"Whatever you do, don't lean!"(How to not tip over)
The local REI store has this amazing arrangement with the DuPage County Forest Preserve. They co-sponsor programs. They share a common goal of helping people learn about and appreciate nature. What a happy concept!
Thursday night was “Divas only” (ladies night!) – some kayak instruction followed by a paddle around Hidden Lake.
Nine of us showed up. Ray, a senior ranger for DuPage County, met us in the parking lot, and directed each vehicle to the boat launch – a modest gravel stretch sloping to the water. There two competent and friendly REI kayak instructors, Margie and Colleen, greeted us.
They spent a good thirty minutes explaining the basics of kayaking, before launching each of us in our little boats. The first thing we noticed was a little furry head moving across the middle of the lake. Turned out to be a beaver. When he decided we were too close, he dove, smacking his broad tail on the water as he disappeared.
A gaggle of Canada geese three times considered settling on the lake for the evening, but turned away when they saw our little boats dotting their sleeping area. There are other small lakes nearby, so they had handy alternatives.
We paddled twice around Hidden lake before darkness threatened to really hide it, and we headed for the boat launch. We each stroked swiftly toward shore, gathering momentum to get as much of the kayak on land as possible before debarking.
We helped our instructors pull the boats up to the rental truck. We gathered paddles and PFDs (personal flotation devices) into a pile as well. Divas stick together.
I appreciated the womanhood of these ladies. It’s very special. They were modest, funny, friendly, eager to learn, attentive, caring, helpful. And they loved being out on the lake in the evening. Even with powerlines skirting the edge of the preserve, and traffic audible from a nearby Interstate, the middle of the lake was totally peaceful.
And nine women gained further insight on engaging respectfully with nature, and finding renewal.
Thursday night was “Divas only” (ladies night!) – some kayak instruction followed by a paddle around Hidden Lake.
Nine of us showed up. Ray, a senior ranger for DuPage County, met us in the parking lot, and directed each vehicle to the boat launch – a modest gravel stretch sloping to the water. There two competent and friendly REI kayak instructors, Margie and Colleen, greeted us.
They spent a good thirty minutes explaining the basics of kayaking, before launching each of us in our little boats. The first thing we noticed was a little furry head moving across the middle of the lake. Turned out to be a beaver. When he decided we were too close, he dove, smacking his broad tail on the water as he disappeared.
A gaggle of Canada geese three times considered settling on the lake for the evening, but turned away when they saw our little boats dotting their sleeping area. There are other small lakes nearby, so they had handy alternatives.
We paddled twice around Hidden lake before darkness threatened to really hide it, and we headed for the boat launch. We each stroked swiftly toward shore, gathering momentum to get as much of the kayak on land as possible before debarking.
We helped our instructors pull the boats up to the rental truck. We gathered paddles and PFDs (personal flotation devices) into a pile as well. Divas stick together.
I appreciated the womanhood of these ladies. It’s very special. They were modest, funny, friendly, eager to learn, attentive, caring, helpful. And they loved being out on the lake in the evening. Even with powerlines skirting the edge of the preserve, and traffic audible from a nearby Interstate, the middle of the lake was totally peaceful.
And nine women gained further insight on engaging respectfully with nature, and finding renewal.
“All nature teaches God’s love to man…”
Mary Baker Eddy
Mary Baker Eddy
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