Kayaking Lake Everest

The weather forecast for today was 70% chance of rain with 10-15 mph winds and gusts up to 30 mph. The boys were skeptical about hiking in such conditions, so I proposed kayaking instead (me: "we'll paddle into the wind!").  Erwin declined but my little adventure buddy was game.  Hurray!

Canoeing: the Old Ausable Channel

Frankie and I returned to the Pinery Provincial Park to camp with Mary and Keith for our fourth consecutive Memorial Day weekend.  The park is located on the eastern shore of Lake Huron in southwestern Ontario, and it is a really special place.  Mary and Keith always make reservations months in advance, and secure a fantastic camp site with a private path to the beach.  The facilities are top notch, and the oak savannas are an unusual ecosystem that provide habitat for plants not commonly found in the northern hardwood and succesional communities near my home.  I truly treasure our time here.  This year was a little different because Mary is suffering grievous knee pain.  X-rays have showed that both knees are bone-on-bone, and recent steroid shots didn't seem to help much.  I suggested canoeing or kayaking as a way to get outside together without Mary having to be on her feet the entire time.

Kayaking: Cassique Boathouse to Captain Sam's Inlet

Every year, we travel to Kiawah Island, South Carolina to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with Erwin's mom, Ellen.  Kiawah is known for its golf and tennis facilities, which are apparently top notch, but are of little interest to me personally.  There is an extensive network of paved bike trails, which we make good use of, but these trails are exclusively along roadsides and through residential neighborhoods.  It is also great fun to bike at the beach.  Except at the highest of tides, there is wet sand firm enough to ride on, right next to the crashing waves and sandpipers.  However, the beach is lined with mansions as far as the eye can see, along with condos and a big fancy hotel.  The island is completely over-developed; there are virtually no opportunities to get out in nature.  There are zero hiking trails in the area, not on Kiawah or anywhere else remotely close by.