This morning Pete and I threw off the shackles of suburban droll and packed up the truck to head out to explore the wild blue yonder. Of course by blue I mean green. And of course by yonder I mean the Guadalupe river.

Pete sounded a bit like Mr. Miyagi while trying to explain to me how to succeed in piloting the kayak. “You must focus Daniel-san. Have balance. No fall over.” It’s the balance thing that I forgot when, about 5 seconds off the shore, I took my first spill. I believe I am now the owner of the “fastest flip in a kayak after launch” distinction. Eventually I did get the hang of it and successfully traversed a set of Category 2 rapids without getting a mouthful of water.
Overall it was a great workout, beautiful scenery, and a fun time.

The less challenging part of the river.

Pete showing how it’s done.

“Fat guy in a little boat” If it looks like I’m taking on water, I am. It’s because Pete forgot to replace the plug in the tail after we emptied the kayak following my record-setting spill.