Canoe Trip

Well, I wouldn't exactly call it a risk, unless you consider having three generations of Groff males trapped together in a 12 foot aluminum tube for four-and-a-half hours on a moderately wide and flowing river a risk, but today was certainly an adventure new to me, and I think that is definitely in keeping with the theme of this blog.



Bethel Baptist Church offered its men the opportunity to do some paddling today on Rainy River. In all there were 5 canoes and a kayak that pushed off from a boat launch in Fort Frances at 9:30 this morning and traveled for approximately 15 miles (about 24 kilometers) down river. It took roughly 4.5 hours. The weather was beautiful--sunny with a bit of wind to keep us cool and to keep the bugs away. Unfortunately the wind was blowing against us most of the time, and when it picked up it created some pretty good waves for us to cut through. But the trip was great. We even saw some bald eagles, about 12 or so, as well as a pelican take flight from a large rock in the middle of the river when we passed, and 5 pelicans flying together overhead.



Dad, Knox, and I had one canoe which was fun. As soon as we pushed off, Knox started screaming about the tippiness of the canoe and how he wanted to go back. I figured his hysterical fit was tipping us more than anything so I took us to the dock and as soon as we were stopped he jumped out and ran. We coaxed him back and prayed with him about his fear (He had just learned at VBS that God has the power to help us be brave) and he was really good for the rest of the trip. Isn't God good! He did have a bit of a fit when he thought we were lost (which we weren't), but calmed down and rested in the bottom of the boat.



I have never canoed that long at one time before and was unsure how I would feel afterward. I am doing pretty good right now, aside from a bit of a sunburn on my quads where I forgot to put sunscreen, and I am fairly exhausted (still headed out to the States for a while tonight thought). I suspect that DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) will set in tomorrow, and be even worse on Monday, but I will deal with that when it arises.




In all it was a great day, with a nice BBQ after, and something that I have never done, but am happy to say that now I have. Get out there and try something new over the next couple days and leave a comment to share your success.