Now, we've both been canoeing before - but with other people. And so this time we we not only got to go together for the first time, we got to go in the same canoe, and learned how to paddle together in unison. As we were starting out on the trip, I was wondering if this was something we should have done first as part of the pre-marital counseling - just to be sure we were compatible enough to work through our differences the rest of our married lives.
It turns out I needn't have been concerned. I'm happy to report the day was filled with happy discoveries. Not only were we thrilled to learn the other spouse actually could handle themselves without embarrassment in a canoe, we made quite a good team and had a great day.
Our good friend, Julia, actually planned the adventure. She and her hubby, Dan, led out in the first canoe. Then we pushed off and began paddling downstream, followed by Patrick and Mary in their canoe.
Jamie got a little creative in the front of the canoe when he twisted around to snap a photo of me. And no, thankfully the river wasn't this steep. The camera was also turned as he was contorted in the front of the canoe, trying to balance his weight so we wouldn't topple as he braced for the shot.
One thrilling highlight was floating underneath Union Pacific's Kate Shelley bridge. The new bridge, opened in 2009, stands proudly beside the original. Jamie told me the story of Kate Shelley's heroics and how the bridge came to be named for her bravery. You can read about it here. It is an impressive sight, especially when you're on the water immediately beneath the rails above and can see just how immense the support columns truly are.
We paddled around in the river beneath the bridges, floating downstream a ways, then racing each other back upstream a few times. While we were still close by, a long train passed overhead and the sound of the train coming over the tracks and onto the bridge was really cool.
Even before our canoe adventures had ended, we all agreed we can't wait to do this again. Next time we may even go for the full day canoe adventure since the half-day trip went so well. And thankfully I know Jamie is very skilled in a canoe and am assured of another great trip!
Although, between you and me, canoeing together is probably something we should have done while we were still dating because it's amazing how much you learn about someone when you're stuck with them in a canoe, learning to balance each other's movements so you don't topple over while trying to steer it together in the same direction on moving water. Just sayin'. It's been nearly five years of (mostly) marital bliss (...no one's totally perfect, not even me!) with this man and while in a canoe, I still learned something new about him! Here's to the next five and counting!
It was on our honeymoon that we learned that separate kayaks, rather a two seater would probably have been a better idea. We've gotten better, but still...
ReplyDeleteGlad you had a great time!