One of the most fun things I did last week was paddle on a little lake at Rutland State Park, north of Worcester, MA. In fact, it was so nice, we did it twice!
And when I saw “we” I’m not using the royal “we.” I met up both times with my long-time friend, Sue, for the adventure. First day was really sunny and it got a bit hot by the end, but still worth it. Second day started out just as the fog slowly lifted and the air was still a bit chilly, so we stayed out longer.
Both times, the water was pretty flat, which is just the way we both like it. Both because we’re not into running rapids or even fighting waves and because it made for some really nice reflections on the water.
Proof I really was out there: that’s the bow of my little kayak following in Sue’s wake.
The kayak/canoe launch was a bit hard to find (it’s the first left after the beach) but worked well enough for sliding our kayaks in and out of the water. It’s not a huge lake but for a local paddle 10 minutes from the campground, it was perfect.
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We’re paddling Oru Inlet kayaks (bought and paid for, no paid endorsements for me…). I have the Lake waiting for me in Pennsylvania, so I’ll see how it compares at some point after that.
A lake is the landscape’s most beautiful and expressive feature. It is Earth’s eye; looking into which the beholder measures the depth of his own nature.
Henry David Thoreau (a Massachusetts native)
Glad I waited until Sunday to read this. A little Sunday serenity for me. Just gorgeous.
Hi Annie,
Laura and I have NEVER kayaked. I have been canoeing less than 5 times in my life. I love the outdoors, walking, and hiking. I would really like to try kayaking (no white water) as an additional activity when camping with our Casita. At some point, I would like to rent a kayak just to try it. The kayak seems to make more sense than standup paddle board (SUP). If we decided to purchase a kayak, I would prefer either an inflatable or foldable kayak. The Oru seems to make a lot of sense; however, that opinion is coming from someone who has never kayaked, LOL!
What are your thoughts about your Oru?
Thanks for the post. Pretty area.
Take care,
Dean (and Laura)
I would rent a kayak first (many places near water will rent, on lakes mostly) and see if you like it. I’ve known a few people that did not like being on the water, despite them thinking they would! So try before you buy, if possible. I love the portability of the Oru and how easily it is assembled and stowed. That being said, it is a flat-water kayak, for pretty calm days. Think of the Inlet or Lake models as being the same as a sit-on-top kayak (you can google sit-on-top vs. sit-in kayaks to learn about them). I never did stand-up paddling because I’m particularly awkward about getting from seated to standing position when I’m on solid ground so I can’t imagine myself doing that on a paddleboard!
Annie,
Thanks for the quick response. I agree with ya. We definitely need to rent a kayak a few times before making a purchase. I am intrigued with the Oru and have researched them some. I prefer the idea foldability over inflatabililty. Also, I am sure “regular” kayaks have their advantages, but the Oru seems like a great design that combines many features along with it folding and being lightweight.
Thanks again,
Dean (and Laura)
Ultimate peacefulness!
The best time!
Best paddling companion!
Nice! You are about an hour away from Leverett Pond, where Jim and I spent many a sunny Sunday morning in 1972 in our new Old Town canoe. That type of easy paddling is about my perfect pace! Glad you are enjoying the Bay State!
Thanks, Susan! I lived in Mass for 12 years, in and around Boston, but back then I wasn’t paddling. I’m sure enjoying spending time back here and am off to the Cape on Tuesday for a few weeks (whee!).