Kayaking into Fall

Jacob requested the day off and so we made plans to go kayaking on the first day of Fall. For someone who loves Fall, I wanted to plan something fun to do especially during a school day.

I must say, I was a bit nervous initially. We've been canoeing before with both of us in one canoe so this was our first time using a single kayak. Once I got on and after a few paddles I felt confident and ready to explore.

We kayaked in Lake Union which is between the space needle and the university of WA. It's a bit busier with a lot more boats and rowing practices happening (than Lake WA) which we were told to yield to. But, given that school was back in session and the summer crowds had gone it was quite calm and had a pleasant time with us being about the only ones out kayaking at the time.

Seattle in the background.

That is Gas Works park. We actually haven't been to this park yet but it was cool to see from across the water. It is a 19 acre park on the site of the former Seattle Gas Light Company gasification plant.

The lighting was horrible given our backs were to the sun so the quality of it is not great.

We do prefer the sit on top kayak over the ones where you have to slide your legs in. It would make me feel claustrophobic. Jacob feels the same way. I want to be able to reach the surface quickly if I happen to flip over.

This is the Aurora bridge that you take from Seattle/Queen Anne into Fremont.

There were several big yachts and other different size boats and it was actually pretty cool kayaking past them. I mean how often does one get to do that?!
This is such a relaxing and therapeutic activity. You need to set up a timer for an hour because it's so easy to lose track of time. We were out here for two hours and it didn't feel that long at all. If we didn't had to head back home at a certain time we would have been out here longer.

Some of these house boats were very cute however I wouldn't want to live in one permanently. I would love to have one as a vacation home near the San Juan Islands though, now that would be fun.

Given it was my very first time to get on a kayak I immediately became comfortable and really loved it. I got a hold on the paddling technique very quickly. At one point Jacob tried to race me and I clearly left him behind. He's always trying to turn everything into a competition. I usually don't like to participate because I'm not into competing BUT if it's got to do with something that I really like or am passionate about then I will give it my all. My family gets a kick when I surprise them with my hidden skills since I don't often show them off. This was a lot of fun and I hope to do this many more times. Now, the next thing for me to try is zip-line. I just know that's going to be exhilarating.

We had such a great time out on the water and such a fun way to welcome Fall. The weather was nice. There were a few clouds with a cool breeze which was very comfortable to me. The ideal thing would be for us to purchase our own kayaks that way we can kayak from anywhere along the Puget or the lakes. Time to save up!

Being out in nature stirs all your 

senses, awakens your soul, and allows you 

to  feel present in the moment.