Where It All Began

Today’s very strong winds were too much for me to go paddling. I can tolerate plenty, but why should I fight the wind gusts we had today? Paddling would not have been fun, so why do it?

Although I did not go out on the water, I did think about it. My mind wandered back to where it all began. Why and when did I start paddling?

I would have to do some serious paperwork digging to know for sure when my first canoe trip, in a canoe that I owned, occurred. According to my photo database records, the date was as early as October of 1991. That outing would have been in an aluminum canoe - the first I owned - and I still own - on the Wapsipinicon River. How ironic… I learned on the Wapsipinicon River and still find the Wapsie to be my favorite paddling destination.

Since my beginning days on the water I transitioned from canoes (tandem) to kayaks (solo) and back to canoes (solo). Weight of vessels went from heavy (aluminum) to lighter (3-layer) to lighter yet (Kevlar or Royalex).

My water journey has been long, interesting, and an integral part of my adult life. Paddling is something I hope to continue sharing with others as long as I can. There is just something about being on the water, under your own power, and moving in near silence except for the sound of a paddle blade slicing the water. I can almost hear it as I type these words.

Long-time paddlers will recognize today’s image. This is the bottom of my first canoe. Exposed are the rivets, the keel, and the scarred aluminum bottom that holds the stories of untold adventures on the water. While this canoe does not see much use anymore, I do take it out occasionally. When I do I fondly remember most previous outings. And, I remember why I went smaller and lighter!