The White Mountains are beautiful from a kayak, paddling down a quiet river. I'm just a week away from sending my son off to his freshman year of college. Although he'll be less than two hours away...this single father will miss his only child more than a two hour drive would indicate. So today the plan was to kayak the Pemigewasset, and chat a bit as we paddled along our route.
Conor and I have sit on-top style boats...when you get in to the rapids you can tighten leg straps to keep you in. Other wise you are exposed to the sun and water as you balance a tippy ride in the river.
We launch off route 175 in Woodstock New Hampshire at a nice sandy beach owned by the town...leaving the truck behind for later pick-up.
At 18 I don't insist on a vest anymore the water is calm and the day was warm...and Conor is a strong kayak-er, for first timers absolutely wear a life vest.
This was a shot over looking the front of my kayak...and one of the last good pictures of the day for reasons I'll disclose in this next shot.
If you guessed I got dumped over board -you win the prize. The Camera Got wet and so did I. A fallen tree pinned my boat before I could maneuver away from it and I got soaked along with my trusty Cannon sure shot.
It was a great day on the water, and the digital disc worked in one of my other cameras in order to down load the photos. We pulled off at our house on the river and dragged the boats home. I'll let you know later if the camera still works -once it's dried out a bit (I knew I should have grabbed the underwater camera...but I haven't been dumped out a boat in years). If you ever get the chance try this 6 mile route it took us a little over an hour.
I think this will be another fond memory for my son, I wish him well in college and hope he comes home often to see his old dad. Anyone seeking a White Mountain adventure...or more importantly looking to buy real estate in my neck of the woods give me a call - college isn't cheep these days.
Your-White Mountain New Hampshire real Estate Expert
steve@alpinelakes.com toll free 800-926-5653 /cell 603-381-7898
MLS search and Realtor web site: www.alpinelakes.com
My outside Blog: www.steveswhitemountainblog.com
Lincoln NH & Local interest site: www.localism.com/nh/lincoln
Ah, I bet you and your son had a great time together! Thanks for sharing your day with us, Steve! :)
Steve ~ Now where did that tree come from anyway?? Glad to hear you were able to spend some time with your son before he heads off to college!! Hope your camera is okay??
Sounds like such a wonderful trip with your son, I am sorry to hear that your camera went in the drink, thanks for sharing the great photos with us!
I can't believe you took a regular camera when you actually own an underwater one...hope the camera survived!
How is it for tubing? I like doing the Saco on tubes but every time I've been able to go the Saco is high and to fast.
Steve - Looked like a fantastic adventure until you got dumped out of the kayak! At least it was warm. Hope the camera snaps out of its fog. ;-)
That is awesome! We have some very good kayaking down here on the FL Gulf Coast.
you made me smile Steve. Took me back to a nice trip down the Chattahoochee with my own clan. Sorry about your camera... place it open on top of the refrigerator. The warmth of that will help to dry it out. My youngest left his cell phone in his pants and put it into the washing machine and after two days on top of the frig it went back to working. I want to get an underwater camera. I think you just convinced me. I take my camera to the lake all the time.
Sharon...my underwater camera was with my scuba gear and the one a grabbed was in the truck...oops.
Ross, I think the views on the Pemi are as nice as any in the northeast. Try a tube sometime for sure.
Tammy, my little Cannon was in the truck when I decided it would be OK, I should have left it -or gone home for the water-proof one I have...hope for the best.
Steve you should have let Conor have the camera, then we would have had a shot of you getting dumped ....... LOL
George, funny.
Steve, and i will bet he will miss you as much although he may not admit it when his frineds are around.
Bill...I'll get down to see my boy - but not right away. He'll be fine he took a micro-biology course all last summer away from home. I on the other hand will have a hard time with him gone.
I am sure Conor is going to miss you too. He is a short drive away but I know it feels like a lifetime to you. You have fun with him and you will continue to do so for years to come.
Jackie...we have plenty of time to have some fun -father and son time.