 | This afternoon, Elizabeth and I cancelled 3 other plans to enjoy the unusually warm and sunny November afternoon in kayaks. We borrowed a couple boats from the Windhappers kayak club and paddled around in the canals nearby... Click below for photos of the menagerie, scary plants, and weapons we encountered along the way (how's that for a cliff hanger?)... |
We paddled north of the clubhouse and through the nearby Madestein park. The canals were wide and flanked by overhanging willows and stands of grasses. Weekenders strolled along the adjacent sidewalks, and many horseback riders trotted by on their beautiful horses. The kayaking map pointed out that we would have to portage over a small bridge, but that seemed simple enough. When we arrived, we were greeted with a steep and densely-nettled bank (see photo below). I attempted to climb up on the bank, but just found myself stuck with nettles and breaking out in hives, so with Elizabeth's help, I clambered back into my boat. Defeated, we turned around and paddled back towards the clubhouse.
We continued south along the Wennetjessloot canal. Here we encountered a new housing development, in which each house had its own tiny peninsula surrounded by mini canals. Later on, a cannon pointed threateningly from the edge of the canal. We also found ourselves talking with adorable sheep in a narrow canal between two greenhouses. One of the sheep looked more like a dog. As we paddled away they said "baaaahhhyyeee!"
A massive turkey was observed amongst throngs of ducks and geese, a blind pig, and a grouchy goat. We considered stealing the turkey for Thursday's meal, but then the homeowner came outside holding a threatening tank of poison (ok, I think he was spraying the weeds). Two hours later, we were back at the clubhouse refreshed and happy to have left the house on this lazy Sunday.
We continued south along the Wennetjessloot canal. Here we encountered a new housing development, in which each house had its own tiny peninsula surrounded by mini canals. Later on, a cannon pointed threateningly from the edge of the canal. We also found ourselves talking with adorable sheep in a narrow canal between two greenhouses. One of the sheep looked more like a dog. As we paddled away they said "baaaahhhyyeee!"
A massive turkey was observed amongst throngs of ducks and geese, a blind pig, and a grouchy goat. We considered stealing the turkey for Thursday's meal, but then the homeowner came outside holding a threatening tank of poison (ok, I think he was spraying the weeds). Two hours later, we were back at the clubhouse refreshed and happy to have left the house on this lazy Sunday.
Date: Sunday, November 23, 2014
Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Duration: 2 hours
Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Duration: 2 hours
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