Today was my first real day that I took the kayak out. I started off at Two Bridges Road and went into Peace Meadows. The weather was mostly sunny, around 54 and windy as all get out. I decided to paddle upstream the whole way so that coming back was easier. I was certainly nervous getting in the boat and into the river for the first time. I wasn't sure how steady I would be, could I paddle upstream, etc. All the newbie concerns I suppose. I got into the kayak easier than I expected and started out paddling upstream on the Pequonnock just to see how easy it would be to go upstream (if i wasn't able to, I could get out now before it's too late). It was certainly easy enough so I continued down and under the two bridges into the Passaic and upstream I went. As I started out I was surprised at the run down houses that lined the shoreline. Once I made it past the last house, and route 80 to my left I entered Peace Meadows. It was beautiful there, although the trees were still in the winter gray. It was almost as though I left New Jersey and entered the flooded swamps of Louisiana. At least that's how it felt to me. As I made my way up the river I saw a hawk circling above. Shortly after that I came upon a crane (or whatever those big blueish looking birds are), He took off from wherever he was and flew up the river. His wingspan is so wide. He and I would play cat and mouse for a bit of time. He would fly ahead and as I approached where he landed, he would once again take off. I saw two deer on the left side as I made my way up river. As I came around a bend in the river, I noticed the two deer crossing the river!
The river was beautiful and although it was still gray from winter, I took a bunch of pictures...here are a few.
At one point, I pulled into a little off shoot of the river just to rest from paddling (or drift downstream) and I shared my space with this little guy
It was a great first day on the river and in the kayak. I went a total of 7.2 miles, roundtrip and totally enjoyed it. I can't wait for my next adventure. Here's the route that I took.
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It was a great first day on the river and in the kayak. I went a total of 7.2 miles, roundtrip and totally enjoyed it. I can't wait for my next adventure. Here's the route that I took.
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