Canoeing and kayaking cures most ills

Jump to Comments

Canoers Holly, Liz, and Paul enjoying relaxing paddle on the Menunketesuck River

Far from traffic jams and polluted highways, Westbrook, Connecticut seems like another world. We visited relatives who took us on a canoeing and kayaking adventure through the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge.  Nature has a way of getting lost in time and just this thought let our paddle seem like a stream to eternity.

A few croaking sounds gave us a hint to observe the tall wading egrets keeping watch on their territory.  The luminous glisten of the late afternoon sun, coupled with warm gentle breeze were the only mission criteria for a relaxing paddle down the pristine 2-mile stretch of the Menunketesuck River. 

We delighted in the pleasures of this natural refuge, untouched but closely protected by the surrounding marshes. The gentle gliding of our canoe and kayak through the waters immersed our spirit in tranquility. For all natures’ elements, in harmony with the wind, our crews’ mission was complete.  

Nature at its best on the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge

Tidbits about canoeing and kayaking

The sport of canoeing and kayaking is not so new, however, it has been getting more attention in the last decade.  Although its origin is traced to Eskimos hunting in the northernmost hemisphere over 4000 years ago, kayaking today has been adapted to various modes of fishing, entertaining our fascination with Olympic racing, and most prominently for recreational use.  A search of canoeing and kayaking resources on Amazon.com shows stacks of smartly packaged guides to tour nearly dozens of states throughout North America. The terrain and open spaces vary, over streams, rivers, and dams, as well as ocean passages along coastal areas.  

What is your canoeing and kayaking experience?

3 Comments

Filed under Canoeing and Kayaking, Health