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Herschel Kayaks the Little Miami River

PostPosted: Sun Jun 05, 2011 8:22 pm
by BirdbyBird
So the GHL was gone all day yesterday judging some 4-H dog show and left us just sitting here chewing our feet waiting till she got home. She owed me. I mean it is bad enough when she goes off and deserts us on a beautiful perfectly wonderful go on a hike sort of day but then she comes home with all these tell tale "I have been hanging with a bunch of other dogs" smells. :o :roll: At first this morning I was worried because after reading through the computer she decided that in order to make it up to Remi she would give him a bath. A bath may be good for me but it really wasn't what I had in mind. I gave her my best take me somewhere look. She then double checked the weather predictions for the day and said that we could go. Next thing I knew she was loading up the car. Wait, wait. Is that the folded up kayak going in there? I am not a big fan of standing on things that move around under my feet. Does she not remember that? :lol:

Apparently she has some memory issues. But I did hear her muttering about sunscreen and something about a recent testimonial regarding the dangers of forgetting to put any on when undertaking lengthy kayak trips. :lol: But then I also heard her muttering about the refrigerator in the Short Bus. She had gone out to the rig to retrieve the sunscreen and happened to open the freezer compartment of the refig to be sure that it was dry inside. Just a few weeks ago she had been so excited and happy to know that the frig still worked and had only required a simple fix. After the Pottery man decided that the Short Bus would be better parked next to his Pottery Barn the GHL had decided it was best to just keep the frig turned off for now because of the tilt to the ground. Well... :? apparently she doesn't know how to turn a frig off. She turned it off automatic and propped the door open so it would not mildew. Apparently she has been cooling the great out doors for a couple of weeks now. The freezer was nice and frosty! :D I won't even talk about watching her try to pump up the Sea Eagle. Seems that she "forgot" which direction to turn the valves. I had to just sit there and watch her pump two of the chambers twice and was expected not to laugh. I worry about her day dreaming and lack of focus. What happens if we get out on the river and she forgets where to stop for our ride back to the car? :shock:

Anyway, being the faithful companion I am....I got in the kayak and headed down the river with her.

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How far can I lean over if I want to get a drink? Not far enough. I know that she wanted to try to keep the kayak dry but really. Please can we stop?

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Much better now. I sort of wanted to pee some and get a drink and roll around in the water some.....

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Now I can relax. This riding the river isn't so bad. The GHL told me that I might be more comfortable without my life jacket. She sort of figured that I could swim (or wade) my way to safety here on the river. She was right. I can enjoy the views.

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There were turtles (no alligators here in Ohio) but I've shown you river turtles before.....no Sandhill Cranes or exotic critters here. Only a few lonely mallards.

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Some of the trees reflected the power of this spring's rains and high water. I am glad that I wasn't out on the water then.

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Some people have their "camps" or houses along here and sit out watching all the weekend canoes and kayaks go by.

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Me, I have to admit that even the small rapids were fine and that the GHL was right. This kayak river thing is okay especially since the temps are not boiling and the sun often stayed behind some hazy clouds.

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I also liked watching for the art work displayed along the shoreline.

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Some master carver creating secret river creatures.....

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Some creatures ready to pick off tired sleepy kayakers and their trusting companion. :?

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Don't let her know that I told you but I think that she was starting to doze off about the 7th mile. There were several times when I didn't see much paddling going on.

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So we made it to the 9 mile take out and a van came for us along with another small group of kayakers and drove us back to our cars. The Sea Eagle had to ride on the trailer in back strapped in with all the hard shells. But the fun surprise was that the driver of the van was one of my grown up, just graduated from college, needs a teaching job in social studies, 4-H dog project friends. I remembered him! I got to ride up between the front seats with him and he scratched my ears half the drive home. This kayaking thing really is looking up. But I have to admit that I may have dozed off a bit, too. But then I wasn't suppose to be steering the kayak! :lol: :lol: :lol:

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Re: Herschel Kayaks the Little Miami River

PostPosted: Sun Jun 05, 2011 8:40 pm
by cpatinjones
It seems you and Herschel had a great time on the Little Miami River.

Re: Herschel Kayaks the Little Miami River

PostPosted: Sun Jun 05, 2011 9:18 pm
by Bethers
At least it appears you didn't doze off at the same times :) Looks like a great day. Hope that was downriver - all those miles.

Re: Herschel Kayaks the Little Miami River

PostPosted: Sun Jun 05, 2011 9:37 pm
by BirdbyBird
Oh yes, all down river......my favorite direction :lol: :lol: I suppose one could paddle up and float down but for ten dollars the canoe livery will pick you up and drive you back .....or drive you up river and let you paddle down to the livery.

Re: Herschel Kayaks the Little Miami River

PostPosted: Sun Jun 05, 2011 9:55 pm
by kdmac
Herschel spins a fine tale...or is that "tail"? He is such a good boy, so patient and considerate. Did he happen to mention to you that the ravenous river creature apparently ate a fellow kayaker and the only thing remaining appears to a blue waterbottle hanging from the roots in it's river lair....yikes, scary.

There is a Miami River on the coast of Oregon, a bit treacherous but how oddly named for the west coast...must have been named by Captain Gray honoring the Miami Indians...I imagine :?

I noticed that Herschel chews at his paw like my sisters Golden Retriever does, he takes medicine for it...what makes them do that?

Re: Herschel Kayaks the Little Miami River

PostPosted: Sun Jun 05, 2011 10:06 pm
by rvgrammy1953
Hi, Herschel.....Looks like you had a grand time with the GHL.....I really think she made it up to you....I'd like to take a boat ride, but not so sure about a kayak.....Mom says I wiggle too much for that....anyways, thanks for the pictures.....they are great!! Now back to my nap....got to rest up for all that company coming here next weekend....I was told I am to be the host for all the 4-legged company....Do you think they'll like the creek here???

Talk with you later,

Spinner

Re: Herschel Kayaks the Little Miami River

PostPosted: Sun Jun 05, 2011 10:35 pm
by sharon
Ahhh Herschel, it sounds like your hooman is as forgetfull as mine! Can you believe she went out in the car the other day and forgot me here at home? I had to stay all day by myself. And then one night she sat straight up in bed just after I fell asleep, said some words that I know aren't very nice, threw the covers over the top of me and ran outside. By the time I got untangled and got outside, she was coming out of the house that moves with that Sam cat. She must have left him in there when she was doing something in there. These gals sure aren't what they used to be, are they? Your GHL's legs look a little pink in one of your pictures....did she forget the sunscreen after all? Errrrrrs to you, Chewy

Re: Herschel Kayaks the Little Miami River

PostPosted: Sun Jun 05, 2011 11:09 pm
by VickieP
Herschel, you sure are a smart boy, I know the GHL thought it was her idea, but I bet you whisper to her in her sleep and put these ideas in her head, don't you! I'm glad she listened and took you out for an adventure today.

Chewy, you've got to learn to keep an eye out for your companion Sam, next time it might be YOU left in the big house on wheels and Sam'll nee to save you!

Re: Herschel Kayaks the Little Miami River

PostPosted: Mon Jun 06, 2011 6:06 am
by BirdbyBird
Chewy, you decide for yourself but don't count on Sam returning the favor. You can count on one paw the "cat came to the rescue" stories....... :? Now us faithful companions, we know how to work the media.... :lol: :lol:

Woofs,
Herschel

Re: Herschel Kayaks the Little Miami River

PostPosted: Mon Jun 06, 2011 7:19 am
by AlmostThere
Fun trip, Tina. Love the tree art.

Re: Herschel Kayaks the Little Miami River

PostPosted: Mon Jun 06, 2011 8:44 am
by dayspring39
Herschel so glad you got that 'homan' out for a nice ride on the water... sure like the pictures of you!
Kathleen

Re: Herschel Kayaks the Little Miami River

PostPosted: Mon Jun 06, 2011 9:01 am
by avalen
what lovely pictures, thanks for the adventure Hershel

Re: Herschel Kayaks the Little Miami River

PostPosted: Mon Jun 06, 2011 9:51 am
by carold
Herschel, glad you got out and about. I did notice that your laid back attitude resembled tGM when we're canoeing :roll: carold

Re: Herschel Kayaks the Little Miami River

PostPosted: Mon Jun 06, 2011 10:07 am
by mitch5252
..

Herschel, My Love,

Thank you for putting a big smile on my mommy's face this morning.
She sure loves your adventures and still thinks your human should write a book.

Love,
Abby


..

Re: Herschel Kayaks the Little Miami River

PostPosted: Mon Jun 06, 2011 11:30 am
by Redetotry
You just can't help but fall in love with Herschel he just has the most expressive eyes. Thanks for a good smile this morning, great pictures and story.