First outing of 2010!

Not in Wisconsin though. In Myakka State Park in Florida. It was so peaceful and lovely and reminded me why I like kayaking so much. I don't do it for the challenge or excitement. I just want a little river with lots of birds and wildlife to quietly paddle by. Here I am paddling by a bird and an alligator!

There were lots of alligators, in the water too, but those dipped under my kayak. We were happy to avoid each other. Here' s a big one on the shore:

Wild turkeys:

great blue heron:

Limpkin?

Black vultures and great egret

Saw some turtles too but the picture is blurry.

Kickapoo river, Sept. 20

This was an all-day trip; we camped at nearby Wildcat mountain state park the night before. We put in at Ontario, got out at bridge 14. The distance was 15 miles, which took us about 7 hours including lunch stop and afternoon break. The scenery was as advertised. But there were so many other boats, many full of vociferous drinkers, that I didn't see a single bird, well except some blackbirds. This is a very popular destination. The river was low so it was more of a challenge technically, which I enjoyed. I learned from Ed that the water is usually deepest on the outside of the turn. It's good to go out with other people and get tips. He also showed me how to tie a hitch knot but I've already forgotten.

Here are some scenery shots:

Lunch break:

More of the gang. There were 8 of us.

It's a beautiful drive out there on the back roads. I took some county roads on the way home and could see how you could be as isolated from the rest of the world as you want out here.

Sugar River

Sept. 7. Put in at Attica, kayaked 7.3 miles, took out at Albany. The best river yet and most challenging with the curves and tree branches. beautiful winding river, blue herons, only saw 3 other boats in 3 hours. I noticed that the boat turns with the current so I found myself paddling on the right during right turns.

Getting ready to launch:

The view from the kayak. The first fall colors I've seen:

Then I realized, wo, this is a tricky river, with lots of logs and curves. So I put away the camera and just focussed on paddling and enjoying the sights and sounds.

Crawfish river

Sept. 5. put in at Aztalan State Park. Went north (upstream) about 2 miles before turning around at the I-94 bridge. very nice. saw a huge bald eagle, and blue herons. 1.5 hours total.

Housemate took pictures of me taking off:

Here's the view from the kayak:

a blue heron:

Yahara River, Lake Kegonsa dam

Went out with Ed. went from the dam at the east end of Lake Kegonsa. It was nice. probably went out 1.5-2 miles or so, then turned around. 1.5 hours total. About half the route had houses on the shoreline. We saw a bald eagle.

Yahara river, Madison

I bought a kayak with Chris, tried them out with Chris, Audrey and Katrina, on Lake Monona and the Yahara River between Monona and Mendota.

The kids rode in Chris' kayak but played first in mine.

July 28

Went out with the divas at Rutabaga. out to Lake Waubesa. I prefer rivers to lakes but I think the wetlands were probably too weedy by now.