In the six months we’ve been in Yellowknife we’ve certainly heard a lot about paddling. This isn’t too much of surprise when we live in a land surrounded by lakes and now that the ice has all but disappeared, it was time to see what all the talk is about – so we joined the Somba K’e Paddling club for a day out. We’ve kayaked a bit in Aotearoa, including a sea kayaking adventure in the Abel Tasman on our honeymoon, but canoeing offered a brand new experience, a definitive Canadian experience – and we leapt at the opportunity to get out the water.
We rented a canoe from Narwal – a funny experience in itself. There was no one around so our friends assured us that it would be fine if we helped ourselves to a canoe, paddles and life jackets (only in Yellowknife). We left a message saying that we had ‘borrowed’ some equipment and would be back later in the day to sort everything out. Sweet!
The sun was shining and we packed up the van and drove out to Cassidy Point, on Prelude Lake, a quick 15 minute drive from town. On arrival, we launched the canoes into the water and got ready to depart.
Wobbly and with the grace of an elephant, I clambered into the bow of the canoe. Naturally uncoordinated, my strokes were somewhat awkward as I tried to set the pace with some sort of regularity. My patient partner James and skilled friends, gave me some tips and we were away. Soaking in the scenery we were carefree souls on a vast expanse of water.
Debut canoe trip
After 30 minutes of meandering across the lake, we reached the Tarten rapids. While others embarked on some white water action, we found a fire pit, spread blankets out on the ground and soaked up the rays.
Tarten rapids
The mosquitoes quickly joined us and while constant, they didn’t cause too much annoyance (of course, I haven’t seen anything yet). Cold beers and picnic fare of olives, salami and tasty brie were quickly devoured. Conversation was interspersed with flicks of the hand to deter the mosquitoes. Fishing lines were cast and pike and white fish twisted and turned and put up a fight. Ahh, this is the life: a jolt of energy and invigoration from a day in the outdoors. What could be better?
Homeward bound
The paddle home was incredible: the lake was like a giant mill pond, and we paddled calmly across the lake, feeling invigorated by the wide open space and a glorious day in the suns. Yes, paddling season has begun….
