Kayaking Isn’t Like Writing

By Judith Hannan

I had to work to get my kayak into the water the other day. The air had warmed enough, I thought, to melt the ice. But a sheet remained where I launch my boat. Beyond, I saw calm water, a sole swan, bufflehead ducks and a rising sun. I needed to start my day among such beauty so I began to portage, dragging my kayak along the slippery shore until I arrived at open water. I sat, pushed off, sighed.

I love sitting on the water, being on the level of sea birds, staring int...