Reflections on Boating in the Summertime
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Earlier in June, I shared a bit about enjoying summertime through boating. At the time, we still had some grand plans for getting out on the water. However, we’ve found that to be impossible so far between unexpected changes in work schedules for my husband or his friends with boats and the variable weather have conspired to keep us off the water so far this summer. But, we can still dream and plan for the rest of the warm days ahead.
One of the dreams is for our family to take a cruise of Prince William Sound to see glaciers up close and hopefully spot a few different species of wildlife. A few years ago, the older boys and my husband had a short trip on part of the sound in the zodiac boat we used to own.
They had a lot of fun, although my husband said that’s when he realized that the zodiac is fine for getting to shore but a little bit nerve wracking to use for all your navigation in the sound. Even the sight of wildlife couldn’t erase the sense of urgency of returning to Whittier before weather or running out of fuel happened.
The water has been known to get rather bumpy and even too dangerous for a larger boat to navigate when the weather goes south. That’s why their planned trip in May on a friend’s small, but ocean worthy boat was cancelled…forecasted high waves.
While we haven’t been on the water, we have been getting out and enjoying ourselves this summer. And, typically we are at least near different waterways even if we are not able to go boating.
For the 4th of July weekend, we visited a nice campground nestled in the interior of Alaska with a lovely stream meandering through the campground. With few exceptions, everyone was alongside the water where you could try your hand at fishing. I even saw a few kids playing in the water and was relieved that they were wearing life vests as the water was really moving.
Earlier this month, we joined the annual migration of Alaskan residents seeking to stock the freezer with salmon through subsistence dip netting. Only my husband got into the water, but the rest of us enjoyed being near the water both at the Kenai River where he was dip netting. You could even watch the commercial fishermen going out into the inlet to catch their fill.
Also, it was just a short walk to the beach front along the Cook Inlet at our camping site at Captain Cook State Park. The boys had a blast beach combing for rocks. I loved the soothing sound of the water moving.
I am secretly hoping that the boys will have the chance to go on Lake Erie with their uncle and cousin when we visit them in a few weeks. However, I’m not holding my breath as our luck seems to be running ‘bad’ when it comes to more open waters. Instead, maybe we’ll be planning trips with the canoe or get with friends for a little kayaking adventure.
Discover Boating has a ton of resources to help you have a blast on the water. Check out which boat you’ll want based on the planned activities, learn more about youth boating programs, and see how you can get your significant other to join the fun with the spousal conversion kit. You can even see how Jake Owen, country star and boater, enjoys life on the water and how it inspires his music.
Do you or your family members enjoy getting out ON the water?
What are some of your fun water based adventures for this summer?
We used to own a 2 boats when I was younger! I miss boating and wish I could share it with my boys!
I always enjoy your posts about being outdoors in Alaska. It’s so pretty, reminds me of our time up at our hunting camp.
Thanks, Tiffany. I’m trying to play catch up this summer with the Alaska posts as I get busy and forget to do it.
Sounds like nice and relaxing times for the whole family to enjoy. I haven’t been recreational boating in awhile.
It’s been a few years since I’ve been on a boat. I live in Maine though, so there is PLENTY of opportunity here to get out on the ocean or lakes. I’m hoping to get back out there when my daughter is older.
we love getting out on the water. i grew up 30 minutes from the ocean and my parents have a boat. its just wonderful.
I love getting out on the boat!!! What beautiful scenery even with out getting on a boat for you in Alaska!
I agree, Tammilee. However, there are some sights only seen by boat that I really want to experience.
I’ve never personally been on a boat, but in January, my husband and I are going on a cruise! We are beyond excited!
I love boating! All kinds of boating! Just canoed for the first time and that was a blast!
I can’t even express how jealous I am! Wow; what an amazing experience! I would love to be there right now. We just got back from camping and spending a lot of time in the water; but I don’t think it was enough. I want another vacation! 🙂
I felt like our 2 trips were too short. The one for 4th of July weekend was cut short because I had all the hallmark symptoms for a UTI and needed to get into the doctor’s office. And, the other one was limited with hubby’s work schedule.
I would LOVE to watch the wildlife!! Good times!!!
What an awesome spot! Looks like you all had a blast!
My husband wishes we could get a boat. I myself get boat sick which is a huge buzzkill.
Amy,
That’s how I am on a small boat with rough seas. I prefer the calmer waters of a lake if it’s a small boat.
I love boating- being in New England lends itself to water-lovers! I do hope you get to go out on Erie- that sounds like it would be quite the adventure!
I agree that boating is big in New England. It is here, too, we just have more safety issues if it isn’t on a lake.
I love boating! I was never really into it before, but then my husband finally convinced me that we should buy one. It is ah-mazing. I love being out on the water all day just chillaxing.
Oh what fun. We used to belong to a boat club and would go out almost every weekend. It was so much fun and really kept the family together…
A girl at work told me some of her kayak stories yesterday. Apparently she and her husband bought kayaks over the summer and have had some adventures. It made me almost want to go….but not sure how to handle it with my kids.
I think it depends on a lot of factors. I’ve seen friends take toddlers on the kayak with them. However, my head strong boys would have had me on edge at that age.
My daughter loves getting out on the water and goes boating with friends several times a year. The rest of us have reservations, especially my husband, as he can’t swim.
I have not been boating in years. This is a beautiful reminder to get back out on the water. I used to enjoy it so much and was a very active in the water. So much to discover. Your images are beautiful.
Thanks for the compliment, Laura. I feel like they barely do justice to the beauty of the Alaskan landscape.
And, I know what you mean about how much enjoyment you can have on the water. That’s why I’m so bummed that all of our planned trips have been cancelled so far this summer.
Boating is so much fun as a family. It is great there is a place like Discover Boating to make it safe and fun for everyone.
I haven’t been on a boat since I was a child. My parents had friends that had a boat docked off of Cape Cod and we used to go out a lot.
As often as we visited family in Rhode Island, I never got over to Cape Cod. I totally miss visiting New England and want to get back there for a visit some day soon.