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Through canoeing, I met a Scout leader in Canada who routinely takes groups of teens into the wilderness.  As we talked, I was pleasantly surprised that his group was made up of quite a few girls, and was very impressed by some of the trips these girls (and boys) had completed.  I was really glad to be able to interview one of the girls, Shannon.    It was fun reading her answers and she has some sage advice for beginners, so…read on! 

Shannon

Campgirlz:  How did you get interested in canoeing and camping?

Shannon:  I was in Cubs for 3 years and I was in Scouts for 4, and 1 year in Ventures. We always went canoeing and camping all the time. So, after Cubs I went to Scouts because you got to do more canoeing and camping.  I love that. 

What is your favorite part of canoeing and/or camping?

I think my favorite part of canoeing is being in the middle of the water and just looking at the water and the sky and how beautiful our world is. I also love when I go camping to go for a night walk, and lying down on the ground and looking up at the stars.

You canoe with your sisters-do you all get along on trips?  : )  Do you all like the same things about tripping or different ones?

I canoe alot with my sisters and we don’t get in fights. There is nothing really to get in a fight about. We all love the outdoors and we all love canoeing and we don’t to fight when we are on this trip because we can do that at home.

What has been your favorite trip so far?

I think my favorite trip would have to be my first canoe trip in Scouts. I was thirteen.  I went to Algonquin for 4 days. It was amazing. For most of the people that went with me it was our first time on a 4 day canoe trip. We had some great moments and some things we did wrong which were really funny. There is this boy that went with us on the canoe trip and he didn’t bring a rain suit and it rained a lot. Also another guy didn’t water proof his sleeping bag so it was really wet and he shared with someone else. So many great stories about this trip.  I just had the best time in the world. And one morning I woke up and I walked over to the water and the water looked just like the sky. It was such a beautiful morning and when I took a pic of it, you could not till which side was the water or the sky.

Wow!  That sounds beautiful!  I was curious, have you ever been treated differently because you were a girl?

A lot of times the guys in our group would not like us to do some things because we were girls. But we never listened to them and we tried 2 times harder to show them up. A lot of times I saw in our Scout group the girls were stronger and more go-getters than the boys. You don’t really see that much but our Scout group has more girls then boys.  Most of the time we treat each other the same. 

Have you had any scary experiences and how did you deal with it?

I don’t think I have ever had any scary moments when I was camping or canoeing.   But my friend always gets scared of the dark so I always have to sing or talk her through it when we are walking in the dark.

That’s awesome.  I am sure she appreciates that. 
What would you recommend to girls just starting out in camping?

I think girls can do what guys can do. It is amazing doing all theses trips. I would tell them to do it if they love it. Go for it!  Don’t stop believing  

Thanks so much for your time & thoughts, Shannon.  Looking at some of your groups tripping pictures, I am very impressed by your skills and determination.  Paddle on! 

I asked my friend, Ness, if she would do an interview for campgirlz & she graciously agreed.  I met her on a message board dedicated to canoeing and kayaking, called paddling.net.  (where she routinely wins photo contests, by the way)  It is incredible how a love of paddling can bring friends together from all over the world.

Vanessa “Ness” W. has been married 26 years, has a grown son and stepdaughter, and didn’t really learn to be outdoorsy until she became an empty-nester. She now solo canoes and camps frequently with her husband, and several friends. Ness started out kayaking, learned to tent camp, graduated to canoeing, learned to paddle-in primitive canoe camp, and most recently has taken up whitewater canoeing. Ness lives in Western New York, and works full time. When she’s not paddling and camping, she runs several Yahoogroups on cooking, recycling, and paddling in WNY, and also volunteers to lead monthly singalongs for nursing home residents.

When did you first camp?

In the 1960s, my parents bought a huge canvas tent so our family of 6 could take camping vacations, as that was all they could afford.

What are your memories of that experience?

I don’t remember camping ever being what I’d call “fun”. There was little exploring or hiking, no splashing around in creeks, and definitely no getting dirty — my mom always wanted us to stay clean.  My parents weren’t outdoorsy types. They never seemed to enjoy camping. No wonder: the big, heavy tent, the huge pump-up air mattresses, the bulky flannel and cotton sleeping bags, plus cooking and watching out for 4 kids must have seemed like just more work for my squeaky-clean homemaker mom.

What other camping experiences did you have?

I cabin camped once in the mid 1970s (10th grade) with my high school group in the middle 1970s.  In the mid 1980s, I cabin camped with my husband and kids at a local state park.

Did you like it?

The high school cabin camper was fun because of the group of friends I camped with. But, I disliked the bugs, the ratty old CCC cabins, and the outhouses. And, a mouse in the cabin ran up my pants leg!  But I overlooked all that, because we were in a fun setting that resulted in laughter and good memories.

As for cabin camping with my husband, after two times, that was it! My husband’s habit of bringing everything but the kitchen sink, then leaving me to do all the child care and cooking and cleaning up while he sat back and had “a cold one”, left me fuming.   I also did not like the dirty cabins and the bugs * esp. the big black carpenter ants running up my son’s arms and legs while he was sleeping in the cabin! I also cleaned up all the dirty gear and stuff once we got home, as hubby was content to let it sit for days and possibly weeks.  Those were the final nails in the coffin on camping for me.

Why did you decide to give camping a try again?

In 2006, I gave camping another try because of paddling, my true passion, which I had been actively engaged in since 2004. But, this time it was tent camping, and it involved paddling as part of the whole experience. It was paddling that got me to camp again.

What was different this time?

I was invited to join a group of whitewater paddlers for a weekend on the Middle Youghiogheny River.  I had to tent camp to be able to paddle the river.  My first response was to being invited was, “I don’t camp, and I don’t do whitewater.” I definitely had the curiosity to try the whitewater,  but the camping part almost scared me off.  A very persuasive friend reasoned with me that many new places to paddle would open up to me if I camped.  So, I was talked into it.  My friend and even the group would help me if I needed assistance (such as setting the tent up).  Since my husband did not paddle at the time, and I did not want to travel 6 hours to my destination alone, I enlisted a girlfriend to come along.

Why did you like it this time around?

I was surrounded by a group of people who loved paddling, and camping.  And they gave lots of encouragement and advice, freely. They knew how to have fun. They didn’t criticize what I did, they helped me if I needed help, and they didn’t expect me to clean up after them! I also appreciated the support from the girlfriend who drove there with me, who was a more experienced tent camper than me. We shared a tent, but in future, I learned solo tenting is the way to go, at least for me.

Since then, I have taken many paddle-n-camp trips. I always combine camping with paddling, whether it’s paddling from a base camp on a reservoir, or paddling for a few days down a scenic river. And a few years ago, my husband got his own canoe, and joined me, too. Now we love to go to the Adirondacks together; we pack all our gear in our canoes and camp for several days.  However, the way to go for us is separate canoes, as well as separate tents (hubby snores!).

What skills have you learned as a woman camper?

I have learned how and what to pack for a trip:  clothes, food and gear, and how to start a fire, (but I can still use practice).  I can cook on an open fire, pitch my own tent, paddle my own canoe, and load it for a trip.  I am much more independent. I can now rely on myself, rather than someone else. I learned through trial and error, through advice and reading up, by talking to other women campers and paddlers, and by watching more experienced campers.

In your opinion, does the process of learning (to camp/ try a new activity) differ for women than for men?

Many women from my generation (I’m a Baby Boomer) were not taught to embrace the outdoors and sports the way men were. We were not taught to be independent, nor to explore. These were things we had to learn as older women.

Where do you see yourself going from here with what you have learned?

Some of my goals are to camp lighter, portage more, hike more while camping, and paddle-in primitive camp for longer periods of time.

What advice do you have for women who would like to learn to camp?

You can always learn something new. You can overcome your fears.  You can develop new skills. There are resources out there to help you. And never give up on trying something new, even if it takes more than a few tries.

Thank you, Ness for sharing your experiences with us so eloquently! 

During the recent Campgirlz.com photo contest, I received an entry from Sara who lives in Shiraz, Iran & teaches English. I love learning about other cultures, so I asked Sara a few questions about camping in Iran. It is amazing to me that through the internet we can communicate with people from all over the world! Her interview is very interesting, so I hope you will check it out & look at her beautiful photos!

Below is a picture of Sara and her friends hiking

The following are the comments from Sara:

People here go camping a lot & mostly during Norooz (our new year) that’s ending tomorrow with a great camping tradition all over the country. There are lots of beautiful campgrounds around the city & people choose where to go depending on the season. In the summer they choose cool places and travel north to SEPIDAN, GHALAT ,CHELLEGAH, BEHESHT GOMSHODE (which means THE LOST PARADISE in English), … & in the winter the warmer places or the snowy parts are the two selections people make. But spring is the best season for camping. You won’t get enough of it.

People mostly prefer to camp out of tents unless they are going to stay overnights. In that case they’ll put up tents to spend the night outdoors. Women usually go camping with their families or friends, in large groups or
small ones, but all in all they try to make the best use of their time. It is the same about our group. We are all English teachers and we make it to
campgrounds anytime we are free in a group of 20 or more colleagues.

When we feel exhausted by overworking, we decide on a camping. Sometimes we take lunch from home, some other times however we go to the restaurants in the place. They mostly serve delicious foods. Our favorite is KEBAB that is served with rice, salad and cool drinks. We take our favorite music CDs and we just enjoy ourselves a lot.

Thank you for sharing your camping story, Sara! 

While attending Canoecopia, I visited the booth of TEAMSurvivor Madison. This very important group is a resource for women who have been affected by cancer and part of a national organization. Please read the following interview with board member, Teresa Sprecher.

How did TEAMSurvivor begin?

TEAMSurvivor Madison, Inc. is an affiliate of the TEAMSurvivor national organization. TEAMSurvivor Madison, Inc. formed in January 2003 as an organization to provide fitness activities and events for women affected by cancer. We provide free or low cost fitness activities and health education programs for women with a past or present diagnosis of cancer. Our fun and supportive programs offer women the opportunity to reclaim their fitness, gain a sense of accomplishment, build a social support system and achieve renewed comfort with their bodies and their health. TEAMSurvivor Madison, Inc. is organized as a not-for-profit (501) (c) (3) corporation.

Do you believe the natural world has a healing quality?

I grew up camping with my family and was a camp counselor in my early twenties. I have a place in northern Wisconsin that’s tucked into the woods and is on a small lake. The woods have always had a nurturing/healing quality for me. After my cancer diagnosis and treatment I spent a lot of time watching the birds and red squirrels, paddling around a lake and watching the loons helps me to regain by “center”.

What has been one of your favorite memories with the group?

I joined TSM because I was intrigued with the dragon boating portion of the program. I love the sense of team when we’re racing in the festival and the comradeship on the bus when we’re traveling out of town. I’m not a triathlete, but I’ve cheered on my teammates that are. Watching someone (that didn’t think they would make it) cross the finish line is inspiring.

Dragon Boat

What impact has the group had on you personally?

I believe in the organization and the mission. I believe in it enough that I became a member of the board. I find inspiration from my fellow members and teammates – their personal stories, their strength and their courage. As our cheer goes, “Who are we? TEAMSurvivor! What do we do? Have fun!”

Thank you, Teresa! 

www.teamsurvivormadison.org

“Together, Women with Cancer

Achieving the Extraordinary”

My friend, Mary Jean, shares a common passion with me, which is setting and achieving camping goals.   Mary Jean is a 51 year old, divorced elementary school principal living in Independence, Iowa.  She has been setting and meeting camping goals for a few years, so I asked her to share some of her experiences with campgirlz.com.  I love her comments!  Check them out below.

Solo Canoe Trip

When did you first start camping?

Chow time!

I set a goal to go camping at a state park by myself.  Not long after that, I went on a group trip in Alaska where I took many side trips in the outdoors…including a kayaking trip.  The guide made a comment to me that I looked like a natural paddler.  This made me feel even more confident and I absolutely fell in love with paddling.  One of my friends was selling her sea kayak so I bought it.

The next thing I did on my own was to take my first loner vacation.  I traveled to Lanesboro, MN and, using my bike as my take-out vehicle, I paddled a short stretch of the Root River alone.  I had a blast.  I then traveled to Bayfield, WI and signed on for a trip to the Apostle Islands.  Fortunately, it was a very small group that I paddled with and the guide was very understanding because I was petrified of the big water and of camping on islands where bears lived and roamed!!  But I survived it and despite my fears, I wanted more.

Packed & ready to go

In college I had had a professor who talked a lot about his trips to the Boundary Waters and it always sounded like something I’d want to do sometime.  I attended my first Canoecopia event and became determined to do a trip to the BW.   I began networking and eventually met one woman there that was willing to take a newbie with her to the BW.  We talked online and by phone and prepared for the trip in one month!

When did you take your first trip?

I took my first trip in 2005 at the age of 46, because it was a long time dream to camp/paddle in the wilderness.

What is your favorite part of camping?

Building a fire!  The success of building one with few resources.  I actually bought a small book about it and studied it because I wasn’t all too successful at first.  Learned a few tricks!!

Have you ever felt limited or treated differently because you are a woman?

Yes but most of that has been because of my own doubts or fears.  Also…I have been (appropriately, I believe) more fearful of two legged creatures than four legged ones in the wilderness!

First time campers have to overcome fears.  Do you have any comments on addressing fears?

I have to say that my short solo trip was built for success and helped me to overcome some of my fears.  The first time I went to the BW, my fears were of bears and being left alone at the campsite.  Those fears were overcome in that trip easily.  On my solo trip, I feared paddling in big waves with a loaded canoe on my own and sleeping alone at night at a campsite.  My first paddling partner said the sleeping alone thing would be a non-issue because I’d be so tired, I’d crash and not think about it.  She was right!  The fear of padding big waves I had to conquer on my way out….but I did it.

Quetico Trip

Is there something that stands out that you are proud of accomplishing?

My short paddle/bike trip and my solo.  Really, it all makes me feel more confident in other areas of my life. That’s the real reward!

What advice would you have for first time campers?

Do some research and read whatever you can get your hands on.  And JUST DO IT!  Know that you can and don’t let anyone tell you you’re crazy or that you can’t.

Here are some videos of Mary Jean’s trips.  These were created for her students at the elementary school where she is principal.  (Pretty cool principal, I would say! 

http://www.slideboom.com/presentations/151489/The-Principals-Paddle

http://www.slideboom.com/presentations/151495/Alone-in-the-Wilderness

http://www.slideboom.com/presentations/151506/Beyond-a-Boat

http://www.slideboom.com/presentations/151496/Breaking-Boundaries05?pk=9ee1-b6ea-6144-a9d4-f06a-cbf9-dbcc-

Becky Mason

Following in the footsteps of her father, Bill Mason, Becky Mason has become a knowledgeable and respected figure in the canoeing world and an accomplished artist.  Campgirlz was honored and excited when Becky agreed to do an interview for the website.  In addition to her paddling and tripping expertise, she offers some thought-provoking comments on wilderness and living life.  Becky lives in and also has a studio in Chelsea, Quebec, Canada.  She paints watercolor on Japanese paper.  At the end of the interview are some links to more information about Becky and some background on her Dad.

Campgirlz:  What age did you first begin to camp and canoe?

Becky:  I know I was taken as a baby, but my first memory is probably when I was six years old.  I began white water at eleven years old. 

Campgirlz:  What other outdoor activities did you enjoy as a kid and as an adult?

Becky:  My Dad had a hockey rink by our house.  I loved to play hockey and broom ball.  If you start outdoor activities young, you appreciate them.  As an adult, I still play hockey now.  We have friends come over and play all winter.  I also love to trail ski.  We have a huge park here and you can ski all day and not see a house.  It is 100s of miles of trails.  We have pink granite cliffs here and I like to ski to the look-outs. 

I also shovel the driveway, pile wood, and move stuff.  It is good to do active things not just for pleasure.  You’re always fit, because you’re always doing things.  I like to incorporate work into play.   Use less gas, less carbon. You get a great sense of accomplishment, even things that are not always fun.  Canoe tripping is like that, also. 

Campgirlz:  What is your favorite spot to canoe and why?

Becky:  The North Shore of Superior, near Sault Ste. Marie.  I try to go there every couple of years.  My Dad filmed there.  And, we scattered his ashes in this spot.  The area is full of rivers flowing into Superior.  Canoeing through rivers to lakes makes me pretty happy. 

Campgirlz:  Do you prefer solo tripping or going out with groups?

Becky:  Both.  I have a wonderful husband, and I really enjoy his company.  We take tandem trips, which is similar to soloing.  Just him and I.   Of course, you have to be more careful running rapids when you are not with a group.

Campgirlz:  What type of paddling do you enjoy?

Becky:  I consider myself a ‘traditionalist’; wilderness tripping.  To use the canoe to paddle around a lake or down a river.

Campgirlz:  Do you paint on your trips or when you get home?

Becky:  I don’t paint while I am out on trips.  I paint all my memories.

Campgirlz:  Becky is accomplished guide and teacher.  I wondered if she ever felt she was treated differently because she was a woman.

Becky:  I would say it is hardly an issue now.  When I was younger, guiding white water, I was very skilled, very trained.  The head guide.  People sometimes would question me, and not the male guides.  You always had to prove yourself.  Now, men and women seek me out for instruction.  They have done studies on women in power, and it is actually proven by research that women take more into account before they act than men.  This makes us good teachers. 

Campgirlz:  What do you like best about teaching?

Becky:  Seeing the excitement in student’s eyes.

Campgirlz:  Is there something you are proud of accomplishing over the years?  Something that stands out?

Becky:  I have had some lovely accolades over the years, but that doesn’t make me any more special.It makes me feel good when I receive recognition from my peers.  It is an honor to be looked up to by younger people; to be asked for guidance.  I still look up to several of my peers and remember that feeling.  It’s fun.

Campgirlz:  Do you have a special memory of your Dad?

Becky:  Yes, going on the Petawawa River in Algonquin Park.  We went on a week and half long painting trip together.  I was in my early twenties.

Mason family canoeing

Campgirlz:  What does wilderness mean to you? 

Becky:  Well, wilderness means so many things to so many people.  I value wilderness.  I value areas where there is no walkways, no patrols, little rules.  What wilderness means to me, is the places that I cannot even access.  Maybe only one or two people have ever been there.  The core of my belief is valuing these places.  Just knowing they are there.

Campgirlz:  What would you say to girls or women who are starting to camp or canoe?

Becky:  Get instruction first.  Learn the craft and why you do the things you do.  Education is a very good thing.  It makes the activity enjoyable and safe.  Make sure you know the laws and safety equipment.  For example, in Canada, you have to have PFDs, 50 foot of floating throw rope, a whistle, paddle, bailer, a 360 light.  Learn the signals for help and how to save yourself.  Research where you are going.  Self-sufficiency comes with knowledge.  Enjoy yourself while learning skills.    Start slow-an hour adventure in a little pond.  Educate yourself as you go; as you build on your trips. 

Campgirlz:  Any closing comments?

Becky:  Canada is a drastically changing place.  You even hear of trips advertised as ‘the last one’, such as the last trip to see glaciers before they melt; the last trip on a river before it is dammed.  We need to show people why wilderness is important.  Join your local clubs.  They are out there.  We need to show that we do care.  If we all stay in our own little worlds, our voices won’t be heard.

Becky:  http://www.redcanoes.ca/becky/art/index.html

Bill:  http://www.redcanoes.ca/bill/index.html

Thanks, Becky!  I really enjoyed the interview and the insights.  I am one of those people (although I am not young!) that look up to you. 

A special interview will be covered this Sunday on campgirlz.com. I asked around on the internet for the oldest woman still canoing. I did this for two reasons. First, I have always been fascinated with people who approach aging in a positive way. And, second, the idea of staying active throughout your lifetime is a major theme of campgirlz.com.

I found Shirley from Guelph, Canada, and she was gracious enough to ‘speak’ with me! Shirley will turn 83 on September 11 of this year. She was actually on a canoe trip when 9/11 happened and says she will never forget that day. She did mention that a member of her canoe club is even older, but not online. I consider myself lucky to have ‘met’ Shirley. She is pretty amazing. Shirley is going to send me a picture in the mail, which I will post at a later date.

Campgirlz.com: When did you start canoeing?
Shirley: I started canoeing about 20 years ago — one year after our club was started. I have thoroughly enjoyed my 20 years with the canoe club since it’s inception back in l988. We are all retired, hence the (name of our club), “Ancient Mariners”, and we have had some good times and some great trips.

Campgirlz.com: What is your favorite part of canoeing?

Shirley: The favourite part about canoeing, other than the canoeing itself, is the camaraderie we all share. We are like one big family. When one of us has a problem or is sick, the support is remarkable.

Campgirlz.com: Do you canoe camp?

Shirley: Yes, we do canoe camp. Not in our weekly outings, but in special events. I can’t begin to tell you everywhere that our members have been, but one has even canoed in the N.W.T., and we canoe camp in a lot of places here in Ontario. Each June, we go to a camp on Chesley Lake, about 2 1/2 hours north of here, for a week-long holiday on all the rivers in that area — especially the Rocky Saugeen — which gives us some good canoeing.

Campgirlz.com: What has been your favorite canoe trip?

Shirley: My favourite outing has been in your Country. We canoed the Buffalo River in Arkansas when it was in flood condition; how exciting was that!

Having a snack on the Buffalo River

Campgirlz.com: Do you have anything to share with girls just starting out in canoeing?

Shirley: I can’t think of any better activity for young girls than canoeing or kayaking for fun and to get you out in the fresh air with like-minded people to enjoy all that nature has to offer. Our club has activities all year round. After we store our canoes for the winter, we hike, ski, and bowl. We even go to Bondi Resort in the late fall to hike (or paddle, weather permitting); but Bondi is very close to Algonquin Park and we hike the trails there and go to the Nature Centre and Museum. Some of us even go again in late January for skiing and skating. Deer are everywhere and at night you can sometimes hear the wolves howl.
So if young girls want a hobby, canoeing is a great one, you never know where it will take you. As long as I am healthy and active, I hope I can canoe many more years. I am not the oldest female member (of the Ancient Mariners), but Gwen doesn’t have a computer.
Campgirlz.com: I would love to know more about the Ancient Mariners

Shirley: Of course, our club is made up of seniors, both men and women, who have worked in various occupations and the expertise they bring to our club is amazing. It makes for a very interesting group.

This is our Dragon Boat team-I'm fourth from the left.

Also, we have a good rapport with the Grand River Conservation Authority (G.R.C.A.) who monitor all the rivers and dams in the area. On the 10th anniversary of the Grand being named a Heritage River, we canoed it in one day from the source to the mouth where it emptied into Lake Erie; in teams of two canoes who each paddled a designated section. When the day was done, we all assembled back at G.R.C.A. headquarters for a program and B.B.Q.
With their assistance, we designate and improve the put-ins needing it; especially one in Glen Morris, which was then dedicated to the founder of the club. We have also adopted a section of the river that we clean up twice a year; and we pick up garbage wherever we go and, because of that reputation, we get a cheaper admission to any parks managed by the G.R.C.A.
Paddles Up (which we used as a salutation in the Dragon Boat race)
Campgirlz.com: Paddles Up!
P.S. From Shirley
Just took a look at your website and had to let you know how great it is! I’ve been an outdoor enthusiast all my life, even did a wilderness canoe/camping trip about six years ago, but there never was anything like your “Campgirlz”. Of course, there weren’t any computers,either! It is great encouraging girls to camp and enjoy nature — you must love it.
Campgirlz.com: Thanks Shirley! I do love it and you are truly an inspiration to campgirlz!

A reader had a few more questions for Shirley, which she answered below:

Have you ever thought of giving up canoeing as you get older?

Shirley:  No, I never thought of giving up canoeing — and still don’t.  As long as I’m able  to safely get into a canoe and paddle, I will enjoy being on the water — everything looks so different from a river and you would think you are miles from civilization (even if you’re not).

What was your scariest experience?

Shirley:  My scariest experience was having a bear invade our campsite; thank goodness we had all food put away.

One of my favorite ways to camp is to gather all my supplies and head out on a canoe trip. In canoe camping, you trace a journey either along a river or along lakes, taking everything you need in your canoe. Actually, this is one of my motivations for creating this website: I believe every girl should know the feeling of being out in the middle of wilderness. It is one of the best feelings in the world. I know many others share this passion.

Diane from Canada was nice enough to share these amazing photos of her canoe camping dogs. She takes her three dogs with her when she goes out canoe camping. Wow! This is so cool. We appreciate her sharing. Click on a photo to enlarge (make sure to enlarge and fully view the sheer joy on the Dobie’s face during nap time).

She also shares this link:

(Save the Ogoki Forest)

http://savetheogokiforest.blogspot.com/2008/01/paddling-ogoki-forest.html

I was lucky enough to get in on a canoe trip on the Kopka River last year. I personally like rainy, cool weather as long as it is not too cold and does not rain for too long. One of my best memories of this trip was paddling through a large open area where the river pooled into a lake. It was light rain, cloudy, with big white low hanging clouds. It gave the feeling of being in a big, beautiful bowl, with trees on the sides. A cool wind was blowing. I felt alive and free. Now, that’s what I’m talking about.

‘LookinNorth’ gave me permission to share this:

Paddle on! Amy