Teddy's Big Adventure

Teddy had a whole new experience today -- his first ever kayaking trip. Because it would be Teddy's first trip out on water we wanted to keep the trip short and close to home. We chose the Hope River Slough, only minutes from home, in case it didn't go well. 

Teddy did VERY well though. He was a great little boater.

There were a few moments, right at the beginning, where Teddy wasn't sure what was expected of him. 

After a reassuring kiss from Momma and some repositioning of seating arrangements,

Everything was all sorted out and we were on our way.

Papa came along too, as Teddy's official "Papa-razzi".

The weather was great but the water was murky and launching was a challenge due to a strong back eddy in the launch area. 

I was glad I put a dog bed pad in the bottom of the kayak because it wasn't long before Teddy's boredom --

And the warm sunshine made Teddy sleepy.

The bottom of a gently rocking kayak is a great place for a fresh air nap.

Dry Run Success

I've been wanting to get out in the kayaks again. My husband didn't think Teddy would fit, nor do well in the kayaks, so we didn't go out at all last year. With a little help from fellow Cavalier owning kayakers on a forum on Facebook I managed to convince him to at least give Teddy a chance. 

In a dry land test today Teddy passed with flying colours. He's not afraid of much and he never gets motion sickness so I was pretty sure he would do well. Teddy confirmed that. He was more than happy to sit still in the kayak, even when I purposely rocked it back and forth and made paddling motions. 

I do have to leave the "dashboard" console off my kayak, but that's not too much of a big deal. I usually keep a water bottle there in the cup holder and my phone stashed in the dry box, but I can keep them elsewhere. They just won't be as easily assessible.

(A view of the kayak consoles in the above picture.)

Teddy's reward for being such a good boy in the kayak was a trip to Mr Pets to be fitted for a life jacket.

He doesn't look happy in the picture but, I assure you, he is quite happy to be wearing it. He even played fetch and had a nap in it with no problem. 

Nature's Sparkles

I received a wonderful Kaiser Baas X400 Action Camera for Christmas with the idea that it would be used to capture moments from our kayaking trips. In it's special case it's waterproof.

 Months later we're finally able to get out on the water to use it for the first time! I just let it run on until the memory card was depleted. I've trimmed one of the video segments to show you my favourite moments from today's trip to Hick's Lake, BC.

I marvelled at Mother Nature's spectacular light show upon the water. As I learn how the camera works and how to better edit the videos (sorry about the sloping horizon line!) I hope to have better snippets to offer.

Kayaking on Harrison Lake

Living in paradise, as we do, it's easy to take a blissful mini-vacation any time the weather cooperates.

Now that my husband has retired we can take advantage of some of the beautiful lakes in our area and slip away for a quiet morning of peaceful kayaking -- mid week even, when the crowds are tied up with work and school.

Harrison Lake BC is only about a 30 minute drive from our home in Chilliwack.

The weather was perfect, neither too hot nor too cold, and barely a ripple on the water.

It was a perfect way to make the most of a beautiful day. 

I'd take a kayak over a motor boat any day. 

Misty Morning

Living here in paradise, if we're up before dawn

and out on Cultus Lake by 8 AM, 

we are able to enjoy a quiet hour or so on the lake

before those with noisy power boats and jet skis disturb the peace.

A beautiful way to start the day!

Bobbing Along

With the purchase of a couple of kayaks our stay-cations just got a lot more fun!

We've been "trying out" kayaks from Western Canoe Kayak in Abbotsford annually for a few years now.

Always something came up that made us postpone the purchase.

But we've finally taken the plunge. Well, not literally; no one has been dumped in the water yet. The kayaks are surprisingly stable.

I'm looking forward to the mini-vacations. There are plenty of small "no motor boat" lakes to explore around here. 

We purchased the kayaks yesterday and today we went to Abbotsford's Mill Lake to get them out for their inaugural run. 

Even in the midst of the city it was peaceful just bobbing along out there.

We didn't have to buy expensive, ugly roof racks for my car either! Both kayaks load quickly and securely into the back of my husband's truck and only require a tie down rope.