About halfway through my journey I tried shifting my sitting position forward so I was positioned in the center of the boat. This also increased stability and tracking.
Regrettably, I did not see any snakes. Maybe snakes don't like me. Where are all these vicious rabid ankled-craving snakes everyone makes a point of warning me about? Here snakity-snake! Here snakity-snake! I did see a Crane though. On my way back up the Creek, s/he was standing on the far bank keeping one eye on me as I passed. I also saw a couple fish jump. And of course I saw many dragonflies and other small nondescript birds zing by.
I also saw four young people fishing. The two men were busy casting lines in the water. Their two girlfriends were sitting behind them on the bank looking rather board. One of the men asked me if there any fish in here (the creek). I told him I saw most of the fishermen this weekend upstream by the Temple Avenue bridge and that's probably where all the fish are. When I returned about 30 minutes later it appeared they still hadn't caught a thing.
By the time I got back the tide was beginning to come in. The water had already crept up the bank a good foot.
All in all, this outing was much more enjoyable. Plus, my shoulders and arms show no signs of soreness or fatigue today.
The tide had just reached its lowest point. The current was negligible. The sun was setting, and was partially obscured by clouds. The sky and clouds were brilliant with warm shades of orange, red, yellow, pink, and purple. There was practically no wind so the water was a smooth as glass. I could easily see the reflections of the surrounding banks stretching down into the shallow depths. I paddled down river to where the river hooks right and around the Peninsula. It took me about thirty minutes to travel that far. I wanted to go farther but was concerned about visibility if the sun set before I got back. I was also concerned about the possibility of me becoming too fatigued. Thirst was also a factor. I had left my water bottle in the car. I didn't spend more than an hour out on the water.
My arms and shoulders showed improved coordination, strength, and endurance this time. The boat's tendency to veer off course was not as pronounced. I am sure the the technical pointers Sarah gave me helped considerably. I "feathered" my kayak paddle, and gripped it according to her instructions. I also did not dig as deep when paddling. That improved stability. About halfway through my journey I tried shifting my sitting position forward so I was positioned in the center of the boat. This also increased stability and tracking.
Regrettably, I did not see any snakes. Maybe snakes don't like me. Where are all these vicious rabid ankled-craving snakes everyone makes a point of warning me about? Here snakity-snake! Here snakity-snake! I did see a Crane though. On my way back up the Creek, s/he was standing on the far bank keeping one eye on me as I passed. I also saw a couple fish jump. And of course I saw many dragonflies and other small nondescript birds zing by.
I also saw four young people fishing. The two men were busy casting lines in the water. Their two girlfriends were sitting behind them on the bank looking rather board. One of the men asked me if there any fish in here (the creek). I told him I saw most of the fishermen this weekend upstream by the Temple Avenue bridge and that's probably where all the fish are. When I returned about 30 minutes later it appeared they still hadn't caught a thing.
By the time I got back the tide was beginning to come in. The water had already crept up the bank a good foot.
All in all, this outing was much more enjoyable. Plus, my shoulders and arms show no signs of soreness or fatigue today.