Getting back into kayaking

Our kayaking over the past few years has been, sadly, almost non-existent. We started kayaking in 2004 and that summer we went out about 30 times. Granted, it was our first year, but still.  We averaged about 12-15 times over the next five years or so. 

In 2010 we went out 5 times, and then in 2011 one time, and 2012 one time! I'm not sure why except life gets complicated and if you don't make a definite effort to do something, it just doesn't happen.

So...we are going to try to remedy that this year. We both really love kayaking but it takes effort to just get out there and do it.

So far this summer we have been out twice. The first time was May 30th; we went to West Lake in Sandisfield, MA.

This is the lake with all the frogs, and where I saw a frog frenzy a few years ago.  There were mating frogs everywhere.  I was a little afraid that they were going to jump into the boat.  No such action this year though.  I think we were too late.  It was a beautiful day and it seemed so good to be out on the water again.

I have a couple of fun apps on my iPhone that I had fun playing with in the kayak.  One is InstaWeather, and the other is InstaPlace. 

The picture below shows InstaWeather.  Even if you are in a place with no cell coverage, you can bring the picture into it at a later time.  I had fun playing with that.  The only problem is that I need a case for my phone with a strap to put on my wrist so I don't drop it in the water!

For Marley's birthday this year she got a kayak.  When we first started kayaking she was three years old and could fit very easily in Paul's kayak.  Not so for the last couple of years.  Paul has had to tow her on a raft and that limits us taking her to where she can swim. 

On June 6th we took Marley kayaking to try out her new kayak (the blue and white one in the middle).

Toby, Mark and Mason went with us too.  This was Mason's first time in a kayak.  He loved it.  Marley did really well for her first time. 

We went to York Lake in Sandisfield State Forest. 

There is a little roped off swimming area, picnic tables with grills, and bathrooms.  The perfect place for kids. 

It was a cloudy afternoon, sprinkled on our way out there, but cleared up while we had a picnic and then kayaked for about two hours. 

It rained all the way home! 

These two pictures were taken with InstaPlace. 

We stopped at the Scoop in Granville and had ice cream on the way home. 

So....we are off to a good start.  Let's hope it continues!