Kayak II.

On my second adventure in kayaking, a friend of mine from church asked me if I'd like to go with her to Lake Superior; to paddle AND camp. Kayak and camp? (Heck yeah!) She suggested that I shouldn't have any problems, especially since my first trip was alone, on a creek.

She was a Very experienced paddler; been into it for several years and done a few voyages solo. So, I had nothing to worry about. Not worry, per se, but I had a bit of concern. None-the-less, we made our plans.

We drove north to "Two Harbors" and put in in the sheltered bay that is there. We allowed (me) time to become accustom to the Great Lake water, then we set out. Our destination was a couple hours south at an earnest paddle (at least that's how I felt). It was probably more of a casual stroke.

About 1-1/2 hours later we found our destined bay. This was after paddling close by each other on what seemed to me (at the time) a turbulent sea. We had misjudged the distance and paddled beyond the bay for 10 minutes. I have to say though, the MN DNR did not flag camp spots very well.

Upon arrival, the shoreline was full of 12-50 inch boulders and No sand! Landing was going to be rough. The water surface temperature is a mean 40 degree's (F). As it happened, we were not able to "beach" our boats. We had to addle along-side the shoreline to get out of the kayaks.

At this time, I still did not have water boots. I only had wet shoes. This was not enough. We had to wade through knee-high, ice cold water for 10 minutes to find a suitable place to pull in our boats. This was no easy wade either, mind you. We were walking on large slippery boulders.

We found our camp-site. After hauling in our gear, from about 40 feet, and mooring our boats, we set up camp. That whole evening and night was quite nice.

The next morning, after breakfast, we set out to explore the area. Being in that part of the country is breathtaking, for the most part. As we explored, we never ventured too far from the lake. As it was, I kept noting that the wind was picking up, thus the waves kept getting bigger. I started to get nervous. We were to set out that afternoon for our return voyage after-all.

She picked up on my anxiety and we hiked back to camp. She directed us to tare down camp and depart as soon as capable, noting that if not, I might be too afraid to paddle back. We did as ordered.

Journey home: Good Lord! I was afraid for my life whence we entered the open sea from the bay. It was all four foot waves, from then to the Two Harbors bay! In a kayak, 4 ft waves means that you are out of site of your companion every time you roll over a wave, even in a 14'-17' kayak, though your partner is 3 leagues behind you! I was shouting the Lords Prayer for two hours!

I was warned to ALWAYS paddle into a wave, not allowing myself to be broadsided. (made sense to me). But this wind made it impossible, under those circumstances, to follow the coast as close as we needed to. So at times we were 200 + yards off shore. (did I mention that I had not yet bought a dry, or wet suit?)

At one point, about 2/3 of the way home, I looked back and my friend was nowhere to be seen. I panicked, but stayed steady. I cranked my body dangerously around (considering the voracity of the water) and was able to see her roughly 80 yards behind. (I learned later that she had acquired a cramp in one shoulder)

Eventually we entered the bay of Two Harbors. What an utter relief, for both of us. At that point I felt safe and victorious; grateful and gleeful.