Kayaking the Russian River

I had a marvelous weekend at the river, kayaking.

Elements was hosting a family reunion, and the weather was so enticing, I rented a neighbors cottage (Auld Cottage) and ergo had nothing to do but read, and walk the dog. I also took off and did the kayak thing. Up to now my experience has been with canoes, and frankly thats too much work. I dont care what kind of positive effect <G>.

However I loved the kayak experience.

My boat mate and I grabbed breakfast at Pat’s; so we naturally walked into Kings. Nick at Kings was great and got us set up with a couplle of kayaks. They loaded them to the river, and explained what we should expect. He gave us a few cautions, and directions where to stay to the left and right. It sounded easy enough. Although I approached it like I heard “banjo’s” (think Deliverance with the rapids), the river at most has a few ripples. A ripple is not a rapid, although it may be distantly related. However since they occur around obstacles (rocks and trees) you can approach them, however bold you feel. At worst you will get wet, but you will not be dragged by your boat through the rocks of the classic rapids. And you really have to want to fall out of a kayak, which on a hot day could be fun.

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My kayak mate informed me at several points in the deep water sections about the fish.

I didnt spy as many, but only because I was intent on keeping my balance. Bending over and putting my face in the water to see fish, was not an attraction. First, why challenge my happy sense of balance by leaning over? Second, I am not as young, as my boat mate, and I am not sure that I would bend that way (with any grace). I was very happy to hear that the fish were there ecologically speaking. A healthy river is important <G>. I did notice more than one angler on the banks. At first I thought the Chamber of Commerce might have placed them, they looked so perfect.

My trip the other day took only a couple of hours. But it has sold me on doing it again, anywhere on the river. It doesnt have to be an all day adventure, but it sure lends itself to relaxation and just enjoying this special spot. I think its a must for anyone enjoying a Russian River vacation rental.