Kayaking Lake Coeur d'Alene

For a couple of years now, I’ve been harboring a secret desire. I’ve been wanting to try kayaking. I don’t know why I’ve kept it a secret. It sounds silly, I guess, but I’ve been a little nervous about it. I mean, what would happen if I was out in the middle of a large body of water in a little plastic boat and it capsized? Would I be able to get back in, or would I be adrift for hours or even days at the mercy of passersby on real boats with motors? Or worse! Maybe the kayak would turn upside down with me in it and I wouldn’t be able to escape! Maybe I’m giving myself too much credit. Would I even be able to get into the thing in the first place? I know what you’re thinking. It’s not bungee jumping! It isn’t hang gliding! It’s only kayaking, for crying out loud! Right? I know. But the first time I tried waterskiing, I forgot to let go of the rope when I fell, my ski didn’t come off, I twisted my ankle, and ended up on crutches for a couple of days. It wasn’t pretty. And the first time I went snow skiing, I fell getting off the chair lift and lost one of my skis…Embarrassing. So, you see? I’m a klutz.

However, I’m happy to report that my fears are behind me now. Yes, after living in the Coeur d’Alene area for more than five years, I finally saw Lake Coeur d’Alene the way it was meant to be seen, by kayak! Sunday morning, ROW Adventures took my family and I on a four hour tour of the lake! The water was calm, and the experience was peaceful and relaxing at times. At other times, the water became choppy and it was more of a workout. The scenery around the lake was beautiful.

My oldest son, Parker, looks mature here...Don't let the picture fool you.

We came within just a few yards of an Osprey nest built on top of a log sticking up out of the water. When we got close enough to see the babies in the nest, the mother bird spread her wings and flew low over our heads, attempting to show us how big and scary she is. We saw a huge bald eagle up in a tree, and other wildlife too. Half way through our tour of the lake, we stopped at a more remote location where we got out of our kayaks and had a snack next to this bulldozer that was abandoned over 100 years ago! It was pretty cool, but I’m glad we made it out of there without anyone needing a tetanus shot!

Our guides, Stephanie and Tanner, were very informative, giving us some history on the wild fire of 1910, and teaching us about wildlife and plants along the way. Stephanie pointed out some wild berries that my son could eat. That’s when Ryan learned that just because you CAN eat something doesn’t mean you SHOULD! When he discovered they are painfully sour, our guide picked some yarrow for him to eat. According to Ryan, the yarrow wasn’t exactly delicious either, but not as nasty as those sour berries.

Oh, and kayaking is easy! It isn't scary at all. The only person who capsized was Andrew, and it was Parker's fault. That was Ryan's story anyway. It isn't hard to get in either. Just remember, "boot, butt, boot" and you'll be fine.