KAYAK TRIP ALONG BJÖRNÖ
Winter has become my season for planning. It’s the time I research, test, acquire, and maintain gear for the adventures that await later in the year. Over the past week, I’ve made some adjustments to my kayak in the garage. On longer trips, I’ve struggled with numbness in my legs and feet, so I decided to tackle the issue by installing a back support in my kayak. When the weekend arrived, I couldn’t resist taking it out for a test ride.
It was a gray, overcast day, with the temperature hovering around freezing. The world around me was muted, with shades of gray, except for the vibrant red stripes on my kayak. The sun was supposed to break through at twilight, but it never did. Still, a bad day at sea is better than a good day on land, and somehow the gray weather created an eerie, yet beautiful atmosphere.
The archipelago was completely still and silent, with only the sound of my paddle strokes breaking the surface, and a few ducks taking off as I glided by. This was the first time I paddled in the winter, and ideally I would have paddled around in a winter wonderland, but this wasn't too bad either. Alone on the water, I stayed close to shore, where the water was shallow enough that it would have only reached my waist if I’d fallen in. Of course, I was wearing my dry suit and had all my usual safety gear with me.
After paddling a bit north, I took a break and stretched my legs on a small cobble. The newly installed backrest made a noticeable difference, but I still felt some numbness in my legs. Considering I haven’t paddled since October, I’m sure that played a role as well.
After a quick coffee break, it was time to head back home. The sun was setting, hidden behind the thick clouds. I retraced my path, but even so, there’s always something new to see when you experience the landscape from a different perspective.
It was a nice trip, with valuable insights. I realized I need to find a better way to store my camera, and I definitely need a more comfortable cushion for my seat. Already looking forward to the next adventure!
