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Fifty Sense: Common Sense Ideas for Thriving after 50
Fifty Sense: Common Sense Ideas for Thriving after 50

Kayaking in Michigan

In the spring 2005, my son and I had a conversation about kayaks. I was amused because as a kid he had no interest in water activities of any kind. Several days later he asked me if I would like to go with him and look at kayaks.

Jordan, his wife Theresa, and I went to a water sports dealer and walked (or maybe it was waded) into a new adventure. The store was located beside a small pond for demonstrations. The three of us tried out boats. If love at first sight also applies to kayaks, this was it.

We bought two Hurricane Santees the same day. The three of us often went out to the local lakes and the Raisin River that summer. We also went to Traverse City and spent several days on the Bay. It was glorious.

We have continued to return yearly. So far the weather has also been perfect on the Bay. We will be there again this year and our oldest granddaughter is now tall enough to paddle on her own with us. I think this is the year to consider a tandem.

The first kayaks were ten footers. I have since bought another Santee longer and narrower, finding it even smoother to handle. I added a kayak trailer last year... easier than hoisting boats on a car roof. My only regret is that I did not find kayaking years ago.

The pleasure and peace found out on the water is without limits. By the way , the first kayak was my gift to myself for my 70 th birthday. It is an age-irrelevant sport.

Yvonne Herron

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