Kayaking

Female bald eagles. I didn't get a picture of the males

Today Erik and I took the kayaks out on the Willamette River. We dropped in at Independence and then paddled down to Salem. That stretch of the Willamette is very flat and calm which was perfect for me to get used to paddling my own boat. We were expecting the trip to take us a lot longer than it did, but we ended up paddling most of the way with little resting so it took us about two and a half hours. We saw a couple of bald eagles and lots of blue herons. We also ran into our friends Jenny and Bryan who were visiting Bryan's parents and were water skiing. Sometimes I can't believe what a small world it can be. The kayaks worked great! I absolutely love having my own. It is so beautiful and relaxing being out on the water but it is also a great work out. My arms are sore and so is my back. A couple years ago Erik and I rented a double and dropped in in Jefferson and got out in Salem. Next time we go out we are thinking of trying that and doing a longer trip with a little choppier water. I am nervous, as always, but I always enjoy it afterwards. I can't wait till we go out again! At the end of July we are going camping with my family and we will be able to take the kayaks out on the lake. I'll I have to say is that I am so happy that we finally got the kayaks :)