cedarkayak
North Manitou Island
Last Summer, my friend Paul and I went backpacking on North Manitou Island. On the ferry to the island, we noticed two married couples taking their sea kayaks to the island. That night at the campfire, Paul commented that those guys were lucky to have Wives that enjoy going on kayaking trips with them. I agreed, “yea, they’re lucky”
The next day, on the West side of the island, we saw the two couples walking along the shoreline, about waist deep in the water. They were fighting the waves, and pulling their kayaks in a strange effort to use the kayaks as barges to transport their gear. I wondered whether I should tell them of the alternative technique of sitting in the kayaks, and using the paddle to propel the boats across the water.
When the first couple approached, the man answered our stares with a “Don’t Ask!!” We said nothing more.
When the second couple approached, the man explained that the women were uncomfortable with the waves. Their goal was to walk several miles in this manner to the Southwest point of the island. Then maybe the waves would be more manageable on the East side of the island, and they could paddle.
That night by the campfire, Paul commented that we were pretty lucky that our Wives are supportive of us taking backpacking and kayaking trips. I agreed, “yea, we’re lucky”
PS: I applaud the kayakers in this photo. They were careful to remain near shore, and never placed themselves in danger. Later, we spoke with them and they were emboldened to practice more, and try the trip again.
PPS: I also think it's fantastic that they were pursuing their dream together.
North Manitou Island
Last Summer, my friend Paul and I went backpacking on North Manitou Island. On the ferry to the island, we noticed two married couples taking their sea kayaks to the island. That night at the campfire, Paul commented that those guys were lucky to have Wives that enjoy going on kayaking trips with them. I agreed, “yea, they’re lucky”
The next day, on the West side of the island, we saw the two couples walking along the shoreline, about waist deep in the water. They were fighting the waves, and pulling their kayaks in a strange effort to use the kayaks as barges to transport their gear. I wondered whether I should tell them of the alternative technique of sitting in the kayaks, and using the paddle to propel the boats across the water.
When the first couple approached, the man answered our stares with a “Don’t Ask!!” We said nothing more.
When the second couple approached, the man explained that the women were uncomfortable with the waves. Their goal was to walk several miles in this manner to the Southwest point of the island. Then maybe the waves would be more manageable on the East side of the island, and they could paddle.
That night by the campfire, Paul commented that we were pretty lucky that our Wives are supportive of us taking backpacking and kayaking trips. I agreed, “yea, we’re lucky”
PS: I applaud the kayakers in this photo. They were careful to remain near shore, and never placed themselves in danger. Later, we spoke with them and they were emboldened to practice more, and try the trip again.
PPS: I also think it's fantastic that they were pursuing their dream together.