I DID IT !!!!

May 31, 2010
Yes !! I did it!
I had my first kayaking class - first time in a kayak, first time in a boat on the Eno River - first time wearing a life vest, first time holding a paddle - WOW - I can see many fun, relaxing days in my future!
My kayak should be here tomorrow and unless the weather is not suitable, I will definitely be kayaking somewhere this weekend. I need to practice my strokes and get less tense but I feel rather confident about being able to paddle a kayak on flat water. I am not interested really in sea or white water kayaking. I don't need the excitement. I may one day try fish kayaking if I get the right kind of kayak for that.
So, hope to see you on the water sometimes. /Bunch on my PaintedTurtle kayak

P.S. Two symbols of success for me happened today. Some people might call it their good-luck symbols, but to me it was just a little sign that I was in my element. First, there was a great blue heron fishing at the waterfall in the river - that beautiful bird has been special to me for many years. The second has a shorter history - I recently bought a silver necklace with a dragonfly on it (sort of a kayak symbol) - well, today while in my kayak about 8 dragonflies landed on the bow of my kayak. Just a little personal affirmation, if you will. /Bunch

Just waiting

May 30, 2010
Tomorrow is my 'kayak primer' lesson. I will be taking the class at Frog Hollow Outdoors at West Point on the Eno. I'm trying to keep my attitude positive and not think about negative things that could happen. I found an interesting website, paddling.net - they have helpful articles, lots of photos, and a newsletter.
My inflatable Sevylor K1 Pointer should arrive on June 1 and hopefully I can have my first kayaking experience the following weekend.
I almost feel like a kid waiting for Christmas! /Bunch

Tadpole/goldfish pond

In my backyard I have a small goldfish pond. There are many tadpoles also. I enjoy watching the tiny tadpoles grow and evolve into frogs. In the afternoon after work, I enjoy feeding them, while I have a cup of coffee and relax. /Bunch

wet tent

I set up my tent in the backyard, both for practice and to try it out. Really great except last night it rained I was going to spend the night in it, but with the thunderstorm/lightening, I decided against that. This morning I went outside to sit in my tent and enjoy a cup of coffee. One side of my blankets were wet. I guess camping in the rain is out, at least until I get a better tent. /Bunch

The Beginning

May 2010
I have decided to try kayaking. I enjoy many hobbies, including fishing, camping occasionally, as well as arts and crafts, guitar and piano. My new adventure will be kayaking. I have ordered an inflatable Sevylor kayak for my first kayak, mainly because I am only 5' tall and I'm not sure I can manage getting a regular kayak on/off my car. I am taking a kayak primer class on Memorial Day and hopefully I will be able to do this. If so, along with camping and fishing, and my Sadie Girl (my two-year-old Australian Shep) there will be lots of fun weekends in my future.

This is my first attempt at a blog as well. I plan to post my kayaking experiences and even some photos occasionally. /Bunch