Kayak camping at Newboro lockstation on the historic Rideau Canal

You never know where your pivotal moments will be with you and your kayak. Newboro is one of mine.

There is something special about kayak camping. Having your kayak so near is comforting. Living with it and traveling from place to place in it on an expansive historic waterway like the Rideau Canal in Ontario, Canada, is a compelling experience. You really feel like a paddler. And you are!

The motor boaters along the route look at you in wonder. “How do you survive in such a small craft with hardly any space to haul stuff?” Others remark, “Ah, it's such a romantic notion.”  They sometimes think out loud and ask themselves if they could do it too when they see how small our tents are. Then they shake their heads, “I don't think so!”

It makes me laugh, because I'm thinking the same thing!

Spending time with my sea kayak, a little tent, and a couple of paddle buddies in this inspiring location was somehow a pivotal moment for me. A moment, several years ago, when I felt like I really became the BaffinPaddler blogger and a real paddler, not just someone who paddles around. It's interesting how the water and a kayak can help you find where you need to go.

Kayak camping is a great balancing act. You learn to live with less. You learn to appreciate all the everyday luxuries you usually take for granted. You also learn that you packed too much stuff and managed to get it into your kayak! You deserve a medal.

For more information about kayak camping at Newboro Lake and lockstation number 36 on the Rideau Canal system, my next story is up on The Great Waterway, a cool Ontario Tourism website where I'm a regular blogger, if you'd like to check it out.

Kayak camping at Newboro - Let me linger a little longer . . . 

Happy trails!
The BaffinPaddler