From the Nose of Our Kayak Chapter 1 A New Found Love

Welcome to the Kayaking Freaks blog, "From the Nose of Our Kayak:" authors/photographers Don & Janet Beasley. 

Hi, I'm Janet Beasley. My husband Don and I love to kayak. Don and I most enjoy kayaking the crystal clear, spring-fed rivers of Florida (weather permitting - it's Florida, we take lightning seriously), as well as other areas on our days off. Exploring nature and the outdoors has become an extreme passion for us.

When we're not on the water I am busy writing fiction, painting, creating BeaslePunk Steampunk Art, and serving as a KidMin Music Leader and Entertainer; I am the creator (and face) behind the children's ministry character, Lady Violet Adventures. Don on the other hand works in the entertainment industry as an audio visual specialist and planner at one of our local theme parks here in Orlando, Florida. When we're not on the water he's busy creating BeaslePunk Steampunk Art, serving as an audio visual minister at FUMC Tavares, Florida (our home church), and playing ping pong. 

We have always longed to co-author a book together about our kayaking adventures. We're happy to say that Don and I are eager to begin sharing our years of kayaking experiences with you, so that you too may discover a world filled with surprises, beauty, history, and peace right along with us From the Nose of Our Kayak.

Our first trip on the Tahquamenon River

From the Nose of Our Kayak
Don & Janet Beasley

Chapter 1 A New Found Love

Our first launch into the Tahquamenon River

Our first outing was quite the adventure. Neither of us had ever been in a kayak, yet we found ourselves anxious to give it a try.

While on vacation in the coastal Suwanee River area we came upon a small kayak rental establishment. We looked at each other and said, "Oh yeah - today's the day." From our first stroke of our paddles, we were in love with the sport.

We paddled out onto the Suwanee River from the inlet, and took off. It was an amazing feeling. It felt as though we were literally sitting on top of the water in fiberglass pants! We scooted along with ease (both up and down the river). We began realizing how close you became with nature, and how peaceful the world actually is in "hidden" places only reachable in one of these flat-bottomed water crafts.

Don - Waiskai - Janet

When we returned to shore, it was with much sadness knowing we had to turn in the rental kayak and not tie it to the top of the car and take it with us!

It wasn't long after that that we purchased our first kayak and began our journey. That was in 2009. It was a soft plastic Pelican model.

A couple of our first trips in our new kayak took place in Michigan's Upper Peninsula on Waishkey Bay, and the Tahquamenon River. 

We found out our Bichon enjoyed the trip as much as we did!

Don pulling the kayak back to the garage

We didn't see a lot of wildlife on our first couple of outings, but as time progressed we began to locate "hot spots" that hold a wealth of treasures for the eyes. We've also become keen to our senses - sight, hearing, smells - all of which are now an integral part of every trip. 

Listening for birds, alligators, or even wild boars is now a natural tendency as we glide atop the waters in search of the next secret bit of beauty we can share with our fans.

We began to read and educate ourselves about the sport and all it had to offer. As with any hobby the deeper you get into it, the more you discover and begin to realize there's a whole new world you never knew existed. Now we can't wait to share that world with you!