How to be Trippin

One of my biggest questions when I look into any of the outdoor sports is where can I do this? I have found an amazing resource online that I want to share with you. It's called paddleing.net and on it you can find and plan out many different types of kayaking trips. You may say, "Well I'm in Canada." No worries this place has trips over the whole North American continent as well as the Bahamas and Belize. You can also choose between short day trips or multiday trips. It also will guide you to tour people if you want! You can see times when any trip is available as well as its associated costs. 

The last awesome thing about thing about this website is that it gives gear and product reviews as well. They can help you with anything from kayaks to shoes to paddles. This website is pretty much a one-stop-shop! Check it out from the link below!

http://www.paddling.net

Kayak Prezi!

I thought you guys would enjoy a new type of media that I have found really fun and cool. Also you can learn a few different types of kayaks.

Kayakers Unite!

For all of you who are just getting into Kayaking and would like a little more info on places to go, things to get, and great trips that others have done I thought I would give a shout out to some of my comrades in arms of the kayak blogging community!

If you were wondering if Europe has great kayaking, wonder no longer! Here's some from South Wales.
http://beyond-the-break.blogspot.com/




Here's a blog by people who have been around the river a few times! And they have sweet sponsors!
http://www.adventurekayaking.org/john-day-river/

This blog is by Mark, a real Down Under kayaker! Check out some of his great videos and photos!
http://expeditionkayaks.blogspot.com/


Don't worry all you Canadians I have you covered! Here's a blog all the way from Newfoundland, eh!
http://kayakingdreamin.blogspot.com/

Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder

 As I was contemplating what to write for my next post I realized that I have given you info on kayaking, what to have and where to go, but I have never just showed you the WOW factor of kayaking! I hope this post will quite literally compel you to get out on the water! 

 This is an amazing shot of kayaking for all you Midwesterners. This was taken on Lake Superior near the Apostle Islands.





How about that mirror image on the water?!? Now just imagine yourself slowly gliding across the surface in your kayak taking in the glorious beauty of Alaska!

If you ever go Down Under this is Doubtful Sound in New Zealand. Breathtaking!

How about sea kayaking? It's a great way to check out those nice, warm tropical places or explore the reef!

So what are you waiting for? It's almost May! Grab that gear and head out to YOUR next kayaking adventure!!

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit

When we think of life we invision it as the ability to do different things, go different places, and be with various people. But for some of us on this big ball we call home there are limits to what we can do, supernaturally placed trials in our lives. In this post I want to share with you my dear mother's trial and how through it all she has become the strongest woman I know. 

• So what type of activities do you enjoy?

My favorite activities prior to being reshaped were gardening, cooking and kayaking.

• How has your life changed recently?

I had open heart surgery on October 27th, 2011.  Normally I would have been discharged from the hospital 4-5 days after surgery, at least that was the expectation and plan.  Due to many complications I lost my left leg and ended up with an above the knee amputation and was in the hospital for 90 days.  It has been six months since and I am steadily gaining use of my "stump".  I am now able to walk with a walker and prosthetic.  Praise God!  It is not easy, the therapist informed me that it takes 70% more energy to walk with a prosthesis than just normal walking! God is faithful and has provided me with energy and also a very encouraging and supportive family and church.   

• What has helped you through this time? 

This acrostic has been a help to me:

S uffering 

U nderstanding Christ suffered, I must suffer. 

F eelings must go.. 

F aith must increase. 

E ternal Blessings 

R ighteous living 

I nstant in prayer 

N ot wavering 

G lory to Jesus Christ!

• Will you ever be able to do what you love outdoors again?

I am pleased that I am already doing the menu planning and cooking for my family!  I am in the process of planning a small garden for my porch and hope to get it planted in the next week or so.  Kayaking will be also something that I will do again, it is such a wonderful way to observe the beauty of God's creation.  

• What are some final thoughts you would have for the people who read this?

Becoming an amputee does not limit you.  The most difficult part for me, has been the mindset. Overcoming the fear and discouragement comes from understanding that suffering is part of the Christian life... Each day brings blessings and discouragements, however, my goals are to be used by God in the way He would be glorified and praised!