Kayaking the Cannon River followed by socializing

Memorial Day is the official kick off to summer so what better way to kick off summer than by kayaking on the Cannon River?! Predicted high for the day is 75 degrees :)

The Cannon River is an easy river to paddle and it works well for new kayakers. It is a very scenic river with bluffs on the sides of the river, glimpses of the Cannon Valley Bike Trail, lots of birds and Bald Eagles. The paddle will be 11.5 - 12 miles long and will take about 3.5 hours to paddle. We will meet in Cannon Falls and paddle to Welch Mill. The landing at Welch Mill is an easy take out as compared to some other take outs on the water.

Notes about the event:

1. We'll meet in Cannon Falls and drop off the kayaks (for those that own the kayak). Then we will shuttle all of the cars down to Welch and all but 1 or 2 vehicles will drive back to Cannon Falls where we will start the paddle. We'll start the paddle shortly after Noon.
2. The take out at Welch Mill is $5 if you have your own kayak. If you rent from them, the take out fee is included in the rental.
3. We can stop about 1/2 way for a snack, or just to get out of the kayak & stretch.
4. If you have your own kayak, a personal floatation device (PFD) is required to be in your boat, per state law. It is your choice to wear it. You will not be allowed to go without a PFD.
5. Beverages (alcohol or not) can be consumed on the water. However, there will be no littering in the river.
6. Bring sunscreen as desired.

As with any summer event, weather can change plans. We will not paddle if there are active thunderstorms in the area. Cannon Falls is further south than Mpls so I'll be checking the weather for that area and will cancel an hour before, if needed.

Rentals: Welch Mill & tubing does rent kayaks. The cost is $55. They will shuttle you from Welch Mill to Cannon Falls. Please call a day or two ahead to ensure they have a kayak available. The time to be in Cannon Falls is Noon.
Cannon Falls Canoe & Bike Rental also rents kayaks. Their exit point is 8 miles into the paddle and is at a different take out location. If you choose to do this, the rental is $50 + tax.

After the event, we can socialize at Cannon River Winery (2 blocks from the put in site) and order pizza of carry out from a local establishment. Or, if the group chooses, we can go to House of Coates for burgers or Bar & Gill type food.

Space is limited on a kayak trip. Please keep your RSVP up to date. People that have a history of no-showing an event will be moved to the waitlist if others are on the waitlist. To bring a guest, please contact me to adjust your guest count.

Hope to see you on the water!