Vic the Cat Goes Kayaking

While we were camping at Haynes Point Provincial Park (just south of Osoyoos, BC and just north of the U.S. border) this week, I got the brilliant idea to take my 12 year old, diabetic cat, Vic, out for a float in my kayak.

He apparently didn’t like kayaking as much as I originally thought, because as soon as we got fairly close to shore, he got ready to leap in the water.

And leap he did.

After sunning himself in my gravity chair until he dried off sufficiently, he returned to watch the duckies and squirrels frolicking along the shoreline of Osoyoos Lake from the safety of our T@B trailer.

Although Vic may not see the benefits to his kayaking and swimming adventure, as his pet mom, I have noticed a substantial improvement in his appetite… which is a very good thing.

Kayaking on Vaseux Lake

After an attempt at rolling his new kayak in our swimming pool, Landlubber Ed (who does not swim and has only been in a kayak once before) decided that what with wearing his new Mountain Equipment Co-op PFD (which he calls a PDF) he was more than ready to brave the waters of Vaseux Lake for our inaugural voyage.

As you can see in the next picture, Ed’s attempt to roll the kayak was well… unsuccessful …

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White Water Kayaking – Not

Ros finally talked me into trying kayaking. It may be hard to believe that I have lived in Canada for 57 years and never been in a kayak or a canoe for that matter.

We were staying in Banff and rented kayaks for an excursion on the Bow river and Vermillion lakes.

After signing my life away I was shown to the tiny craft. Some instruction on how to hold the paddle and we were off.

Ros showed me how to maneuver the kayak with some crafty paddle work. In a short time I was comfortable with the little boat. We were in a small side channel with little current so it was a perfect place to learn. The channel opened up to the Vermillion lakes where as we silently moved about we were treated to close up encounters with herons and geese.

The view of the surrounding mountains is spectacular from the water.

On the return trip down the channel we encountered three deer on the bank having a drink, we exchanged stares as we drifted by.

I’m glad I tried kayaking and I’ll be doing it again.