One of my favorite outdoorsy activities to participate in on Beaver Island is kayaking. We have seven inland lakes (yes, you read the correctly, we have seven lakes just on our little island). We also have the added bonus of being entirely surrounded by the stunning body of water also known as Lake Michigan. You can rent kayaks from Happy Paddle, and they also have bikes and paddle boards for very reasonable rental rates. Cody and I use their bikes often and highly recommend checking them out. (Now, if you're like me you can also opt for the inflatable kayaking route. I'd definitely rent/use a regular one if you want to go out on Lake Michigan, but the inflatable ones work well on the smaller lakes.)
Last weekend, my aunt and I went out on Font Lake in the inflatable kayaks that she brought with her to the island. Font Lake is the second largest inland lake on Beaver Island, but it is quite shallow which makes for some fun viewing opportunities while paddling around it. It also happens to be a loon preserve. The loons are constantly making noise while you're out on the lake and it is beautiful. You can also see (and try to avoid) swans, look for giant turtles, or try your hand fishing for largemouth bass.
We kayaked all around the lake, which was a pretty big job because it is a rather large body of water. There are small "islands" within the lake that you can paddle around, but we tried to avoid them because some rather vicious looking swans had taken up residence near them. The wind can get a bit ferocious out in the middle of the lake, so my recommendation is to hug the shore as much as possible, with the occasional side trip out into the middle to check things out.
Kayaking is a fun way to see the lakes and beauty of Beaver Island. You definitely get a different vantage point of the island when you are cruising around slowly at lake-level. It's an activity that is totally worth it.
Your turn...Do you like to kayak? If so, where is your favorite spot?
Currently listening to...Bubble Toes - Jack Johnson
This looks like fun! I'm really looking forward to summer outing at the lake this year. I've only been kayaking once, but hope to a few more times this year.
ReplyDeleteAny and all summer activities on the lake are alright in my book. Hope you get to go out kayaking again!
DeleteI've never seen inflatable kayaks, but they look like they'd be fun to take out on one of the small lakes. I just went kayaking on Lake Michigan along the shore of Wisconsin's Door County. It really is a very enjoyable way to be outdoors.
ReplyDeleteThe inflatable kayaks are awesome! They are super cheap ($70-$80) and they are very portable. I'd check them out if you're into kayaking and want to save some $$.
DeleteFirst of all, I love that it says what you're listening to! Jack Johnson is the best! I need to find some of these cute inflatable kayaks--so fun.
ReplyDeleteI love Jack Johnson too, especially in the summer! He's such a good summertime artist.
DeleteI'm not a fan of kayaks but the inflatable kayak looks like a blast. Looks like a great time.
ReplyDeleteThey are fun! It's almost like being in a big raft, so it might be fun to check out if you're not a fan of the big ones.
DeleteAmazing and fun experience indeed! So great! Hope to go kayaking soon too!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely a fun way to spend the summer!
DeleteThat looks so fun! It's like a workout AND relaxing at the same time!
ReplyDeleteTotally! That's one of my favorite things about kayaking. It's such a fun way to stay in shape.
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