Summer Send-Off and Symbolic Fire

Fish, kayak, eat, play games, bring a kite - Let's send off Summer and usher in Fall with a day of fun!

I planned to host a last paddle of 2014 and then I thought, wait a minute, what about kayaking right in my backyard on Bledsoe Creek? And then I thought, that'll work up an appetite and wouldn't a big pot of steaming chili and all the fixin's hit the spot?

And then I thought, wouldn't a big bonfire afterwards surrounded by paddlers of all ages and experience be a perfect way to end the summer?

Yes.

You are invited to spend a relaxing afternoon and evening sending off summer paddler-style. Bring your boat or borrow one of mine. Want to fish? I've got a couple poles or bring your own rod and tackle. I'll provide the chili with all the things you might want to add - cheese, onions, macaroni, crackers. You bring chips and dip, fruit tray or dessert.

Children are welcome. Please, no dogs. Dakota and Ziggy think they own the place. :)

I've got a lawn game. If you've got Corn Hole, bring it on!

What is a symbolic fire? At each lesson, I asked every one of you, "What do you want to get out of today's lesson?" The answers ranged from, "I want to look like I know what I'm doing when I'm out with a group," to, "I want to know what to do when my boat flips," to, "It was on my bucket list."

During our evening together, I will initially light the fire. At that point, it will not be a very big fire. It is the wood you bring to add to the fire that represents your joining the community of paddlers. Even if you haven't yet taken a lesson, you have already shown interest in kayaking simply by joining the group. RSVP "Yes," bring some wood creating a bonfire of gratitude and unity representing what we all have in common: We are water people.