A Fun Tropical Adventure – Kayaking
On March 20, 2019 by Claire
Wherever you travel, there is always some kind of adventure to embark upon. Kayaking is one of those adventures which is fun on rivers, lakes or open water. It can be very exciting, if not treacherous, on white rapid waters, or mellow, on a lake to a moderately moving river. It will be enjoyable as long as you’re prepared. The following anecdote tells of one of my experiences.
The day was hot and humid on this beautiful, tropical island. What better thing to do, than to kayak up a river that led to Royal Hawaiian sacred grounds and their sacred waterfalls, called Uluwehi Falls (aka Secret Falls). I had done this trip in the past, and remembered the short hike through the lush tropical forest to the steep rushing waters of Secret Falls. The water fell into a huge and serene natural pool, which in the past was only allowed to be used, as a royal bath by the ancient Hawaiian Royalty. Taking a dip in this cold pool was a shocking experience to one’s body.
The river was calm, as the kayak entered the water. While cruising along at an even pace, I kept splashing the refreshing water on my body, to cool myself down. After a little while clouds started to move in. Then out of the blue, a heavy rain storm was dropping buckets of water! Because of the hot temperatures, it was a relief to be soaked by the rain.
The landing where the kayaks could be parked was still about a half hour away. To my dismay, upon arrival, the area was a muddy bog. The other kayaks were packed side by side, and as I stepped out of the kayak, my feet started to sink into the mud. I was glad that I had on sport sandals which were appropriate for water, hiking and these types of conditions, so that I could easily walk around. A good pair of water shoes would have worked as well.
The rain continued to pour down and I had to do a quick estimate on whether it was worth the hike to Secret Falls. I knew I had to cross a small stream where there would be a rope suspended above, from a tree on one side to another tree on the other side. This was so I could hang onto the rope, in case the waters got too deep and otherwise difficult to cross.
I started to hike on the narrow path through the plants, but after about 20 feet, my ankles were sinking into the mud. At that point, I knew it was best to turn around and come back some other time. I was a little disappointed that I could not make the trip that day, but knew I could do it later.
I returned to the kayak and started down the river. It was still raining heavily, but as I approached the mouth of the river, it had stopped. The sun was out and the temperature went back up to an uncomfortably humid 90°F.
I have had other fun experiences kayaking in calm Pacific Ocean waters, the Caribbean Sea, European and American rivers, as well as high-altitude mountainous lakes. At certain places, large ocean turtles swam alongside or even underneath the kayak! It is a wonderful time and great moderate exercise, which is healthy for almost anyone both physically and mentally.
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Wow!
Now I want to see that!
What a magestic description of your river experience. I felt like I was there with you.
I’ve always thought you could tell so much about a person by the shoes they choose for their adventures. I’ve seen so many hikes, cilmbs and general touring ruined by wearing the wrong shoes!
Thank you for the great tip on proper foot wear! It’s so important and you nailed it!