The kids have arrived. Dan drove to the Grand Rapids airport on Saturday to pick them up. Fortunately, all the kids and their other halves arrived within 30 minutes even though they live in the east, west, and south areas of the country.
So, our second week here in Pentwater will be spent with our family. We were already in Paradise; now we are in heaven. It’s great to be able to spend time time with our kids. We don’t get to do that very often.
Tuesday was another beautiful day weather-wise which worked out great as it was “Kayak Day”! All seven of us rented kayaks from Pentwater Outfitters. We rented from them two years ago when we paddled the south portion of the Pentwater River. This year, ever the explorers, we paddled the north portion of the Pentwater River. The entire outing took about 3 hours, and I thought it was simply wonderful.
I highly recommend Pentwater Outfitters. Before our adventure, we had supplied the outfitter with each of our heights and weights. I fudged only a little bit – still within the margin of safety. This information ensured we were set up with the right size kayak for each person. While two-person kayaks were available, the three couples in our group all chose to paddle as individuals. We were also given right-sized life jackets for each person. Did you know there are special life jackets for kayaks? These life jackets are shorter in the back and were very comfortable.
As we prepared to embark, our outfitter reminded us of the finer points of paddling. Even though I had kayaked a number of times before, I listened, glad to be reminded. I took to heart his advice to keep the tip of the kayak pointed in the right direction. This allows “technique”, rather than muscle and unnecessary effort, to guide the path and makes the journey more relaxing.
As I paddled or floated along, if I was aimed in the wrong direction, I simply put my paddle in the water and corrected the situation before I got too far off course. I kinda started thinking about all the ways kayaking could be a metaphor for life. I also kept in mind Gregg’s advice to pull back and push forward. This way, different muscles are used, making it more balanced and, again more relaxing.
The current upstream is minimal, requiring some but not major effort. On the way back, after turning around at the foot bridge, sometimes I paddled, but more often, I just sat back and floated, taking it all in, enjoying the beauty around, the blue sky above, the sparkling water ahead.
What a wonderful, peaceful and fun morning! Have you ever been kayaking?
Chambers on the Road 
Wonderful post Betty. You have a beautiful family. I know you definitely were in heaven. The paddle on the water looked so peaceful and the scenery just spectacular. Enjoy your week of family.
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Thank you, Peggy! The paddle on the water was very enjoyable. I hope you have a wonderful day!
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Beautiful spot! No kayak, just canoe, which was quite the adventure. I always hoped to try it someday. They have great rivers here in Mississippi for kayaking.
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It’s been a long time since I’ve been on a canoe! I do like how kayaks have a back. We are visiting Laurel, Mississippi in September. I am looking forward to it. Thanks for reading, and have a good day!
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I hope you will have a great trip to Laurel in September!
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Thank you. I look forward to seeing more of Mississippi!
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You are blessed with a lovely family Betty. Getting on the water is a fun family activity. It is great that you are spending time together.
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You are very kind to say that. Thank you. Yes, it is great to spend time together. Have a good day!
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Having a vacation with your children is always heavenly. Enjoy every minute!
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Thank you! It is a pretty rare treat. Enjoy the day!
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We ❤️ kayaking! Looks like so much fun with your family!
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Yes, it was so fun. Have a wonderful day!
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What a beautiful family. Time with family is so precious. So happy you are able to spend time together. Enjoy every minute, enjoy making precious memories that will last forever.
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Thank you, Bill. Yes, it is so nice to be with our kids. Safe travels and enjoy the day!
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[…] coming into the town off the main interstate, the road runs along the Pentwater River (where we kayaked). Next, there is a dam at Longbridge Road which turns the river into Pentwater Lake. The Lake leads […]
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My dad absolutely loves kayaking! He likes that you can go up and down the river, not only in one direction. I like it too, but I most enjoy rafting or floating in a tube. 🙂
I’m so glad to see you all got away even with the looming pandemic! I know Michigan is your all’s happy place!
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Hi Cortney! Yes, it is our happy place! Honestly, the river was so mild, it was hardly any work to paddle the kayak, especially on the way back. Thanks for reading!
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I’ve been kayaking before many, many times. The pictures you took are fantastic. When did you go kayaking?
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Thank you! We went kayaking last July; that’s when we visit Michigan. I really, really enjoyed it! Thanks for reading and commenting. Enjoy your day!
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[…] years, I try to think of a brand new activity. So, a couple of years, we went kayaking on the Pentwater […]
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