I went Kayaking, The Bluffs CG

June 14, 2026 - I saw a notice on our Facebook page a new kayak club was forming, so I went. I wanted to give it a try and find out what it was all about. We met at the beach, and my neighbor had her kayak and life vest ready for me. She gave me pointers, tips, and helped me get into the kayak. It made it easier, but she had to readjust the seat, and foot supports because my legs are longer than hers. Once I was seated and all set, she pushed me into the water. The kayak does sway from side to side, and it was a little scary at first. I paddled around the area going forward, backward, and turning to get used to the kayak and learn to relax a little. Once, the other two ladies with me thought I was ready, we headed out up a river out to two ponds on the other side of the campground.

The beach where we launched from is around the corner from the Danforth Bay beach where people not only have kayaks and canoes, but boats. So, they took me the other direction up the river. That way, I didn't have to worry about waves from the boats and if I did fall out, the water isn't all that deep. What a beautiful ride. I did pretty good until we came upon a beaver dam built across the river. There was an opening to get through, but that made all the water rush through that opening toward me! They told me to paddle faster to get a "running start" but I guess it wasn't enough because the water pushed me back. I tried again but once again, the water pushed me back. The third time, my friend positioned herself in back of my kayak and literally pushed me through. Boy, my arms are really hurting now but I stayed dry and upright.

We paddled on to first pond (I don't remember if it has a name or not) and took a much-needed rest on my part before going on to the second pond. We checked out the wildlife (turtles and one upset beaver) and just sat there talking. It was really nice sitting on the water this way and it was a beautiful day for it. After paddling around and just talking, we headed back down the river. This time, getting over the dam was so much easier because the water was flowing the same direction I was going.

The only thing my neighbor didn't tell me was how to get out of the kayak! My friends tried to tell me what to do but they have their own ways, and the kayak didn't like any of them. I ended up next to the beach, so I swung my feet over the edge thinking I could just lift myself up; that was not the case! when I swung my feet over the edge, the kayak tipped to that side making my butt lower than my feet and my legs just won't strong enough to lift me up. I tried again and somehow ended up on my butt on the beach! At least I was out of the kayak!

The whole trip I stayed dry until I got out. Not bad for the first time and it was fun...

My neighbor took the first three pictures I only took the fourth one. I just wasn't comfortable enough to risk taking my phone out until we got to second pond!