canoe trip

the wisconsin river is shallow and winding, and dotted with sand bars all along the way. it's a very popular spot to canoe camp, and that's a camping trip i've been wanting to try for a long long time. with the help of our neighbors, who happen to own the best canoe company serving the river, we got to join a crew of neighborhood friends for an overnight paddle trip. it was perfect in every way, even in the middle of an intense and most memorable thunderstorm.

awaiting launch!



and we're headed out from arena, with plans to paddle very slowly west, with the current, to spring green ...

a swim to cool off

and a baby fin to melt you all over again.

pretty soon the horizon started to look ominous...

 


and just in the nick of time, we pulled off onto a tiny strip of beach, jumped out of the canoes, and huddled under our tarps. the wind was whipping the tarps out of our hands. it was powerful, and amazing.
the hustle to shore....


tarp scenes...



and then the storm cleared, we paddled a few more miles, saw eagles, had snacks, and then found the perfect sandbar for camping.





the next morning was gorgeous, will full sunshine, early river swimming, and a group of adorable baby people.


the big kids caught a frog,


and the adults make breakfast, then packed up. one group photo, and we were off to spring green.







one last swim stop....

 while an adorable 3 year took a nap propped up in the back of a canoe. this kid is magic.

the whole thing was magic. the sort that made me feel lucky to be alive.