I can't think of a better place or time than Palmer's Weekend for Rainen to be introduced to his first day ever paddling on a river kayak. He went non-stop from the moment we arrived until he hit a brick wall and passed out dead tired on the ground after dinner at 5:30 p.m. and basically slept until 7:00 a.m. the next day. For a kid who basically resents sleep, all I can say is wow!
For him to see so many people laughing, smiling and having a great time in and out of boats. He was super comfortable and paddled his little heart out. When we paddled from the put in down to the next bay on river left and the other CDBers saw us coming and he was cheered, by Christian, Paul and others in the group, I think it made his day. When I suggested we walk out from shore and swim a rapid together he was totally up for it. Then when the swim got too long he saw Papa Bear Schlarb hovering around. So he nonchalantly says, "Could we get a little help here." So Bill paddles over and Rainen hops onto the back of his kayak for the paddle back in.
Back on shore he decides Larry should join us for dinner and Larry played along.
Even though there weren't any other kids his own age that day, he didn't even notice. He was just a little ticked with his Dad that (a) we weren't camping over and (b) I didn't bring marshmallows to roast on the fire.
Next year!
