Friday, July 20, 2018

#Kayaks - #SaturdaySnapshot

This has been a busy and active month for me! The highlight of the past week came on Monday when I joined six intrepid adventurers from the senior center on a kayaking trip. 

This was my first attempt at kayaking, though I'd been a passive passenger on a two-person kayak once before. I'll admit I was a little bit apprehensive. Maneuvering the sleek narrow boat turned out to be much easier than I'd anticipated. Since I was afraid I'd drop my phone into the water (it was sealed in a plastic bag), I didn't take any pictures from the boat. Here's what I saw when we stopped for a rest halfway through our "voyage."
[Click on photos to enlarge.]


Our helpful guide taught us how to properly sit in the canoe, how to paddle, and how to turn, using the paddle and the rudder. At first, I held my breath every time the kayak wobbled, but after a while, I became more comfortable with the motion of the waves. The hardest parts for me were maintaining proper posture while in the kayak (legs in ballet's plié position for stability) and getting in and out of the small opening. (I have long legs.)


Mount Baker looks like a puffy white cloud on the horizon.


We saw quite a few eagles along the shoreline. They nest in trees near beach houses. Wish I could have taken a photo of one of them, but they didn't fly by until we were out in the water. One circled overhead as we headed back to the dock.


 The reward for our vigorous exercise? Lunch at Doc's Marina Grill. My rockfish tacos were delicious. (There were three but I ate one before I remembered to take a picture.)


I wish we'd had time to explore Port Townsend's historic downtown, restored Victorian structures, and lighthouse. I'd love to stay in Manresa Castle, too. Looks like I have another weekend getaway to add to my bucket list.





Links to more info:
Port Townsend Tourism Guide

Saturday Snapshots is hosted by West Metro Mommy Reads. 
To participate: 
Post a photo that you (or a friend or family member) have taken then leave a direct link to your post in the Mister Linky on West Metro Mommy Read's website (link: HERE) Photos can be old or new and be of any subject as long as they are clean and appropriate for all eyes to see. How much detail you give in the caption is entirely up to you. Please don't post random photos that you find online.

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11 comments:

  1. Deb Nance at ReaderbuzzJuly 21, 2018 at 3:09 AM

    I started kayaking a few years ago when a friend took it up. I've never had any training; I've learned everything from watching my friend. We only kayak in very smooth water, although the last time I went we heard some thunder and saw a little lightning. That was a bit scary.

    I must figure out a way to take pictures on the water.

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  2. Laurel-Rain SnowJuly 21, 2018 at 7:17 AM

    Wow! You are adventurous...and brave. Great photos...and those fish tacos do look very good. I like the idea of having a reward after adventures.

    Here are MY SATURDAY SNAPSHOTS

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  3. Sandra NachlingerJuly 21, 2018 at 11:29 AM

    Deb: I was definitely apprehensive about kayaking, but I'm so glad I tried it. Lightning would scare me, too. Luckily, we had a perfect sunny day (and not hot). Let me know if you find a good way to take photos on the water -- short of buying a waterproof camera!

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  4. Sandra NachlingerJuly 21, 2018 at 11:31 AM

    Laurel-Rain: I felt brave, but then I learned how easy kayaking is. Not a lot of bravery required. I'm ready to go again!

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  5. judyJuly 21, 2018 at 12:20 PM

    Two thumbs up! One for the adventure, one for the photos and writeup (:

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  6. Sandra NachlingerJuly 21, 2018 at 1:10 PM

    Thanks, Judy. Kayaking really was fun and a lot easier than I'd anticipated. I hope to go again.

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  7. Sue JacksonJuly 22, 2018 at 6:10 AM

    What a wonderful trip!! As you know, we are big kayaking fans here - so glad you got to try it! And yes, they are quite easy to maneuver - easier than you'd think. However, you were in ocean or sea kayaks, which are much longer and have a rudder, so they are a bit trickier. We have freshwater kayaks, which are much shorter and lighter (no rudder) and even easier to propel and manueuver...so you might want to try those sometime, too, on a lake, pond, slow river, or quiet bay. Even more fun for you to explore!

    As always, the place you went is just gorgeous - I must get out to WA one of these days! And I hear you on worrying about the camera :) I double bag mine, keep it tucked right into the front of my PFD, and always put the wrist strap on before I use it.

    Thanks for sharing your beautiful pics and your adventure!

    Sue

    2018 Big Book Summer Challenge

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  8. Kelly MarshallJuly 22, 2018 at 8:22 AM

    You are brave. It looks like fun though. I'd try it, but getting in the kayak could be challenging. Thanks for sharing

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  9. Sandra NachlingerJuly 22, 2018 at 11:01 AM

    Sue, I've always enjoyed your blog posts about kayaking and thought of you as I was putting together this Saturday Snapshot post. Thank you for your advice on handling a camera during kayaking. I'd love to try freshwater kayaking. It sounds like it would be even more fun (and maybe easier too).

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  10. Sandra NachlingerJuly 22, 2018 at 11:03 AM

    Thanks for stopping by, Grace, and leaving a comment. You're right about getting in and out of the kayak. It took some upper body strength, which I don't have enough of. By the way, I wish I'd gone to Port Townsend with you, but the timing just didn't work out. Another time?

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  11. westmetromommyJuly 27, 2018 at 7:51 PM

    Oh, I love kayaking! I haven't been in so long, though. My husband isn't a fan, so I need to talk him into it!

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