Maiden Voyage on the North Umpqua

A few weeks ago Richard finished the trailer project and the fun began.  We were able to tie the canoe on and haul it the 200 yards down the hill to the boat ramp for its first voyage upstream on the North Umpqua.  (This claim may not be entirely accurate as we have the canoe on loan from our friend Jean and aren't sure where she has taken it.)

Since our first trip in the canoe we have found that this is one of our absolute favorite pastimes as a family.  We take it out 2-3 times a week and have had friends come out and enjoy the time with us.  Mr. M is becoming an expert paddler.  His dad taught him the J stroke and he is pretty good at paddling and parking the boat now.  

This week we ventured as a family upstream farther than we have ever gone before and found the infamous banana island.  It is a small island on a section of the river where there are no houses in sight.  We have had a blast there riding the rapids the length of the island in and out of rafts, throwing rocks into the river, collecting shells and little creatures and picnicking.  I don't have any pictures of the island yet because we don't want to take the camera in the canoe (for obvious reasons.)  I will get some pictures from shore some time.  

So if you are looking for some high adventure come and visit us, it is in our backyard.