Trial run

With the recent purchase of my first kayak, a Tsunami 145 from Wilderness Systems, I needed to test it out thoroughly. The weather was fantastic! 71 degrees, bright blue sky, a touch of wind.
Sunscreen, check; hat, check; Gatorade, check; Combos, check. I ran down the list of all the necessities I was going to need for my first attempt. The main purpose was to determine, not only my skill and ability, but also the boat's stability, speed, and handling. Basically, I want to make sure that I can bring my camera out on it without having to worry too much about it being ruined because I do not know what I am doing.

It worked perfectly. The only way I am going to tip that boat over is if I am not paying attention or I simply try to do it.

The experience of my first trip? Amazing, simply amazing. Let me tell you about the muskrat.

'I see this "little guy" digging in the sand next to the water. He (or she) appears to be looking for vegetation to eat. I beach my kayak slightly and watch the forging for about ten minutes. Curiosity is too strong; I must get closer. I push off and, luck is with me, the current is carrying me straight past him. The bow is about five feet away from him as I float past. Suddenly, and ever so quietly, the arm of my paddle hits the kayak. The sound is just loud enough to startle him. He dives into the water and swims very quickly... directly under me! Quickly, I look around for a sign that he swam past me. I see nothing. I turn the boat. The paddle hits the water, one stroke. The other side hits the water, SPLASH! He dives in! He was sitting, staring at me; the little guy was floating right along the side of the boat.'

I could not believe it. Personally, I think he was plotting a way to tip me over. I know I would.

One of my goals in life is to photograph a bald eagle catching a fish out of the water. Half of that dream came true. Just after the muskrat encounter, I was watching this beautiful bird perched in a tall tree. He took off with such amazing grace that I could not believe my eyes. Soaring overhead, he dove. With the swiftness and precision of an arrow, he splashed into the water. I was not close enough to see if it was indeed a fish, but he caught something. It was a fantastic moment.

The only relief I have is that the lighting would have been horrible for a picture. Let me just say this, there was not much relief; but there is plenty more eagerness.

Next time I will have my camera. That way I will be able share these wonderful experiences with you. I only hope that they will encourage others to enjoy the great outdoors as well.