I brought my kayak down to Victoria from Sproat Lake in January and only just got it in the water on the Canada Day long weekend.
I hate to admit it, and maybe it's a good thing, but I've become a lot more cautious.
My kayak lives at Fisherman's Wharf in Victoria's busy harbour. As soon as I poke my nose out, I'm in the traffic. I need to be mindful of float planes, whale watching boats and big ferries like the Coho lest I make the kind of navigational error that make real mariners cringe.
Even worse than that, I don't want to be the unprepared novice in need of rescue who makes the six o'clock news. I do not experience the same hesitation about my terrestrial adventures, but perhaps I should.
I recognized myself in the movie 127 Hours as the solo hiker who doesn't use a check in person (I know it's wrong Susie, I know).
I guess I find it hard to define when a day hike becomes an activity that requires such precautions. I think we are made to be fearful of outings that are not high-risk. I'd like to think I know when to let someone know where I've gone and when I expect to return.
So I took it easy. I took it slow. Got comfortable with getting my vessel on and off the dock (thanks for the handy grid Victoria Harbour Authority!).
Next time I may venture beyond Laurel Point. When I really get comfortable I will paddle out of the harbour and to sea.
I hate to admit it, and maybe it's a good thing, but I've become a lot more cautious.
My kayak lives at Fisherman's Wharf in Victoria's busy harbour. As soon as I poke my nose out, I'm in the traffic. I need to be mindful of float planes, whale watching boats and big ferries like the Coho lest I make the kind of navigational error that make real mariners cringe.Even worse than that, I don't want to be the unprepared novice in need of rescue who makes the six o'clock news. I do not experience the same hesitation about my terrestrial adventures, but perhaps I should.
I recognized myself in the movie 127 Hours as the solo hiker who doesn't use a check in person (I know it's wrong Susie, I know).
I guess I find it hard to define when a day hike becomes an activity that requires such precautions. I think we are made to be fearful of outings that are not high-risk. I'd like to think I know when to let someone know where I've gone and when I expect to return. So I took it easy. I took it slow. Got comfortable with getting my vessel on and off the dock (thanks for the handy grid Victoria Harbour Authority!).
Next time I may venture beyond Laurel Point. When I really get comfortable I will paddle out of the harbour and to sea.
