Kayaking…Like Heaven on Earth!

By Polly Roethe –

The closest thing to heaven on earth… Kayaking! My husband and I were avid paddle buddies, however, due to serious health issues he had to put his kayaking days to rest. I couldn’t give up the adventure of being close to water, exploring lakes, rivers, streams, estuaries, and canoe trails.

With my husband’s good grace I decided to go it alone…never to look back, because kayaking is such an ethereal experience and so draws me to The Lord.

Paddling is for the curious of mind. Around every bend or wild river, round every arm of a tranquil lake there is something new to explore, tiny baby ducks with their moms, bald eagles’ swooping down to catch their salmon, or Hosmer Lake Central Oregon with schools of brown trout swimming beneath your kayak. A feast for the eyes indeed! There are enormous Douglas Fir trees, towering Ponderosa Pines and beautiful maple trees reflecting their majesty on the pristine lake water. Swaying green grasses line the shores, as my eyes discern multiple shades of color, deep purples, watercolor blues, and brilliant greens.

Ah yes, the water, nature’s natural tranquilizer….the water that flows so smoothly underneath my paddle. Sunset is my favorite time to kayak, with the low sunlight across the water that reflects like diamonds.

High Mountain Lakes are visually stunning from a kayak. There is something so precious about kayaking alone and witnessing breathtaking panoramas…a sense of oneness with our Creator – God!

I recommend the Hullivator by Thule to use for a carrying rack on the top of your vehicle. This brilliant technology allows the kayak to come down to waist level so you can easily retrieve it yourself. That is so important if you are alone.  Most kayaks weigh between 35-40 pounds. My favorite Kayak, the Eddyline. They are the best. Family owned company in Northern Washington. Very durable, strong kayaks. I especially like their 35 pound, 10 foot Eddyline kayak. Important to buy a good paddle, you can go further and faster with little effort. I always wear a life jacket…always!

My favorite lake of all time is Waldo Lake in Oregon. Waldo is so pure I can see down a hundred feet or more from my kayak. It is considered the purest lake in the world! I particularly love the white sandy beaches that dot the shoreline of this exquisite lake. For raw beauty that will take your breath away, Bow Lake Alberta Canada wins hands down…fabulous paddling…waterfalls and all!

Of course nothing is better than taking to the lakes with my Cavachons doggies…they love going in the kayak on that perfect blue sky day! So what are you waiting for? Pack your lunch, grab you camera, throw in the headphones and happy paddling!

Polly resides in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.  She immerses herself in God’s beauty by kayaking, cross country skiing, and hiking.  She loves to travel in her RV and she has traveled extensively internationally.  Polly is a retired teacher and a professional harpist.  She loves to play the harp for the elderly, those who are hurting, and for romantic weddings.  Her first love though, is worshiping God and praying for those who need the Lord. You will find her Prayer with Polly videos at: https://www.livingbetter50.com/category/women-of-wisdom/prayer-with-polly/.