Paddling on the Little Miami

Sunday
Well today we finally got our kayaking in, and after a cool dull start, it turned into a beautiful day - less hot and humid than it has been, and just pleasantly warm and sunny. Roger and I were playing hand bells at church this morning - it was Bell Sunday, featuring both the bell choirs - some pieces we did individually, and one was for two bell choirs, so the Chancel Bells played the hand bells, and our choir, Joyful Noise played the chimes. Meanwhile, Laura had prepared our picnic and then came to third service, so then we just had to go home and change, then set off for the river. We did the 9-mile trip, stopping after about three for our picnic. We had a double kayak and a single. I did the first three miles in the single, but after lunch I could tell Laura really wanted to go in the single one, so we switched. The final three miles is a beautifully quiet stretch. There is only one livery on that stretch, and most people finish at the previous put-out point, even the longer trips, as they start up-stream from the livery. Also there are no houses along this stretch of river, so it's just you and the river - so peaceful. There is a bald eagle nesting along this stretch of river - we saw him last year, but we weren't so fortunate today. When we were done, we stopped for a final treat at Graeters ice cream on the way home!