Even though I took a break from posting my comfort zone challenges late last year, I vowed to make a point of keeping myself open to new opportunities. I’ve posted on a few ventures since then, but this weekend, I committed myself to 3 – count ‘em, three! new experiences. Sure, why not! has become my new motto, lately.
First, a strange occurrence happened on Saturday morning: I think the planets must have been properly aligned because I had my husband all to myself; all day long, too. He didn’t have to work on his mother’s estate; he wasn’t on-call, and all was quiet at his workplace. We quickly decided that we’d best leave the phones behind, drop off the dogs at doggie daycare, and then, just start driving before our luck changed.
Saturday was one of those perfect summer days. No humidity, not a cloud in the sky, and warm but not uncomfortably so. The day practically begged for an outdoor activity, so it wasn’t too long before we decided that we’d head towards our local State Park. They have canoe rentals there, and it seemed like the perfect idea.
Once we arrived at the rental place, we noticed on the sign that they’d added kayak rentals in addition to canoes. Neither of us had ever tried kayaking and when my husband asked if I’d consider it, I eagerly said yes.
From the moment I entered the water, I was hooked. It was surprisingly easy to maneuver, easy to navigate and I didn’t feel at all like I was going to tip over. My biggest concern – that my lower back would ache too badly for me to enjoy myself, was also put to rest. The seat was cushioned and had sturdy back support; it kind of felt like I was sitting in an office chair. I was good to go!
The great thing I’ve found about kayaking is that it allows you to get to places you’d never be able to maneuver with a canoe. I could paddle right up to the edge of the water and snake through bogs and around submerged logs with ease.
After exploring only a third of the lake, we decided that we needed some lunch so we headed back to land. I pre-packed a lunch before we left home, so we drove to a quiet spot near the water and picnicked while watching families and couples fish, kayak and canoe around the lake. We enjoyed our day on the water so much, we talked about getting our own kayaks. Does anyone have experience with this sport? Is there anything we should know about buying kayaks? I definitely think some research is in order first.
On our way out of the park, I noticed a sign with an arrow pointing down a road, towards the general store. The sign read: Bicycle Rentals.
Those of you who are long-time readers already know that I (hanging my head in shame) do not know how to ride a bicycle. Yes, you read that right and no, I’m not 7 years old, I’m 41. So, in case you haven’t guessed it yet – my husband and I decided that our next order of business is to finally get this girl on a bike and teach her how to ride. Hopefully, this time next week you’ll be reading my tenderhearted success story – complete with plenty of photos (of course! I wouldn’t just leave you all behind on this momentous occasion) as I pray that I do not have an experience like Sasha did a few months ago. This photo is currently holding itself front and center in my mind….and this is a woman who already knows how to ride a bike! (deep breaths, Ellen….deep breaths.)
I loved reading this post! I love trying new things in my new, more confident self- so I am thrilled to see someone else share that joy! I can’t wait for you to get on that bike! I found biking and it is my newest LOVE. It does not feel like exercise. I don’t dread going. (some hills I think I hate it-but that only lasts for the hill) I laughed at the photo in your head about biking! Try thinking of a bird flying free! That is how I feel when I ride!
Thank you, Jill. I will try to picture myself as free as a bird (that will probably pedal in at .02 miles an hour) lol
Awesome post and experience, Ellen. Kayaking was one of my “watershed” experiences, too. I look forward to reading about your bike adventure – regardless of the outcome – it is the fact that you are putting yourself out there that already cements your success! We do not have to be awesome at everything we attempt – the success is in our willingness. It is in that step where our confidence builds and grows. Woo hoo for you!
thanks for the pep talk, Roxie. I have no idea how it will go, but I’m grateful that the area we’ll be riding on is completely paved so that should help me to not feel so freaked out about falling! Either way, it should be a hoot!
I’m not a kayaking fan. I think part of it is because I have very tight hamstrings so find sitting in most kayaks to be uncomfortable. But I will do it on vacation for my dear husband who loves it. He got a kayak for himself many years ago which makes me laugh since we live in the most landlocked part of the country! Right now it lives at my mom’s lake house and isn’t seeing any action.
You are so brave!
I was just thinking about where on earth you all would go to use one. Your husband must be a true-blue fan of it. You’re quite the supportive wife to do it even though you don’t particularly care for it. Lucky man!
Good for you!! I agree with Roxie: “the success is in our willingness.”
I LOVE kayaking! We don’t own kayaks but my husband’s company owns a couple that we can use (I hate to say that we haven’t taken advantage in quite a while).
I do NOT love bicycling but am looking forward to your report next week!
As great as my kayak experience went, I am almost afraid of what kind of photos my biking experience will bring! lol I’m excited though, too – so that’s a good thing!
I have been kayaking twice this summer and love it too (also zip lined for the first time).
You have going to have special needs on a bike with your back!
do NOT buy one quickly.
I have to have a very wide seat so that I am firmly anchored. I have to have handlebars which come up and back so I can sit fully upright. Wide tires will give you the most balance/support. You will want at least 3 speeds to help your back too. You need to be able to (always) peddle with ease so you are not gripping in your lower back.
You might want to start with a rental place and try one of the three or four wheelers just to get the feel for it.
I am back.
I told my husband what I had said and asked if he had any other suggestions for you.
He is speaking as a person who understands my lower back issues, and understands what I have to do to maintain.
First he said – think long and hard about what a full out fall would mean to your back and therefore your maintenance (if you were then facing more limitations than you already have).
And he said – he thinks 3 or 4 wheeler on set bike paths (wide and not a lot of turns) might be the answer for you.
I also wanted to say – totally agree – seats in kayaks and how we can steady ourselves with our feet – make kayaking a very lower back friendly sport. Can get shoulders up and back and down and have really good posture paddling.
Vickie, my thanks to you and please give your husband my thanks for his advice as well. I have a feeling that biking will be a bit like kayaking: I will either be able to do it – or not, and will probably have an opinion rather quickly about it. I will look for the kind of bike you mentioned at the rental place. If they don’t have anything like that (how many adults don’t know how to ride?) then I’ll get the closest thing I can find.
My husband just peeked over my shoulder and saw that I was writing this and said, ‘how about a recumbent bike?’ I never thought of that, nor would I have any idea if one could rent one of those, but just Googled it and apparently it helps many people with lower back problems.
Loved this post! Kayaking was one of the things I was going to do this summer, along with golf–that is until my accident. So…I love hearing about what others are doing. I have faith that in time I will get there too. Biking is a great love of mine (can’t do that either right now). When I’m riding my bike, I feel like I am a child again, flying through the trees and flowers like a free spirit. Can’t wait! Best of luck to you with the biking!
Thank you Jane, and I wish you speedy recovery so that you can ride your bike again, and soon I hope!
Good luck with biking! It’s on my 101-in-1001 list … I used to ride my bike constantly when I was a kid, but when my parents split up, I stopped. I never forgot how good it felt to go fast, the wind in your face cooling you off. It was a powerful feeling – I’m going fast and far because of what effort my own legs are making. I sort of feel it again now when I run, but I think getting back on the bike will make it all come full circle. Totally afraid of wipe-outs, though!
We shall see, Mary. I have all week to work up my nerve. My big issue will be to see whether my lower back will be able to handle it or not. If not, at least I have kayaking to fall back on – thank goodness that worked out!
That is so great! I think we’ll have the opportuinty to kayak this summer, and I was convinced it would be way to difficult, but you’ve inspired me to give it a try!
I was surprised at how incredibly easy it is. You almost feel like you’re a fish – it’s that easy to maneuver. Let me know if you end up trying it!
Whoaa! Awesome job ! Love all the pics too !
Thank you, Kelly! And good luck with your new babysitting gig! (I couldn’t comment for some reason but hope everything goes well!)
Geez you seemed to pick kayaking right up like it’s nothing! I am a HORRIBLE kayaker. Probably too many years of canoeing? I have no idea.
Good luck biking!!! I’m sure you’ll pick it up quick and LOVE it!
If the biking thing doesn’t work out, I’ve decided not to worry too much about it. I do HAVE to learn how, though. That much I do know – I can’t go around any longer being an old lady that doesn’t know how to ride a bike…..not gonna happen! lol
Sounds like a really wonderful day, Ellen. I’m so glad you had a whole day alone with your husband. That is a rare thing around here too. We did take a day trip a few weeks ago and I’m still enchanted with the memories of that. Have a great week.
I’m glad you were able to get some time with your husband, Karen. Mine works so much, and after his mother died, taking care of her estate became another part time job. That job will soon be over, though. The house is closing this week and hopefully we’ll be able to at least see each other a bit more.
Always nice to hear from you, Karen. Thank you for your comment today
I can tell you had such a good day. And isn’t it amazing when we do things we didn’t think we could or would? Sometimes, we just have to move forward despite the past, our fears, or doubts.
It really was, Michele. And SO needed, I can’t even tell you. As soon as we came back home there were messages from work wanting him to come back in (some emergency thing) and he ended up working all day Sunday; it made Saturday even that much more special.
What a lovely day!
I think it’s fun that you get to learn how to ride a bike now. I still remember the exact moment when I did it for the first time. You’ll love it!
The way your photos appear here is great. They look so nice.
Thank you, Teresa. I am gearing up for my ‘Big Girl’ activity this weekend, weather permitting. It feels so weird to say that I don’t know how to ride. People look at me like I’ve been in a coma for 41 years! lol
That looks like so much fun!
The only time i’ve been on a canoe was when I was a little kid. I went on a canoe with my mum and she started screaming and panicking that we were going to be swept out to sea, despite it being in an enclosed lake, so since then i’ve avoided anything like that! However, 20 years on, I can see how much fun it can be so I will definitely be adding kayaking to my to do list!
Good luck with the cycling. The best advice I can give you is to have confidence in yourself and trust that you aren’t going to fall off if you keep the bike straight, look forward and pedal at a reasonable speed.
If you ever get the chance Tim, you should definitely try it. It is so much fun!
Thanks for the advice on the biking. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that my lower back problems won’t get in the way. Even if they do, this is still one thing that I can cross off my list. No longer will I have to walk in shame that I don’t know how to ride!
First – that is one helluva shiner on that woman you linked to. Ignore that or you will never learn to ride a bike. HOW DO YOU NOT KNOW HOW TO RIDE A DAMN BIKE? How does that happen? Tell me you know how to swim! Especially if you are out there paddling.
I kayak. Great fun. I would suggest buying a used one (either from an individual or from (possibly) the outfit you rented from. Just make sure you check the bottom for excessive wear (on the rental ones in particular). I have a couple sit on tops like you were riding. Figure out what you want to do with them (like only lake kayaking or do you want to ride surf or white water…) and then what do you want to cary (dive tanks, fishing gear, your lunch) My single is a scupper pro. I am not sure they make them anymore. It is an ocean going, sit on topper. good for fishing, but you can dive off of it (it has a tank mold). They have tie downs for coolers and a place to toss your dry bag. blah blah blah – here is a good site to gander: http://www.sit-on-topkayaking.com/KayakData/BuyGuides/KayakChoice.html. REI’s site is also really good. Ask the shop[ if you can take em out for a test spin.
Get a good back supporter that you can easily adjust and understand and a good paddle.
Love the pics!
…continuing over from your blog: Number 3: had NO idea that you kayaked. Thank you so much for all of the information – SO appreciated. I’m hopping over to that site you gave when my husband comes home so we can look at it together. I had no idea there were so many different kinds. Shows how much I need to read first. Thanks again. XO
…and yes, you’re learning some less than stellar things about yours truly regarding my confession of being cyclicly-challenged (I know, that’s not a real word). Going to change that, hopefully, and then the cool kids will finally be my friends and stop making fun of me. lol
I am not a kayaker, but it certainly looks as if you took to it quickly and had a great time. I am a bicyclist and highly recommend it. I ride for pleasure and could care less how fast I ride or how many miles I go. I don’t want to miss anything along the way and it’s exercise no matter what. My only suggestion would be to wait until it’s a tad cooler. I can’t imagine riding in this heat and humidity.
It’s going to be a ‘do or die’ kind of thing, Sharon – but I’m totally up for it. I like your idea of not riding fast. I will most certainly be in the ‘slow’ lane – with my blinkers on! lol
Oooh, I’m jealous! I saw kayaks everywhere I turned this weekend. Unfortunately, they were all on top of cars so I wasn’t able to borrow one for a spin. But it’s on my list! Thanks for sharing your experience!
You’ve got to try it, Cammy – especially if you’ve ever considered it. I never knew how much MORE fun they could be than canoeing! So much easier to paddle.
Hi Ellen. LOVE this post. So glad you had a good time and I love the term “husband sighting!”. Good luck on the bike, you’ll be FINE!!!
Hi, Roz! Yes, I was given permission to put that photo up, which was a rare treat considering my husband wants to remain pretty anonymous. It kind of felt like I was putting up a picture of Bigfoot! lol
I love kayaking!! I would spend the day in the Adirondacks doing that if i could! Glad you had a great time
Kristen, the Adirondacks would be an awesome place to kayak! I never thought of that. Hmm. Maybe a future trip is in order! I hope you get to do that sometime.
Good for you, Ellen! I’d love to go kayaking some time. One of my coworkers owns one, and goes kayaking in Lake Ontario in the morning before work sometimes. Sounds like fun! My wife and I, plus her sister and brother-in-law, had planned to go later this summer, but things have popped up that kind of put that on hold.
Sorry to hear that your plans fell through, Greg. I hope you get to do it sometime before summer’s end, anyway. It’s really peaceful and calming and unlike a canoe or boat, it’s nice to be able to steer yourself around wherever you want to go without needing to rely on another person. Although I will say, when I got tired, I couldn’t just let my husband row while I sat back and enjoyed the scenery. I had to do it all by myself! lol
I’m so jealous of your day out with your hubby. Sounds amazing! I love that you tried kayaking! My husband and I have always wanted to, so will have to act on that when we get our next chance. Good to know that it’s not scary and worth trying.
Fun to see a husband siting (handsome man you’ve got there). And how great for you to try bicycling! I can’t wait to hear about those adventures and pray that they are great ones for you. Good luck! You’ll do great! So proud of you for trying new things!
My hubby used to kayak extensively as a teenager; this encourages me to “nag” him some more – I’m willing to take a few spills for a good cause!
Val, I could see you maybe taking a spill on one of those that you sit on, as opposed to the one I used, but really – my husband started rocking side to side in his, tempting fate, and didn’t tip over. If I felt the slightest bit unstable I can tell you, I would have hated it.