Yesterday morning I met up with my writing partner and two of my friends/former coworkers for a paddle on the New Meadows River in Brunswick. I was a bit nervous not having been there before and knowing it was tidal. We needed to get some photos from this location for the book... and while I trust that my writing partner chose places that are safe for paddlers of all levels, actually going to them, paddling them, makes me feel more confident that our trips are similar and makes me feel even more certain that this book is going to be great! So, there were four of us paddling together. Not long after we put in our boats I spotted a jellyfish... I have seen tiny jellyfish near docks but this one was about four inches across and it was so cool! Later in our paddle we were in a cove like area and my writing partner beckoned me to see if I could get some photos of some jellyfish as she was surrounded. I joined her and just sat in my kayak and as the ripples from my paddling faded I could see lots of jellyfish, ranging in size from about an inch in diameter to maybe five... they were so cool! As it turns out the photos from my camera were better than the ones from my camera to see them. If the water was calm enough we could see the jellies surfacing a bit... it was so fun. I got some great photos and got some time with people I had not seen since Christmas... it was awesome.
After paddling and loading up my gear... (confession... I loaded my kayak onto my truck myself... I needed to see if I could do it... and I was able to... of course my friends discouraged me, but... it was time to see and if I had felt discomfort I would have stopped, but I did it... I don't think I am yet at the point where I could load and unload multiple times in one day, but... once a day is fine right now. Really... I promise! It is exciting because I know now that I can go solo if I want to... and I plan on doing some trips soon that are not included in the book...to keep my blog viewers entertained and coming back.)
Anyway, as I was saying... after paddling we all went our separate ways... but on my way home I called my writing partner and asked if we should try to get photos from some of our other locations that were close by since the weather was so nice. She thought it would be a good idea, so we spent the afternoon darting from launch to launch and getting some great shots... We contemplated having my writing partner get in her boat and paddle a bit for the photo opps, but we were able to get some good shots without needing to do that. And.. as it worked out there were some kayakers just putting in at one of the launch sites, so I was able to get pics of them that I think we can use.
One of the launch sites is so picturesque. It's what many people think of when they think of Maine... rocky shore, seaweed, a lobster boat moored in the harbor with a dock where lobster boats come to sell their catch... Here is one of the photos... (Not the best photo of the area, as that is being submitted for the book!)
I thought about it as it relates to kayaks for a few reasons... I 'follow' different kayaking groups on social media. There are posts once in a while where people talk about what kind of kayaks are 'the best.' And... it sparks a lot of controversy. The people in the group are from all over the world, and I assume, from all different backgrounds including, I imagine, various financial abilities. Some people post things about their rigs that cost thousands of dollars... some discourage people from buying 'cheap' kayaks at the big box stores.... that's when the controversy is sparked... People feel judged for having a kayak that is not rated as top performers or the most efficient... and I would have to agree...
As much as I kayak...as much as I know about beautiful places to kayak in this area... I don't know about the best gear... and frankly.. I don't care. My kayak is, to me, priceless. It is the kayak that Mom used...that she loved. She wanted a red kayak and she got it! She got it because it was comfortable and stable... something she could do on her own or with people... a way for her to enjoy the beauty by which she was surrounded... being able to have her kayak... regardless of whether or not it is heavier than other boats, less efficient, or whatever... is invaluable to me as is the opportunities it affords me to be on the water. Without spending money other than what it takes for gas to get to beautiful locations... this activity is free to me. And I get to see so many 'Big House Views...' from so many pristine bodies of water. As I paddle I often see Big Houses... that are not being used. Million dollar homes in some cases that show no signs of life... no boats along their dock, no chairs outside, no signs of use... and here I am, paddling by those beautiful, empty houses... that are not homes... I do not have a house on a river, on a lake, or hanging over a seaside cliff...but what I know.. is that I enjoy this area, the water in this area, much more than the people who own those houses, but don't 'live' there...
As we were out yesterday we saw this couple... in a beach buggy one would expect to see in California in the 60s... Bright yellow... a cross between a jeep and a dune buggy with two surf boads on top... inside this beach mobile was a couple... probably in their 70s... with smiles the size of the Gulf of Mexico... He was driving, wearing a bright yellow hawaiian style shirt... she was wearing... well I am not sure, but on her head she had a kerchief to protect her hairdo I am sure.. and hanging form the mirror was a barbie dressed as a mermaid... these two were vibrant, full of life... and stopped to talk with us as they passed, probably seeing how enchanted we were with their ride... the man was so proud, telling us how he built it himself, had just added some wood to the door, and when I asked if he used the surfboards on top, they chuckled... He confessed they were there to add to their look... that only one of the two were real surfboards, the one over his side of the roof. the other was one he had fabricated to look real. He said that was her surf board, but that it wouldn't float and told us not to tell...
I think... the name of that street articulates for me, much of what I believe about life. I don't have to love on the ocean to find beauty in it. I don't look at those million dollar homes and think I wish I had that.... nope... what I think about is how lucky I am to be able to put my kayak on my truck and go... go to any place where I can safely paddle and see what I can see. That being said, if someone were to GIVE me a house on a body of water... I would likely not refuse....but... it's about having those moments where you have the Big House View...because of who you are, who you are with, and what it is you appreciate...
Some people on those kayaking groups name their kayaks... like people name their yachts... and I have considered it... and toyed around with names that would pay homage to Mom... incorporating something she would like... and nothing, thus far has resonated with me... But... perhaps "Big House View" would be appropriate...
Paddling season is here... and life is good!
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