Adventure | mahanaimadventures.com

Early Morning Kayaking

The other evening, my son, Joseph suggested that we head out the next morning for some kayaking. Those who know me know that I am always up for a good adventure, even in colder months. However, at this time, those of us who live in Wilmington are experience some fabulous weather, especially for being the middle of January. So the next morning we loaded up our kayaks and headed out for a early morning “Father & Son” adventure on the Cape Fear River. We got to River Road Park just about 7:45 AM and set everything down at the river’s edge and began soaking up the Majesty of God’s Creation! The morning was cool, but it was a bright and sunny morning that gives you a promise of a warmer day ahead.

Once we got to the park and set the kayaks down at the water’s edge, we quickly noticed the stillness of the water. This was one of these rare mornings here in the Cape Fear area that we did not have any wind blowing. When this happens, the water in the Cape Fear River is very calm and smooth as glass. The reflections on the water a breath taking as you paddle are breath taking. A couple of other benefits of having this kind of stillness is paddling is easier and one hears sounds that you would not normally hear.

This morning we decided to head north on the river to take advantage of the incoming tide. As we paddles out we quickly notices how much warmer it was on the water. With no clouds or wind this morning, we were able to feel the warmth of the sun’s reflection of the water. This made it quite nice and comfortable for us on this cool morning. Truly this is a rear morning here in Wilmington.

The stillness of the wind and water allow you to notice wildlife off in the distance quickly. We had not paddled for then 5 minutes when I noticed a pie-billed grebe diving along the marsh grasses at the edge of the water. The grebe kept diving for his breakfast meal, but kept a close eye on Joseph and I. As we paddled closer he would dive down and come up 20 or so yards further away from us. It was kind of cool watching this little bird.

Later on as we paddled our way back to the boat ramp, we spotted a pod of dolphin about a hundred years off. This was so very cool seeing these beautiful animals. They did not let us get close, but we were able to sit still and observer them from that distance. The wind and the water remained just like it was when we started so it was easy to view them. As we sat there we counted 7 in the pod that included 2 calf’s that stayed close to their mothers. Maybe this was why they stayed away from us. Anyway we sat there floating on the water for 15 minutes watching them play in the water and chase there breakfast meal.

Both Joseph and I reflected on our morning spent paddling on the Cape Fear River. It was so cool to watch the wildlife together. It was simply amazing to take advantage of this beautiful morning and to enjoy it together. It was also a great experience just to get out and paddle together as, father & son. We both agreed that we have to take advantage of the next time we have such nice conditions.

Don & Diane Harty own Mahanaim Adventures and provide “Positive and Memorable” kayaking and other outdoor adventure in the Wilmington NC area. Some of the kayaking adventure locations are: Fort Fisher Basin; Cape Fear River, Sharks Tooth Island, Masonboro Island, Eagle Island, Town Creek, Holly Shelter Creek, Moores Creek and the Black River. Long onto www.mahanaimadventures.com to read more about these adventures and to schedule your adventures. Or call 910-547-8252 for more information.

Alligators!

I am amazed at how fearful most people are of alligators that are found here in the Wilmington NC area. This is one of the most common questions I get when I am leading a kayaking adventure. Yes, we should have a healthy respect and view these wonderful creatures from a safe distance. However it amazed how the fear keeps some people from exploring the majesty of God’s Creation just because they may encounter one of these animals. As a boy growing up in gator country of central Florida, you learned to understand the amazing creatures. So, like any good Boy Scout here are some facts about alligators that my help you know more about this magnificent creature, and be prepared on what to expect when you see one.

This alligator was seen at the southern tip of Keg Island in the Cape Fear River.

The American Alligator is the most prevalent of the three species of crocodilians found in the US. The Gator’s range from North Carolina down to Florida and then around the Gulf Coast to Texas.
There are very few American Crocodile and Caiman that can be found in the extreme southern part of Florida mainly in the southern portions of the Everglades.
Gators live in freshwater wetlands and coastal brackish waters. Their diets mainly consist of fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. They are more known for their savaging for food than hunting and attacking larger prey.
Mating season beings in May as the spring warms up and the females will lay their eggs in June, with the eggs hatching in last July.
Between 1948 – 2004 there were only 391 injuries and 18 deaths caused by alligators in the US.
Alligators are active both day and night, but mainly feed at night and resting during the day light hours digesting their meal from the night before.
Don’t let your pets swim in known waters where alligators live. The alligators will see the smaller pets at natural prey.

Dispose of fish scraps in garbage cans and throwing fish remains in the water can attract alligators. Also, do not feed alligators.

Before the Adventure Begins

For those of you who grew up in Boy Scouts, you will know that the “Scout Motto” is to “Be Prepared“. This was drilled into me during my days as a scout and I can say, most great scout troops still place a great deal of emphasis on this. To be honest, one of the biggest things that gets to me is watching the vast majority of people take off with their kayaks are woefully unprepared for what they are fixing to do.

This was brought home to me this past weekend when I saw a young couple jump out of their vehicles, toss their kayaks in the water and jump in and go! No PFD, no sunscreen, no WATER, no clue to the weather coming or going, much less of the river currents that will affect their paddle. When I pointed out the oyster beds they were fixing to walk into, they could care less (yes, they had no shoes of any kind on). I could only imagine that they had a less than pleasant time on the water.

It is because of this lack of proper preparedness that I write the next blog. I hope over the next several weeks to add additional blogs that will help you be “Prepared” when you head out on your next adventure.

Here are some very basic things that need to be considered before you take your next kayaking adventure.

Always try to plan for the unexpected “what ifs?” What if I get delayed? Lost? Injured? Am I prepared to cope with that?
Always have a map and compass with you. This means that you know how to orientate the map and use the compass, so make sure you learn basic map reading and compass navigation skills before you head out on the water.
Pick a trip, even a short day paddle and study your intended route on a map at home. Doing this when you’re not stressed allows you time to become more familiar and comfortable with the unique markings of a topographic map and where you will be going.
Additional essential items that can save your life when out kayaking:
- Plenty of water to drink
- Hat
- Sunscreen/bug spray
- Flash light
- Cell phone
- Matches for a fire
- Extra clothing
- Rain gear
- Snacks
- Knife
- Dry bag for all your essentials to be placed
Float Plan. It is critical that you let someone know where you’re going, what route you plan to take and your estimated return time. If you get lost, the sooner a rescue operation begins the better for your searchers and you. If you change your plans before you start a trip, call and update someone, even if you simply leave a voice mail. This also implies that once on the river that you stick with your plan and not deviate.
Oh, I am assuming that you will have your PFD with you before you get into the water.

Mahanaim Adventures provide wonderful adventure in the Wilmington and Carolina Beach areas of North Carolina. We can also customize a guided kayaking adventure to Florida as well as any other location in the Southeast US. 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.

Team Building and Fear of the Unknown.

Over this past year Mahanaim Adventures, had the opportunity to take several different groups on either a kayak or on a high ropes team building event. (The high ropes course is called COPE and the elements are the challenges on each COPE course) Our events are designed to challenge each person and group to learn new skilled needed in successful team work. As a COPE Course facilitator, one of the cool things I get to witness is how these folks with different prospective and backgrounds learn to come together as a team and solving some difficult challenges/elements. To see learning taking place while having fun is really cool.

Our team building adventures, especially those that involve a COPE Course, challenges each person to learn new things but also to deal with known truth and overcome their fears. This is especially true when each group walk the COPE Course and see the elements of the course for the very first time. I have to admit myself that the first time saw the elements on my first course I was a bit scared.

I remember that these elements looked like fun, but I began to think what had I gotten myself and those who worked for me into. You see, I had planned a team building adventure for those who reported to me when I working at UNCW. At that time, our department had some radical changes forced on us and I really needed to challenge them to come together. I knew at the time it was going to be hard work to deal with these forced changes and I know we had to do this as a team and no one person could do this themselves. So I signed myself and my staff up for a COPE Course offered by the university.

When we got there that morning, I had not realized that it would be so challenging and I would have to deal with my fear of heights. That morning I was forced to deal and act on what I knew to be true and to place my fear aside to help my team accomplish our goals. In other words, I had to put my faith in what I had learned and knew was truth into action. I was reminded that Faith is not faith at all, if that faith is not put into action. This is the same no matter who you are. You see, I had to act on what I knew to be TRUE and not let my feelings seize the moment. Once I did that, I not only was I able to help lead my team through some challenge events, but I also realized something else.

That something else is what I call the excitement of real life. The fun of accomplishing something that earlier some of us had said, “Yea, right, I’m not doing that”. This was something that we had learned together. We learned that even though something may be hard and scary, we can act on what we know to be true and move forward. When we learn to do this, the challenge is still the same, but we learn we can overcome by working together, using each other strengths and having fun at the same time. We learned that stepping out in faith does not get any easier time goes by, because challenges are constantly being through at us in Life. Yet, those lessons learned on the high ropes course that morning helps each of us keep focusing on what is True and Right.

Where are you being challenged at today? What Truth do you need to focus on so that you can take a step of faith and accomplish what scary challenge lies before you?

Why a PFD?

How many of you have seen in the news recently about the number of drowning in and around Eastern North Carolina? I know of two and both of them were attributed to the kayakers not wearing a PFD. Yes the weather has been cold recently and there is the tendency to not want to wear one due to the bulky clothing needed to stay warm on the water. But this is no different than not wanting to wear one during the summer due to the heat. We tend to think that, hey I can swim and I will be fine if I fall out of the kayak. So we tend to think we will be alright without it. I have heard some say that it is right here with me and I can get to it quickly.

Yet it is my experience that most of the time when people go over, it is at the most inopportune moment and it is somewhat unexpected. It is those unexpected moments that tend to count the most and are most critical in my mind. Even experienced paddlers are not fast enough to get to their PFD fast enough when they need it. I know this from firsthand experience! I will not share the story behind this knowledge, but believe me I am glad that I had my PFD on.

Anyway, here some things to consider when selecting a PFD to purchase:

For adults, your chest size—not your weight—will determine what size is right. (For children, their weight will determine the size.) Sizes vary by PFD brand and model, so check the manufacture product page or your local retailer to find the right size for you.
A PFD should be snug and fit like a glove, yet allow you to move freely and not chafe while paddling and playing. To get the best feel and fit, wear your paddling clothes while paddling when trying on a PFD.
Women should consider women-specific PFDs versus unisex styles. Women’s PFDs may offer a better fit, contoured cups for larger bust lines and styles made for longer torsos.
Each PFD will have a different design and foam placement to fit the contours of the body. Foam placement has more to do with comfort than safety. The more straps a PFD has, the more adjustments can be made to customize its fit.

Fitting of your PFD once you’ve selected a size is just as important. Here are some steps for you to follow:

Loosen all the straps, put the PFD on and zip it up.
Start at the waist and tighten all the straps. If it has shoulder straps, tighten them last. It should feel snug but not uncomfortable.
Next, have someone pull up on the PFD shoulders. If it moves up past your nose or head, try tightening the straps. If it still moves up, the PFD is too large.
Check your movements to make sure it is comfortable and will not chafe you while paddling. Do this in your own kayak or canoe at home, or in a floor model if you’re at an REI store. This will stimulate how it actually feels while sitting.
If possible, test your PFD in a pool or shallow water to see how it works. It should not ride up or slip over your chin while floating.

PFD’s for kids are very important so here are a few important remembers when purchasing a PFD. Remember it is extremely important to keep a child’s head above water, so do not get a too-big PFD thinking he or she will grow into it. Yes, it is a pain, but safety comes first.

Sizing for a kid depends on his or her weight:

Infant PFDs: 8 to 30 pounds
Child PFDs: 30 to 50 pounds
Youth PFDs: 50 to 90 pounds

For infants and small children, a PFD should have a:

Padded head support: helps keep the child’s head above water.
Grab handle: assists retrieving the child out of the water.
Crotch strap: helps keep the PFD from riding up.

Youth-sized PFDs look like and have the same features as adult PFDs. The more straps a PFD has, the more adjustments can be made for sizing.

If you have any questions about PFD’s and how they fit, you can find many “How To” videos on YouTube about this subject.

Bird Watching in Florida!

Last summer I mentioned to Jill Peleuses, owner of Wild Bird & Garden, that we needed to put together an adventure to Florida for February to do some bird watching and kayaking. The idea quickly took hold and interest started to build in our idea. Before we knew it, we had seven people signed up for this adventure to the Tampa Bay area for some fun in the sun!

However, I have to admit that this adventure had been something I have wanted to do for some time now. You see, I grew up in the Tampa Bay area and I have many fond memories of canoeing the beautiful rivers in the area. It was also during these years that God gave me a love of nature/wildlife and the outdoors. If you are not familiar with the Tampa Bay areas, there are lots and lots of migrating birds that winter in the Tampa Bay area. So, this adventure for me was more than taking a great group of birdwatchers to Florida; it was about exploring the area I grew up in as an adult.

Everyone made safe and sound to our hotel and excited about what lay ahead. While everyone was checking in to the hotel, I was setting up my camp at Alafia River State Park. I decided to camp instead of say at the hotel for several reason, but a change to camp for a week and sleep under the stars in my tent, darn. About half way though setting up camp, I heard a strange but familiar noise just around the corner of my camp. It was a call that once you have heard it before, you would never forget. It was the call of a Sandhill Crane. As a kid, these cranes were seen in Florida, but not in very large numbers due to their very low number. I am not sure why, maybe there were on the endangered list at one time, I don’t remember. Anyway, I poked my head out of my tent and in the distance I spotted the 4 cranes.

All I can say was WOW! Here they were walking though the camp grounds, headed in my direction. As I sat there, I was amazed at how close they walked to me and my tent. It was almost as if they were not afraid of me. I was amazed at how tall these cranes were, they must have been 36” to 40”. I sat there in amazement. And just think; the week was just beginning and I was already seeing some cool birds!

The next morning everyone met at Alafia River State Park for a ranger lead bird walk. What a perfect morning to start the day! We got a chance to see more sand hill cranes as well as some ospreys that morning. After a quick lunch at the kayak launch, we put out on the Alafia River for some kayaking. The river was a beautiful as I have ever remembered. And yes, we did see several nice size alligators along the way. Just as we got to the turnaround point, someone spotted something in that I had never seen before; a group of about 30 black bellied whistling duck! (Never knew ducks whistled) What a beautiful duck! The color of these ducks was spectacular. Watching them sitting there in the shallow water was awesome.

The next day was even better at Myakka River State Park. Myakka has a special place in my memory. I have camped, hiked, biked and wondered all over this park as a kid in Boy Scouts. So driving into the park that next morning was quite exciting for me. Not just a chance to see some cool birds, but again, the memories of days gone by.

The day started off with a air boat tour of Lake Myakka and a talk about the birds and the other wildlife of the park. It was amazing to see hundreds of alligators on this lake, some of them in the 14’ plus range. We also spent time walking on one of the many nature trails, we spotted a wild boar grazing within a few feet of a large gator. We were astonished by the sight of this boar so close to the gator. We were not sure if the boar was brave or if he knew something about the gator next to him. Anyway that was cool. Yet there was more to come. While driving back to the main concession stand area of the park for some ice cream, I found out how excited true hard core birders can get. As I was driving, one of the ladies in my vehicle spotted a roseate spoonbill. Before I could pull over and stop the vehicles, two of the ladies were out of the vehicle; running back to the spot with binoculars in hand. After this event, I started locking the doors so no one would jump out prematurely.

The last day we spent at Edward Menden Reservoir and a Circle B Reserve! I had never been to Circle B Reserve just southeast of Lakeland, but we heard from one of the park rangers that this was a fantastic place. So we decided to change our plans and head over to Circle B for the afternoon. What awaited us was breath taking. We spent 5 hours here at this park walking and seeing hundreds of birds including; bald eagles, several peregrine falcons, limpkins and a great blue heron eating a huge mudpuppy. This mudpuppy was so big that the heron spent several minutes stabbing it with its beak to cut it in half.

As the week of bird watching and kayaking came to a close, most everyone did not want to leave and head home. We all had a wonderful time exploring central Florida and enjoying birds that we rarely see if ever here in Wilmington. We all got some sun while out and about, but most of all, everyone I believe came away with a since of awe of being out in God’s creation and viewing some wonderful wildlife. I know I sure did.

Mahanaim Adventures not only provide wonderful adventure to Florida, but offers guided kayaking adventures in the Wilmington and Carolina Beach areas of North Carolina. 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.

What Faith Can Do

Three years ago today, I was rocked to the core of who I am. It was not the first time this had happened, but I have to say, it hurt the worst of all. This is especially true when it is something that you had worked so very hard for and gave you all too. I was told that I was being laid off at my job as department head of a successful in-plant printing operation. The economy played a role in what happened and yes, there were some stupid decision by upper management also contributed to what happened.

The story behind all this is long and there is not enough time to tell it in this short blog. For a while I had been feeling uneasy about my job there and had gotten to the point of just going thought the motions of life and work. You know what I mean; I seemed I had lost my heart for lots of things. In hindsight, the scary thing is that I had settled for something less than what I was created for. I had gotten to the place where I could had settled for something less than the abundant life God was offering those who followed in Faith where he leads. So, in retrospect, I had to be kicked out of the boat, so to speak and had to focus on God to lead me through.

It was through spending time alone with God that I began to see a bigger plan for my life that I had been called too. I began to realize that there was more to life than the chasing after wealth, status and security. Life as and is an adventure to be lived each day.

Adventure by its definition is living in the unknown, following a crazy God given dream. You see, I was finely ready to stop EARNING a leaving and begin to embrace life defined by my Creator. Mike Ashcraft, senior pastor at Port City Community Church says it best, “That every longing is a longing for life and real life can only be found in Christ”.

I have some to understand this simple but important truth more and more each day. Embracing the life I was created for and defined by God take Faith. Faith is not something that just happened, it is like a muscle, it has to be used and built up. If you are a runner, you know you can’t run a sub 16 minute 5 K race on day number one, you have to work to achieve that goal. Faith is the same.

God has grown me in Faith each day since that day in February 2010. Because of being laid off, I am learning how to live a life that is far beyond anything I could have ever imagined. It is all because of faith in the one who made me and someone who will never leave or abandon me, Christ Jesus.

Where are you at today? What are you being called to do by Faith? Don’t be like me, hard headed and stubborn, having to be kicked out of the boat. Step out and follow where God is leading you today. I will not be easy, but it will be very rewarding in more ways than you can imagine. Faith in Christ can do more than you can dream.

Mahanaim Adventures offers guided kayaking adventures in the Wilmington, Carolina Beach areas as well as the Cape Fear Region. 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.

Campfires and Smores?

Last Friday evening, I had the privilege of leading a group of people from Brunswick Forest on a moon light kayaking adventure on Town Creek. The evening was almost perfect; except for a few thin high clouds that tried to cover the moon. It was about 30 minutes before the sun set when we stopped for dinner on the river for a picnic and camp fire. We had been paddling for about 90 minutes and everyone was starting to get hungry. So while everyone was starting to enjoy their picnic dinners, I got a nice warm campfire started. In just a few minutes, the fire was blazing away, casting its glow around the area and creating a wonderful warm feeling for everyone there.

It was almost instantly happened; once the fire was started everyone sat down on the bench or on one of the picnic blankets that were around the fire; when everyone stated sharing memories about their going up and campfires. It was so cool to sit back and watch everyone relax and enjoy the warm fire as the sun was setting to our west and share with each other. Stories about campfires they remembered as kids; the fun of roasting marshmallows and making s’mores. It seemed to me that all of these memories shared a common theme; family and fun. Someone shared that in her family, they would go to the family farm this all 6 of her brothers and sisters. As she talked about that, I could see the fun they had in her eyes and hear it in her voice. I shared about how my grandmother took candles and show me and a friend how to roast a marshmallow, while it was storming outside the house. For all I know the power could have been knocked out at the time, but I don’t remember that, I just remember how our little fire changed an evening into something fun.

Soon, it was time for us to pack up, put out the fire and paddle back home by the full moon light that shown in the river. What an adventure the evening was for us all. I am sure that the paddle back to the kayak launch was memorable for each of them. But I am also confident that the time shared with new friends sitting around a campfire; roasting marshmallows and making s’mores will be a memory that these people hold onto. These people not only connected with something they remembered from their childhood, when things were simpler in their lives. But they also connected with each other, building important relationships. I don’t know about you, but I need this myself; what about you?

Gloomy Days May Not Be So Bad?

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.

Sunsets

This summer I have had the pleasure of leading more than my share of kayaking adventures. I guess that is a hazard of owning an outdoor / kayaking adventure business, but I guess there are plenty of other jobs that are worse than mine. Anyway, I have had a chance to witness some spectacular sunset this summer while guiding these kayaking adventures out of River Road Park here in Wilmington, NC. These adventures have given me the chance to simply stop in awe struck wonder; to stand still for a brief moment and soaking in the majestic beauty the sunset before me. Each sunset has been different; no two sunsets even close to each other.

These sunsets have reminded me of some important facts that I need to remember. Each sunset is a once in a life time event and it last only a few minutes and all too often I take them for granted. This is just like some other things in my life. Sunsets happen each day and become so familiar that at times, if you like me; I can be so busy with life that I fail to stop and notice what I have been given.

First, I was reminded how easy it is for me to taking things and people around me for granted. This is something that very easily happens if I am not careful. The danger for me is that I become can become so familiar with my surroundings; with those who I engage life with that I often fail to realize what a precious gift God has given me in them. This summer I have had to pleasure to working daily with Sarah and Joseph (my middle daughter and youngest son), and what a pleasure it has been. Yet, if I am not careful, I can get so focused on what I am doing or how thing are either going or not going, that I forget to stop and get to know my kids. For me that is a scary and humbling thought. To never really know who my children are and to take them for granted is something that I don’t want, but yet it happens.

The other thing that all these sunset reminded me about is that sometimes we have to just stop and be still. For me, life can be a steady movement from one goal to the next, or one project to the next. When I get into this mode, I often fail to stop and soak in all that is good in life that I have been so graciously given. In other words, sometimes I/we get to busy to watch a sunset or to be still and enjoy the moment. It is amazing just too simply be still to watch and listen to all around me. To relax and be still has been very good for me and all my relationships.

No matter how many different kayaking adventures I guide, the one reoccurring theme that I hear from everyone is how relaxing it is being out on the water. Being still and enjoying the moment with loved ones and those special people around you. When I slow down, I have found that I can relax and then begin to embrace and enjoy the life that I have been given; why not give it a try yourself?