The Weekly Smile for the 15th of November, 2021 #weeklysmile

34 Replies

Hello. In some ways this week’s smile will sound very typical, almost too normal – I went kayaking. Twice. I think a couple of things that make this smile a little less than typical is that it is mid-November and these were very long paddles.

When I had the place on Swan Pond, I used to paddle all year, as long as I didn’t have to break too much ice to hit open water…. Now, not so much. I have to wheel the kayak about a quarter of a mile (a little under a half kilometer) down a winding, narrow road to reach the landing. Getting into and out of the water is much more difficult, particularly at high tide. And then the Bass River is often pretty choppy where I put the kayak in the water.

But the water was pretty calm and it wasn’t too cold out, so on Thursday and then again on Saturday I did cart the kayak down the road and figured out how to get it in the water without me getting wet. (That was harder on Saturday because it was high tide…).

I had a lovely, long paddle on both days. Saturday was one of my longest of the year. It was very pretty both days. The water was calm, though the wind started to pick up at the end of both. The water was also remarkably clear. I saw one other kayak on each of the days, but they were at a distance and never got close. I did not see a single power boat. There was a lot of wildlife, including seeing seals on both paddles, though from a distance.

Both paddles were perfect – very relaxing while also being invigorating.

It is possible I will get the kayak in the water again before year’s end, but most likely these were the last paddles until the end of March, so perhaps four months or more.

That is my smile for the week, two perfect late season paddles on the kayak.

What made you smile?

(A reminder – There will not be a Smile Recap post next week).

****

Come on, I’m sure you smiled at least once last week.  Why don’t you share it?  I hope you can join in!

Here is list of “rules” and guiding ideas.  If you don’t have time to read it right now, just remember that this is an exercise to spread positivity.  Don’t smile about the misfortune of others.  Don’t smile in a way to excludes others.  Make sure a 12 year old can read it.

To join in, write a post to share your smile and then leave a comment on this post with a link to your smile.  Or, if you prefer, do a pingback to this post (pingback = have a link from your post to this one) (Note – pingbacks have been very inconsistent – please leave a comment :) ).   You can post any time until next Sunday evening (to be simple, I will say midnight GMT, which is 7 PM Sunday for me).  Note – I am no longer compiling the Smiles into a Recap post. I’ll try to get the new smile out between 7 and 8:30 Eastern Time.

34 thoughts on “The Weekly Smile for the 15th of November, 2021 #weeklysmile”

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  4. Ju-Lyn

    I am chuckling because kayaking would not be typical or normal for me!!! But I hear you and I do understand what you are saying. When I run in the Botanic Gardens it seems like it should be typical or normal, and yet, there are different things to see each time: different folks, different thoughts, different wildlife.

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    1. trentpmcd Post author

      Every time you are out and about, be it running in a botanic garden or paddling on a tidal river, there are always changes and things to catch you attention… The big thing with this was time of year.

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    1. trentpmcd Post author

      I do like canoeing, but there is something about kayaking… I think it is so maneuverable that it becomes an extension of my body, like a running show that I wear, instead of a vehicle I am in. It was great to get out! I’ll be by to see you smile in a few minutes.

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  10. dawnkinster

    That would have definitely made my ‘smile of the week!” I find getting in and out of the kayak the hardest part, especially if you’re trying not to get wet. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever gotten in OR out without getting at least my feet wet. Cold in November, for sure, but for a pretty day and a near perfect paddle, would be worth it. Maybe best end on a high note and not try one more this year!

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    1. trentpmcd Post author

      If there is a beach I can get enough speed to get far enough onto it to get out without getting wet. Getting in was tricky… It was a great couple of days out, and you may be right that it would be best to end on a high note. but then, if I ma down there and the day is nice… ;)

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  13. WildChild47

    Sounds absolutely well worth the hard effort to launch! But that’s often the case, right – sometimes you got to slog it out to find the peaceful sweet spot – and bonus! – You Didn’t Get Wet – which is not fun when the weather turns and is cool or cold, as I’m sure you well know. ;) As for it might have been the last outing for the season? Who knows what the rest of the fall and winter will bring …. but at least you had the chance and clearly savoured it :D

    Hope you have a most wonderful week Trent :)

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    1. trentpmcd Post author

      I won’t say another paddle won’t happen this year, but if i don’t expect one, any paddle that comes up ll be a bonus :) Not getting wet was very important! lol, I could have gone in a little, but did not want to get any clothing wet!
      Thanks! I hope you have a wonderful week.

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    1. trentpmcd Post author

      Thanks, it was great to get out :) Yes, the seasons are changing here as well – today is sunny, but feels like winter! It isn’t that much colder, but the strong north wind is bitter…. I hope you have a great week :)

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    1. trentpmcd Post author

      Very basic kayaking (flat water kayaking) is pretty easy to learn and very fun. Getting a kiln is very cool – I have a potter friend who has a shed with a kiln in his back yard. I’ll go check out the momma duck…

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