A certain amount of anxiety filled me as I gathered my things for the rainy road trip. My shoulder and upper back were still as stiff as ever, limiting mobility in rotation, while the weather report had forecasted thunderstorms in the afternoon. Despite coincidentally unfortunate elements in play, we proceeded with our plan, embarking on the 2-hour drive to Wasaga Beach.
Correspondence had taken place over the past 24 hours to address potential cancellations and safety concerns over the stormy forecast. Our plans remained up in the air.
At the halfway point, I received a call from an unfamiliar number. It was unlikely to be spam given the starting digits, so I picked up. It was our SUP instructor, who had called to provide a status update of the weather up north. "It's storming up here, but fingers crossed it'll clear by the time you guys get here." he repeated, "Fingers crossed."
After all, the decision to allow us onto the waters would ultimately reside with the greater force of Mother Nature.
At the halfway point, I received a call from an unfamiliar number. It was unlikely to be spam given the starting digits, so I picked up. It was our SUP instructor, who had called to provide a status update of the weather up north. "It's storming up here, but fingers crossed it'll clear by the time you guys get here." he repeated, "Fingers crossed."
After all, the decision to allow us onto the waters would ultimately reside with the greater force of Mother Nature.
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We paused for a brief lunch and bathroom break at McDonald's. Little did we know that the franchise location overlooked the northern end of Nottawasaga River, where we would later find ourselves paddling along.
The Chicken & Bacon McWrap with Grilled Chicken with Extra Lettuce was deemed satisfying, while a Filet-O-Fish combo was criticized for its small portion size.
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With just under ten minutes till the scheduled start time of 1 PM, we zoomed off along Veteran's Way to Klondike Park. Guidance came via text: "When you enter the parking lot off Klondike Park Road, continue straight then turn left on the gravel road."
And sure enough, the truck was there with its kayak trailer attachment.
And sure enough, the truck was there with its kayak trailer attachment.
Disclaimer: As we were advised to travel as lightly as possible, all images on the water were captured by Free Spirit Tours, with post-processing and adjustments were completed personally.
SUP, the abbreviation for Stand Up Paddle Board, is an activity closely related to kayaking and canoeing. Those engaged in the sport would stand on top of the board and navigate using slightly angled strokes of the plastic paddle. A rectangular slot offered an opening for carrying while denoting the centre of the board, otherwise known as the most stable point for standing.
Upon our arrival, we were provided life jackets and instructed to leave majority of our belongings in the vehicle. The instructor himself wore none, but justified safety measures with reference to a Transport Canada-approved PFD (Personal Flotation Device).
https://tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/getting-started-safe-boating/choosing-lifejackets-personal-flotation-devices-pfds
Paddles were adjusted according to our height: adequacy was determined by the presence of a slight bend in the elbow when the hand rested on top an upright-positioned paddle.
SUP, the abbreviation for Stand Up Paddle Board, is an activity closely related to kayaking and canoeing. Those engaged in the sport would stand on top of the board and navigate using slightly angled strokes of the plastic paddle. A rectangular slot offered an opening for carrying while denoting the centre of the board, otherwise known as the most stable point for standing.
Upon our arrival, we were provided life jackets and instructed to leave majority of our belongings in the vehicle. The instructor himself wore none, but justified safety measures with reference to a Transport Canada-approved PFD (Personal Flotation Device).
https://tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/getting-started-safe-boating/choosing-lifejackets-personal-flotation-devices-pfds
Paddles were adjusted according to our height: adequacy was determined by the presence of a slight bend in the elbow when the hand rested on top an upright-positioned paddle.
I earned myself a dubious look from the instructor for my reluctance to abandon my essentials. Some things ought always be carried, as they are (arguably) better soaked than stolen. In spite of the claim that the town was less likely to have homeless perched in shrubbery, waiting to attack unattended belongings, I wasn't entirely reassured. Should my ID and wallet go missing, neither of us would make it home in one piece. There would be no one in the vicinity from which to summon help.
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