The past Saturday evening was one of those unexpected evenings. The day started out overcast and in some ways very gloomy. You know the type of mornings I am talking about; the ones where it just seems that it could just start drizzling and drizzle all day long. It seemed to be a perfect day to stay inside with a good book and read all day long. Yet for some folks, there is beauty to be found in the outdoors on a day like that. Besides, it was a welcome change to be out kayaking on a day that was very cool by comparison to most of the summer.
I have often spoken about how much I like to take a hike or even to talk a walk in the rain. (I must admit, I get some strange looks, but that is OK.) It seems that the forest takes on a different feel when you are walking through it in the raining. When you do this often enough, you begin to see the forest in a different way. Then when the sun does decide to make its appearance, wow, words cannot describe the beauty of the forest at that moment.
This past Saturday evening was like one of those days. That afternoon, Joseph and I meet a group of co-workers from a local business at River Road Park for a sunset kayaking adventure on the Cape Fear River. The day was still overcast and the hope for the skis to clear for a sunset was starting to look like it would not happen. Despite the fact that it was a cloudy and cool afternoon, these co-workers were excited about having some kayaking fun.
We started out paddling along Keg Island, when I noticed that the weather was beginning to change. Joseph, spotted some rain to the southwest and northeast of us, yet there was a glimpse of some clearing to the west and northwest. I am not sure that our guests were even aware of this; they were having too much fun being out of the office and doing something fun together. Yet there it was a break in the clouds.
After about an hour of paddling, we stopped on Keg Island for the picnic and before you know it, there was the sun! Shining brightly as only the sun can, reflecting off the almost mirror like water of the early evening. It is amazing how intense the sun can be reflecting off still water. But what a treat it was to be in such a beautiful place, just at the right time to witness a stunning sunset. As I was watching this sunset as we paddled back to the river launch, I was struck by the fact that we were the only people out kayaking that evening. Why was this? Maybe it was because of the overcast skies from earlier in the day? Maybe people did not want to risk, getting out and exploring something if the weather is not just perfect. If that is the case, they have missed a masterpiece of a sunset.
I guess the point I am trying to make is this; don’t be afraid to step out and do something outdoors if the weather is not what you think it should be. You never know when things will change and you have a chance to be in the right place at the right time to witness something that few people ever do. If these co-works had let what they saw keep them from getting out that evening, they would have never had this experience of last Saturday’s sunset.
Mahanaim Adventures offers guided kayaking adventures in the Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach areas as well as the Cape Fear Region (Cape Fear River, Town Creek, Holly Shelter Creek, Eagle Island, Black River, Lumber River, Moores Creek and much more). We specialize in creating that memory of a life time for you and your family and friends. Check out our web page and find out more details about all of our adventure locations.
