Leaving the Screens Behind Brings New Adventure
I would have never imagined that I would spend my Saturday morning on a four-hour kayaking trip.
When I don’t have better things to do, I sleep in late and then stare at a TV or computer screen all day because I enjoy resting just as much as I enjoy being out and about with friends. Thus, my kayaking adventure was an experience that provided the most exercise and fun I’ve had this summer.
Cheryl Lewis, a reporter at the Fort Payne Times-Journal, invited me to join a youth group she and her husband direct on the kayaking trip. I met Lewis when she came and talked to the middle school reading group at the Collinsville Public Library earlier in the week. I couldn’t have been more excited to have the chance to spend time getting to know her better on the kayaking adventure.
It was a struggle to get up at early, but once I arrived at the small nook of No Worries Kayak Rentals in Piedmont, Alabama, an hour later, I was pleasantly surprised. When I walked through the office door, the workers had a smile on their face and encouraging words for me as a first timer.
Once we were shuttled to where we would be entering the water with our kayaks, they made sure we were ready to have a great time on the water.
The smiles and excitement from the youth group of about 10 got me pumped as I settled in my life jacket and kayak with one hope. That hope was to not fall out of my kayak because I don’t know how to swim.
Now, I understand that going kayaking or doing any other water sports and not knowing how to swim may not be a smart combination. However, as long as I had a life jacket on, I was up for anything. It’s always wise to be safe no matter what your strengths are when it comes to water.
After a short lesson we were off in Terrapin Creek paddling through a few quick turns and over some unforgiving rocks. The temperature was perfect. Although the water level was a little low, it wasn’t hard to follow the rest of the creek over the rushing, bubbling water.
We were rewarded with amazing sights as we paddled under downed trees and past residents’ back yards. Other kayakers passed us by while we let the current take us forward. The only thing I could think of was why I haven’t done this sooner.
It was the most relaxed I’ve been in a while. Being disconnected from the TV screen and my laptop was something that I needed.
The refreshing personalities around me did nothing but build me up and make me see that I can do anything I want if I set my sights on it. Thanks to them, I got through four hours of kayaking feeling accomplished.
We were greeted at the end by No Worries employees who were happy to hear that we enjoyed our time on the water. Lunch on their deck was a great end to my eye- opening morning.
Later, I ended a great day by blowing my own glass ornament and visiting Little River Canyon.
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