a not so lazy day on the river

Ever since our 3 day trip up to the Russian River, on which I fell in love with the river again, I have been dreaming of taking a family kayak trip down the river.  Our good friends have been kayaking various segments of the river, and we managed to find a day to do the Monte Rio to Jenner section together.  It was a beautiful fall day, and it was supposed to get warm, and thus have little wind.  The boys were in their own kayaks, which always makes me smile seeing them paddling themselves down the river.

We were able to paddle in these calm waters for awhile, and drank in the natural beauty around us.  We even saw a bald eagle, and a river otter.  Unfortunately we also ran into a few areas with a strong headwind, and somehow our final destination eluded us.  Jenner was further than we had planned for.  There was a time constraint as well, for we needed to return a few rented kayaks.  Enter a bit of stress, and some frustration (!!!) and guilt (on my part).  At the moment it was difficult, but in hindsight a learning lesson, and with a friendly guy with a truck who helped us move our boats, and then a pint of Negro Modelo and a delicious chile relleno in me, it was in sum a wonderful adventure.