Kayaking in Belgrade Lakes

 

This weekend, Troy and I went kayaking (my first time) at Great Pond Marina is Belgrade Lakes, ME.

First of all...what a workout! Kayaking is no joke. I won't pretend like I did most of the rowing. In fact, about 50% of my time spent in the kayak was spent rowing. The other 50% was spent relaxing, soaking up sun and taking some fun pictures (thanks to my personal chauffer).

I have been canoeing before (on the Macquoketa River in Iowa), so I knew that besides being calm and peaceful, rowing gives you quite the arm workout. I wasn't sure until I kayaked that there was really a difference. From my understanding, the main differences are the sitting positions and the type of paddle (canoes typically have a one-sided paddle, kayaks have a double-sided paddle). In comparison, I found kayaking MUCH easier, but I may have had a bit more help (and the lack of "spirits" may have played a part this time). 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kayaking along the lake was so peaceful. It was nice to get out of the city and truly enjoy nature for the 2nd weekend in a row. One thing that I have already grown to love about living in a new place is that every weekend sort of feels like a mini vacation!

 

We even got to see a bit of Wildlife!
 

 

 

 

I think the greatest thing about kayaking is that it allows you to enjoy the beauty and serenity that nature has to offer, but at the same time, you are continuously engaging in activity while rowing the boat (or taking pictures of the ducks and turtles), so your mind is allowed to shut out all of the outside "life" stuff and truly clear your mind.

Great Pond Marina also rents out boats, pontoons, water skis, paddle boards, etc. This was a GREAT experience and if we have any visitors, Great Pond Marina will definitely be a place we'll take them!