Easter canoe / kayak trip

Over the Easter weekend I went with my brother John's family and friends on a canoe/kayak trip to the pine barrens in New Jersey. We had a great time. There were fifteen of us. It's quite a production with all the boats, camping equipment and food that we haul along. Here is a bunch of us getting ready for to paddle down the river on Easter morning. You can click on any of the photos to see a larger version.

These trips are always an adventure. Last year it was very cold. This year it was warmer but on Saturday it rained from just before dawn until late in the afternoon. We made the best of it. They come very prepared and luckily a lot of tarps are included. They were able to stretch enough of them over the cooking area so that we could all avoid getting soaked - mostly.


Every now and then someone has an unpleasant spill but for the most part the trips go smoothly. Coasting down the river is wonderful. I like to hang in the back and watch the people ahead of me laughing, talking, forming into one set of groups and then another.


It's not a traditional way to spend the Easter holiday but it seems right to me. Early on Easter morning this year was quiet and serene and sunny. That was especially welcome after the rainy and cold day that had gone before. It's fun to mix with the crowd but it's easy to get away for a little quiet time, too.


It's raining again this morning. I loved the camping and the boating but I'm also loving the chance to be at home in the warmth and listening to the rain outside.