We like to float in March to celebrate our anniversary. The one thing about March is that you never know if you’re going to get warm weather or cold weather. We woke up to clouds and temperatures in the 50’s, but the wind was blowing, so it was a little chilly.
Ready for takeoff.
It was 10:30 a.m. by the time we launched from Pulltite. We had the river totally to ourselves – with the exception of the critters that live there. We floated to Round Spring, and it was a great float. The sun even decided to come out before we reached the journey’s end!
It’s that time of year again! We headed out with Jason and Juliet for our yearly fall float tradition. We watched the sun rise on the way there, and the fall colors didn’t disappoint.
Clear water, cool reflection.
The morning started out a little chilly, but for the first time on a fall float, we were actually removing layers before the trip ended.
We saw a deer, as well as some bald eagles along the river at our old standby, Pulltite to Round Spring.
Heading for the final stretch.
After kayaking in winter last year, I expect that this will be our last float of 2023… unless the elusive sticky snow happens to grace us before then. A sticky snow float is definitely on our kayaking bucket list!
M had been wanting to go kayaking, so today we headed out for a summer float. Her mom and sisters had been wanting to kayak too, so they all came along for the adventure.
Sisters on a float.
Even her younger brother came, which was fun for Z, because he had someone to hang out with.
Boys will be boys!
It was a great day for floating, even if we did get some rain along the way!
When there’s a 60° day in February, you have to take advantage of it! The morning started off chilly – in the low 30’s – but by the time we reached the river, it had warmed considerably.
We set off at just after 10 a.m. at Pulltite Campground.
The sky was blue and the sun was shining. Occasionally we would get a gust of chilly wind, but the sun helped keep us from getting too cold.
Winter landscape.
We had a bald eagle sighting, as well as a muskrat and two otters. Also, this time we didn’t have the river to ourselves. Another couple was taking advantage of the nice day just like we were.
My main squeeze.
We discussed how everything pretty much looks the same in the winter – especially when you float the same section of river over and over. You never want to flip a kayak, but you definitely don’t want to flip one during the winter months! Pulltite to Round Spring is the section where we feel least likely to flip, so we keep choosing it.
The journey’s end.
It doesn’t seem that out sticky snow float will get to happen this year. I’m ready for the leaves to come back anyway. We want to explore the Lower Current this year and are hoping our friends will be our tour guides.
It’s not guaranteed that you’ll get a nice January weekend day, so when the chance arrives, you go for it.
Takeoff from Pulltite Landing at 10:24 a.m.
It was windy, but with multiple layers, I was totally comfortable. I didn’t even have the mitten part of my gloves closed. I was very glad I remembered my CC beanie though.
Clouds, but no rain!
We had one bald eagle sighting on the way to the river, as well as one while we were on the river. We also saw a couple of river otters swimming and playing.
Today we went for our first ever December float. It was 28° outside when we left the house and 30° by the time we got to the river. I listened to Christmas music on the drive there.
Ready for smooth sailing…
We chose to float Pulltite to Round Spring. It’s familiar, and in my opinion, the easiest section of the river. Today was a day we definitely wouldn’t want to flip a kayak!
The eagle takes flight…
We had multiple bald eagle sightings. We even saw two on the way to the river. Today we had the entire river to ourselves. There were no other floaters in sight.
Our eagle escort…
As the morning progressed, the sun warmed things up to a balmy 40°. It was another great day to be on the river. We hope to have the opportunity to take our first snow float later this winter.
It’s hard to believe that it’s been three years since we discovered that we love kayaking! What started as a family float in Summer 2020 with us sharing a canoe has turned into so much more.
Since then we did our first fall float that year in kayaks in 39° weather, purchased John’s kayak the next fall and then mine this past spring, and have had many more kayaking adventures.
Today was no different. We set out at just before 9 a.m. with our friends. Temps were in the low 40’s and it was a bit chilly – especially considering that we didn’t think to wear or bring jackets!
Juliet and the Dapper Dotty.
The fall colors didn’t disappoint, and Juliet and I enjoyed taking in the sights and sounds of the river, while listening to our guys swap stories.
Our guys “shootin’ the bull…” 🤣
One of the things I love most about fall floats, other than the company of good friends and the fall colors, are the numerous bald eagle sightings.
This guy escorted us down the river.
As the morning progressed, the sun warmed us and it ended up being a really great float from Pulltite to Round Spring. Normally John and I stop at the Upper Landing, but this time we floated to the Lower Landing. The photos really don’t show the beauty of the leaves.
A day on the river is the best day.
We’re already looking forward to the November float. You can bet we won’t be forgetting our jackets for that one!
When we finally got my kayak in June, we decided that we wanted to float at least once a month. So far we’ve been able to keep up with that, but I’m sure the winter months will be interesting!
8:24 a.m. on the Current River
We floated our usual, Pulltite to Round Spring. There were a lot of cars in the Round Spring floater parking and a good number of campers at Pulltite Campground, but the river was quiet.
Only blue skies ahead.
For the most part, we had the river to ourselves. We took off just before a couple and their dogs, and a little down the river there were some campers on a gravel bar. Other than that, there were no other humans in sight.
River sparkles.
It was a nice, peaceful morning – and a nice brain break to prepare for the coming week.
We took the kids on a family float. Well, some of the kids. Z went, along with J and his girlfriend. It was M’s first time kayaking. Her family normally floats in rafts.
Another lovely day on the Current.
We floated Akers to Pulltite so that J and M could see the cave.
Today our small fry went for his first long float in which he paddled a kayak alone. We floated Round Spring to Two Rivers. The river distance between our put in and take out spots was 19 miles.
Feeling tall in the morning sun.
While we waited for the guys to shuttle the trucks, Z encountered a friend… but he didn’t see it as a friend and knocked it off into the water. I rescued it, put it on my kayak, and it became my friend.
My friend… Katy.
Shortly after 9 a.m., we were on the river. My friend, Juliet, was taking her kayak on its maiden voyage.
Juliet in her “dapper” new ride, with Z not too far behind.
Katy enjoyed the free ride down the river. Most of the time, she rode in the very front under the handle. At one point, she decided to climb up my arm and do a suicide leap into the river. She couldn’t swim, so I rescued her and put her back on my kayak.
Katy the adventurer…
At one point, Katy got very ambitious and decided she was going to crawl all the way down the kayak, back up my arm, and on to my face. (I may have squealed a little bit!) I decided it was time for Katy to quit hitchhiking, and I deposited her in her new home.
A nice dry log should do the trick!
The rest of the trip was pretty relaxing. There were lots of motorboats out, and Z loved bouncing in the waves the boats made as they passed by.
Z and Dad enjoying the river life.
We are super proud of our guy. Nineteen miles in one day, and he’s only 10! Mom and Dad and Jason and Juliet are exhausted… Z, maybe not so much!
Travel With the Fam 