BuckyPhillips-Chef
Yesterday was Labor Day and the last day of summer for many. We decided to enjoy every last moment in what seemed liked a very short summer.After having kayaked down the Colorado earlier this summer I was really eager to go again.We decided to go kayaking nearby and we chose Swift Outdoor Centre in Waubaushene, Ontario. We arrived around one and there were people buying kayaks and renting them out. We saw a van from Florida putting two canoes on their roof. Of course I was curious as to where they were headed. We decided to rent individual kayaks and they cost 25 dollars for the day - a pretty reasonable price for a day out on the water. The service was knowledgeable and friendly. We were given life jackets and helped into our kayaks. The first thing I noticed was that it was VERY weedy and the second thing was the wind. There were also large storm clouds in the distance. First tip, check the weather and call Swift before you head out. As I kayaked it came to me that we were not given instruction as to how to re board the kayak if we tipped. The waters were very choppy and it was tough kayaking for sure. If you are in the mood for physical exertion pick a windy day. If you want a leisurely kayak ride make sure the water is still.We worked our way to an wee island we dubbed guano island for a well deserved break and then let the wind guide us back. To be honest that was still hard work even with the wind at our backs. My boat was named the S.S.Seaweed. I had managed to cover myself and the boat with weeds much to the amusement of the other members of my family. I was also soaked. Second hint- bring a change of clothes even if you don't think you will need them. I was wet and freezing as I stopped in at the local supermarket to buy tortilla wraps for our end of summer Fajita dinner. Third hint - make sure to bring gloves - even cheap garden gloves will do. I guarantee you will get blisters.Bring water- Wear sunscreen and a hat- We saw cormorants, blue herons,terns, ducks and gulls. We even saw some fish jumping and there were fishing boats in the bay.If you do decide to land make sure you know how to get back in the kayak to avoid dumping. There was no accessibility for disembarking or swimming - It would have been nice to have a place to stop for a beach picnic. If you do not like weeds it is not the place for you, the idea of tipping into the weeds was scary and yucky. If the weather conditions had been different our day trip may have been more enjoyable. We left feeling good but decided we would go to clearer waters with less hydro lines and more to see next time. If you are headed North and you want to rent boats - canoes or kayaks this is a great place to stop. Swift Outdoor Centre has several locations- two of which are in Gravenhurst and Algonquin Park.
