Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Vashon Island adventure

Looking like I know what to do
My writers' retreat is behind me for another year, but I am filled with wonderful memories of the five days we spent together, with quite an adventure last Sunday: we rented kayaks and a guide and went out in Quartermaster Harbor on what turned out to be a perfect day. I had never before been in a kayak and was more than a little anxious about it. Sandi, too, was a first-timer. No more! We are both no longer neophytes. After two hours in the salt water, meandering around in rented kayaks, we learned how to paddle, turn, speed up, slow down, and basically how to save our lives if we were to overturn. (Nobody did.)
Linda, me, Sandi, Jann, Deb rafting up
I also learned about "rafting up," where we all get close to each other's kayaks and grab ahold of the paddles. It allowed Erin, our guide, to take this picture. It was all so much fun, and although I was worried about whether I'd even be able to move my arms the next day, I was surprised to find that other than a tiny bit of sensation in my upper arms, I was just fine! About twenty minutes in, I was getting worried because my arms felt so tired already, but Erin showed me what I was doing wrong (mostly gripping the paddle tightly and not pushing with the opposite arm). What a difference, once I found out how to do it right!

We have all made the commitment to come back for another writers' retreat next October, and Erin, Director of Fun for Vashon Watersports, has agreed to help us decide whether we will have another day on the water next year or help find us another exciting adventure on the island.

And there is so much I need to process from the writing we did, but that will be for another time. I'm a little tired from such an intense week, so for the present, it's going to be a little R&R. A happy tired, though.
:-)

21 comments:

  1. Hooray for happy tired. And isn't kayaking FUN.
    In answer to your question on my Sunday Selections post, of course I got to your comment. And treasured it as I always do.

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  2. Happy tired sounds wonderful. It looks like such fun!

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  3. A happy tired is the best kind of tired. I'm tempted to try kayaking except for the fact I can't swim.

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  4. Kayaking looks like fun for you. Some people are very dedicated kayakers.

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  5. how very awesome! i've never kayaked either.

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  6. You look like a pro in that kayak, a smooth transition from sky-diving!

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  7. What fun for you!! We love to kayak, we sent ours up north for the grandboys this summer but since we will now have a dock on the lake at my brothers we will get it back... We tried righting it in the water once it was overturned...it is easier to float it to shore and get in!!:)

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  8. I've kayaked a few times and had a blast! Glad you ladies took the leap and tried a new activity.

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  9. Love the pics of you'all kayaking! Looks like fun! Our kids all have kayaks, but DH and I have never done it.
    I think it's a great idea to try something new... so kudos to all of you for giving it a go.

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  10. So happy for all of you that you have a whole new treasure trove of fantastic memories!

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  11. I kayaked in Molokai Bay more than 10 years ago. It was a beautiful experience. Glad you enjoyed yours.

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  12. Wow! Another first life experience! What a weekend. You deserve some R&R. :)

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  13. I am so happy you enjoyed kayaking. I hope you don't wait a year to get back out there. I wasn't surprised that you weren't sore. Paddling a kayak is rather easy on the body. I am a bit sorry I sold mine last year but it was getting a bit much to lift.

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  14. That's a fun way to end the week. Now it's time to sit back and reflect on your adventure.

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  15. I knew you would love kayaking! Great picture of the group.

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  16. This all sounds so awesome! Wow. From sky to sea - that's our DJan.

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  17. I'm glad you enjoyed your adventure. i know you enjoyed your week of writing and bonding with these remarkable women.

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  18. I love that first photo of you - so happy in the water. I think you didn't get sore because of your morning exercises and your yoga practice.

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  19. What an awesome week you had to explore your writing further and have quality time with such a great bunch of writers.

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  20. What a great way to end your retreat!

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