The Maiden Voyage

Today was an ideal day for any kind of outdoor activity. The sun was out, but a few puffy clouds blunted its rays. The temperature hovered in the mid-70s. There was no wind other than an occasional gentle breeze. The trees are wearing the first hints of color. And best of all, the river was a smooth pane of opaque green glass.

Trailhead Kid loved kayaking. TS and I had some concern about this venture. As TS explained to Kayaker Fred, TK is in a stage right now where he complains about even the things he likes. But gliding along the river astounded our otherwise verbose preschooler into appreciative silence.

We paddled upstream along the Tualatin River for a few miles after putting in at Tualatin Community Park. We continued past Cook Park, then turned around and headed back downstream.

This is an excellent paddle for kids. This stretch of the Tualatin is slow-moving, flat water, but not boring. In the three hours we were on the water, we spotted many ducks and other waterfowl, a frog, a beaver, and several jumping fish.