The hardest part of the year was not kayaking. This blog is about how on Wednesday I had my first kayak paddle of the season and most likely the last kayak paddle of the season.
I don’t have a Dutch drivers license. I am at the liberty of the Hubby’s time availability for getting to a kayak location. After our weekend canoe paddle in the Weerribben I knew needed to find my way into the water in my kayak for a day. Kayaking was my first love and it was part of my PTSD therapy recovery plan. The healing properties of water and nature are well documented and amazing. I needed some “me” time.

I arranged to be dropped off at my favorite local lake, the Westeinder in Aalsmeer. We have featured this lake several times before on this blog. It was the training lake where the Hubby and I spent several days paddling in preparation for our BWCA trip, three years ago.
The fall days are getting shorter. The Hubby dropped me and my equipment off at the beach before the sunrise.

As I waited I had a very friendly goose approach me.

I had enough equipment for a five day trip but the plan was only to paddle to the Historic Garden in Aalsmeer where I volunteer. My first visit to the garden since April.
I always get a bit of a thrill when my kayak hits the water for the first time in a season. I am always a little nervous. The weather, wind, and muscles all have to once again tune into each other. It is like meeting an old friend after not seeing them for awhile. Excitement and also caution as you know it has been awhile since your last solo paddle. Plus, kayaking is not canoeing.



As I paddled from lake into harbor the sun was changing the reflections and sky as the seconds ticked passed. I pulled around the corner to find the sun putting on a spectacular display of color as it crested above the horizon.

In my own special place, alone on the water, I thanked the heavens for health and ability to paddle. To be able to experience this special place in this time, even though it has contained such heartbreak and misery for so many all over the world.

As I entered the canal that takes me directly to the Historic Garden I was reminded of my mantra… Carpe Diem.


I silently slowly paddled my way closer to the garden so my arrival time at the garden would be timed perfectly. I knew the garden bridge over the canal opened at 8 am. My timing was perfect as I was greeted by one of my co-volunteers lowering the bridge.


Pulling my kayak onto dry land my co-worker greeted me and jokingly asked if I paddled all the way from the USA.

I laughed, “nope just from the lake beach“.
I sat and had my coffee then toured around the gardens. I trimmed and deadheaded the roses for the first time this year. Then the day outing was over as the Hubby returned to pick me and the equipment up.

Sadly, this might have been the last day this year I would have an opportunity to kayak. Who knows what the coming days or weeks will bring?
My last thought on First and Last…today 28 years ago my first son was born in the shadow of Mount Rainer in Washington State. Happy Birthday son!
© The Cedar Journal, 2020, all rights reserved
Although somewhat filled with melancholy and sadness, your post showed the positive aspects of life here on earth. The motto ‘Carpe Diem’ says it all. Who knows you might go out kayaking again this fall. Best wishes! Peter
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I didn’t mean for it to be… thanks on your input. But, maybe it reflects how this entire year has felt to me.
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Lovely photos! I hope you feel recharged and relaxed after such a beautiful day. Guess what? It’s my son’s birthday today, too! Only his birth was 39 years ago in Minneapolis. 🙂
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No kidding?! 😂 wow. Happy birthday Kathleen’s son! I did feel almost normal until I got on the bus to ride home. Another blog…
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Some of your dawn images are stunning – I particularly like the reeds against the sky, and all the reflections.
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Thanks B. Coming from a fellow kayaker that is a wonderful compliment.😊
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Glad you got to have your “me time.” I know how you feel about getting out on the water, I feel that same way about riding my bike. Haven’t done it lately because of all the smoke we’ve had here in Eastern Washington. Thankfully, it has finally cleared up, but it is now too chilly for me to ride first thing in the morning. Hoping I can get back in the saddle soon, and hope you get to enjoy your kayaking again!
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Thanks Peg, For outdoors people this year hasn’t been as bad as that is the one activity people can enjoy. Although for me I have underlying immune issues that I feared taking any risks. We did do some day outings and short over night camps. But we weight each decision and how we would approach. I can’t imagine how bad the smoke was from those fires. We saw the pictures here and it looked horrible. I just hope we all can get back to our activities soon without all the obstacles.
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I’m so glad you got back out with your kayak! It does look so peaceful and calming, and the photos were beautiful. Here’s hoping you get to go kayaking a few more times before Winter sets in.
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Thanks –
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I feel as if I’m right there with you in the kayak. Stunningly peaceful images and words convey that. I expect you found the peace you craved.
Happy birthday to your son!
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Thanks Audrey. About as much peace as anyone can find in these crazy times. Hope all is doing well for you in MN
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Wow, birthdays everywhere you look! I have always thought that it is the mother that should get the presents on the birthday … after all, they really go through all the pain and suffering that day hehehe. Sad to hear that may be the last day of paddling this year. Definitely odd times, but looks like the water provides a good dose of therapy for you. Lovely pictures as usual and hoping to get my current hectic days under control soon so I can finally get caught up on all these posts.
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Thanks for stopping here for a visit.😊
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[…] happened. Our first canoe paddle of 2021. You can read about our other first yearly season paddles here, here, and […]
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