Too Old ?

[Tallpines]

NEVER !
In my somewhat adventurous life time, I have almost never passed up an opportunity to do something new.
I have had a memorable experience while Zip Lining in Alaska.
Spent time riding in a hot air balloon.
Jumped out of an airplane at 14,000 feet.
Bought myself  motorcycle at age 62.

When it comes to water activities, I have rowed an old wooden boat, floated for miles down a river on an inner tube, operated a jet-ski, driven a motor boat, rode the waves on water skis, vacationed for days on an ocean schooner, done 2 cruises, traveled by canoe on fishing/camping adventures, floated on a para-sail behind a boat.

But ….. Surprisingly, I had NEVER been in a Kayak !


So yesterday, my DD decided, the weather is perfect.
The river is high (due to recent rains).
Its time to put the 78.5 year OLD LADY in a Kayak!


The first hurdle was getting the arthritic woman into the boat!

It was WONDERFUL!
A few rapids but not too bad.
Not much paddling needed as the current was swift.
We floated along for miles enjoying nature, the birds, the steep rock walls, the towering trees.

More to follow …
Need to get ready for Church …….

[Maura]

I love kayaking. DSD and her husband had an old canoe. DH and I joined them on a river near their house and we would have lovely afternoon with the little kids.

You only live once, kayak! (or canoe)

[Tallpines]

So … Continuing on with “The REST OF THE STORY”

As we are about 100 yards from our take out spot …. As I was attempting to get closer to the correct side of the river …
I realized there was a tree laying in the water that I would need to paddle away from ..
Back towards the center of the river.

This effort, together with a lot of fast current ….
Turned my kayak sideways … in spite of my paddling efforts.

Before I knew it, the fast current was coming over the side of my vessel and I was totally submerged in that COLD, COLD river!
Not only that … but I was all tangled up in the branches of that tree! 


I managed to get free of the tree and tried to stand but the bottom of the river was beyond my reach.
I was caught in the fast current and heading down river FAST.
Soon I managed to grab the branches of another dead fall, feeling a sharp pain in my shin.
The COLD WATER camouflaged the pain in my leg,
I worried it may be a deep muscle gash needing stitches.

Thankfully, son-in-law had arrived at the take out spot, for our ride back to our truck.
I still couldn’t get my balance against the current and was afraid I would be washed down river if I let go of the tree.


Matthew appeared on shore with a rope that he managed to get to me on the first toss.
Feeling more secure now that I was tethered to someone on the shore, I released my grip on the tree.
Matt pulled me in closer to shore where I could finally stand.

Next job was to crawl up the very steep slippery, muddy river edge.
I was relieved to see my leg injury was only a very bad flesh wound.
No stitches needed …. But if the antibiotic ointment doesn’t do it’s job, I may need an oral antibiotic.

There are photos but the last time I posted a photo of myself it made another member here post this “🤮”. So I will save her the trauma.

In the end I will say ~~~
Parachuting from 14,000 feet was more safe than a kayak 🥴,

I will owe my DD for the damages to her kayak!
I broke her paddle.
Lost her kayak seat
And lost my cane.

BUT … IT REALLY WAS FUN (Mostly)





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[solargeek]

Tallpines , WOW so sorry the idyllic day ended that way. I have sailed, we own a 22' pontoon that has been all over, I have "done" the WIsconsin Wolf River (closed off) rapids in tubes (DH thought we should try - almost got us all killed!) mini canoed the Crystal river off of Ding's Dock in Waupaca, crossed the Adriactic in a ferry now known to sink readily (!!) Water skied and drove the speed boats, did a double Kayak in the Carribean sea at night off St. Croix for DD#2's wedding ending (DH was doing all the work),

BUT I WILL NEVER single KAYAK - tried a 'sit-upon' one as the claustrophobia just cannot do it.

[Melissa]

Tallpines, I have been white water rafting before which was quite an adventure but never in a kayak. We bought some a few years ago. I don't think if I fell out I would be able to get back in. I am not that coordinated! When I do something adventurous I always think- "Well I never have to do that again!" lol So I guess you could say the same thing about kayaking!!!

[Woodpecker]

My daughters kayak is still in the garage. She used it a lot in our creek. When the kids were small we had a canoe and canoed on the creek and the sound. Had one interesting trip to stop and pick daffodils with the kids. The Tide was getting low and before we knew it we were were stuck at low tide in the mud! I told him before we went that far out, not a good idea🤨

Your episode on the River sounds pretty frightening to me Tallpines, thank God for that root! I give you kudos for trying all things offered to you. I think I remember you have a few health problems, but don’t seem to let them hold you back. The arthritis would be hard enough on me these days.

My sister who’s 62 just bought her first off road motorcycle. She’s my sister with no money and many tattoos 🥺

[countrymom22]

I think I want to grow up to be tallpines. You are quite inspiring! I hope you continue to enjoy adventuring for many years to come!