Extreme Kayaking

Kyle and Rod went shooting as soon as the sun decided to show itself on Saturday. 

Kyle is a CRACK SHOT.

Vermin - be warned...

And then they decided to chance it and go kayaking.

There was a storm looming on the horizon, but figured it would hold off.

We've had plenty of rain lately, which has really raised the level on the creek.

Places you couldn't get to before are now "rapids".

Kyle tried out several new short cuts and had an absolute blast!

He tried to explain the feeling - it was sort of like paddling through a cloud.  Or jello.  Or marshmallow creme.  Soft and bubbly and FUN!



The water level is really quite high!



The current is usually just enough to give you a boost on the way home, but not enough you can't paddle against it on the way in.  But they said it was pretty strong on Saturday.  You had to bring your A game so you didn't get pushed into the banks or a hanging tree or something hidden under the water.  (Lots of fun obstacles on this course...)



I'm 21!!!!!



Kyle took one particular short cut, turned around to check on Rod and saw him hit a tree, try to correct, and go over.  CAPSIZE!

Which meant Kyle had to try to turn his boat and paddle UP a section of rapids.

He's a mean paddler.  The kid is a beast.

And he had adrenalin on his side.

And he couldn't move more than an inch or two at a time!

(SO glad I wasn't there...)

But eventually he made it back to his Dad.  Rod's boat was partially submerged and he was just barely peeking out of the water - blowing to keep the water out of his mouth and nose.

They were able to get his life vest on, drag the boat over to the "bank" (but really just thick vegetation growing on top of the water), get the boat partially emptied of water, at least enough for it to float, and get back in the water.

All the while lightning and thunder was cracking all around them.

(SO glad I wasn't there...)

But they made it.  They were smart enough to put their phones in ziplock bags before they left.  (We never do that...  Good thinking Rod!)  Rod didn't lose his $$$$$ glasses.  He thought he saw his hat floating down the creek, but it ended up being in Kyle's boat. 

And they have a GREAT memory to share.

(SO glad I wasn't there...)



Made it to the spillway turnaround.  Storm rolling in - better go home!