Recently Emily and I each bought a kayak pretty much out of nowhere. I had been once and thought it was fun but didn't think too much about it. It became the new thing to look at when we would go to a sporting goods store as I was getting tired of examining and dreaming of overpriced ski jackets and hiking boots. We found a pretty good deal at L.L. Bean and each bought one. So far it has turned out to be a great way to get out of my apartment and do something outside away from the normal daily activities.
One of the first days at Mansfield Hollow state park about 5 miles from my apartment and UConn's campus. Its a very peaceful lake with only trolling ( and slower) boats allowed.
I brought my kayak to visit Emily in New York and we went to Lake Canadaigua with her dad for the day. It was a much bigger lake with many impressive houses on the shore.
My newest find has been an area with a winding slow moving stream near Coventry CT, about 5 miles from UConn in a different direction from Mansfield Hollow, that is very easy to go up and explore all the different paths that it takes.
I discovered a group of swans with some ugly ducklings following. I got so close that they started hissing (caught in action above, notice the gaping beak) and it was right on the edge of terrifying as their heads were about level with mine. Prime eye pecking position.
I have found kayaking to be quite enjoyable so far and it could possibly be considered some sort of exercise, something I need to find more time/ambition to do.
