A DREAM COME TRUE
Just a week after my last kayaking adventure in a gray and dreamy landscape, I finally got to experience what I’ve always dreamed of – paddling through a winter wonderland. And to top it off, the sun was shining brightly. I hesitated until the very last moment, as the weather forecast predicted winds of 8 m/s, but once I was out on the water, it was as calm as could be.
Alright, there weren’t any snowdrifts to speak of, but it was still indescribably beautiful. I paddled almost the exact same route as last weekend, but under completely different conditions.
I navigated through the ice floes, and in the sheltered bays, the broken ice looked like it belonged in a perfectly crafted mojito. I wore a bit more clothing this time, and I ended up feeling more warm than cold, despite the temperature being around -5°C.
On the way back, there was more snow. It's clear that the snow melts more on the southern side, as there was noticeably more snow on the northern side of the rocks. By then, the deck had also accumulated a layer of ice from the droplets of the paddle.
A warm cup of coffee was just what I needed, but I didn’t feel the urge to head ashore and stretch my legs this time. That’s a good sign. This time, I also put reusable heat warmers in my socks. Such a relief!
As I made my way back, I feared there might be some headwind, but it turned out to be completely calm. The water was smooth, the air crisp, and everything felt peaceful. It was the kind of trip that makes you appreciate every moment on the water. What an amazing experience it turned out to be!