I Needed a Good Paddle This Friday 10-30-15

Copyright 2015 AJ Horton

Hello and happy Friday.   Today, I needed a good paddling!  And I got it!  I had some business for Mullins, SC yesterday, and, thanks to a nice co-worker, I was able to spend the night and kayak this morning.  This is what I've been missing for a while - being on the water, enjoying the peace and quiet.  It's not always quiet, though, there are many birds singing, and the water rushing past the kayak as I bring my paddle in and out of the water is just, well, music to my ears, and the view!!! "Ahhh" the view screams, "this is what you want, this is why you're here - Enjoy!" - and we obey.  The peace and quiet comes from no cell phone usage (although we do carry one in case of emergency), and there is no traffic noise.  I even heard many "cock-a-doodle-do"s from a rooster this morning.  I had a little bit of paradise today and I want to share a little of it with you.

I hope you had a fabulous Friday.  I hope you had just a little bit of what you consider "paradise" today.  I thank you for looking.  See you tomorrow.

Sunday's Kayak Wishing 10-11-15

Copyright 2015 AJ Horton

Hello and Happy Sunday.  I want to go kayaking!  Above is the perfect place.  I just wish I was there.  Well, I can't be there today, but soon.  Soon I will get to go kayaking here.  If it gets too late into the year I have some cold weather gear, so no worries.  I can't help but look at this and think, "what if".  What if I were out there right now?  What if I could spend all day on the water taking pictures and paddling?  What if I could have the choice to paddle every day?    Hmmmm.  Yep.  I enjoy the dream.

I hope you've had a great Sunday.  Thanks for looking and dreaming with me.  See you tomorrow.

Wednesday Wishes

Copyright AJ Horton

Hello on Wednesday.  This is the Fort Mill Dam at the Catawba River Access Area - one of my favorite places.  As you can see there are a lot of rocks showing now, so if you want to launch a kayak or return from a paddle, you would have to portage a good bit over and around those rocks.  You could do that- you could also walk to the island you see in front and enjoy a picnic or do some bird watching.  Or, you could wait until a water release happens and the water rises above the rocks before you launch or return.  The current makes it really easy when you launch and pretty difficult when you return - but returning against the current may still be somewhat easier than portaging over all those rocks. It's a little work, no matter which way you go - but, the reward is so worth it.  Remember to take some snacks, maybe lunch, and some drinks because you're going to want to stay out on the water for a long time.  Also remember a plastic bag so you can carry your trash easily back.  The memories you'll get from this adventure are priceless!

I hope you had a wonderful Wednesday.  Thanks for looking.  See you tomorrow.

Tuesday's Paddles

Copyright AJ Horton

Hello on Tuesday.  Today I find myself wishing for a kayaking experience.  I have some paddles.  I just don't have the kayaks.  Oh no.   Oh well.  I guess I'll just have to enjoy the view and wait for another day.  I don't really have that much to say today because I'm really ready for some outdoor fun time.

I hope you had a terrific Tuesday.  If you didn't get to do what you wanted today, I hope you get to do that soon.  If you did get to do what you wanted today - Yippee!

Thanks for looking.  See you tomorrow.

Lazy Alligator Saturday

Copyright AJ Horton

  So, when we entered the Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia, we had been told that the alligators were in hibernation.  Imagine our surprise as, after only a few minutes kayaking in shallow, narrow, water, we see this fellow sunning himself less than 10 feet away!  Well, I can tell you that after the initial shock and I was able to breath again, I slowly reached for my camera.  We were very thankful that this guy appeared to be sleeping soundly.  We paddled by him as slowly and as quietly as we could and then continued to enjoy the Okefenokee.  I did have a wonderful time paddling that day, although this guy was always on my mind, especially since we had to paddle back by him on our way out. We knew of no other way to get back to our origination.  I wondered as we paddled, "Will he still be there when we get back?", and "What if he's not there, where will he be, will he be waiting for us?", and "I wonder if he thinks we taste like chicken?"  "Has he ever had chicken?"  "I will FREAK OUT if he's moved!"  "Oh, why did I think I could bring my little kayak out here?"  At least it's not a sit on top kayak."  And so my thoughts went.  Finally, I did relax and manage to enjoy all the beauty of the Okefenokee Swamp.  It is a wonderful place to visit and, if you haven't already,  maybe you'll get to go sometime.  They do boat tours there so you don't have to go in a kayak.  Whatever way you choose, it's a great way to spend a Saturday.
  By the way, this guy was in the same place when we quietly paddled by him on our way to our car.  I am thankful to this day that he'll never know if I taste like chicken.   Who knows, he might have spit me out - I've been told that I'm spoiled.  ;)
  I hope that you have a wonderful and exciting Saturday!  Thank you for looking.  See you tomorrow.