Nice and peaceful
PORTERSVILLE — Peacefulness can be found at Moraine State Park.
“You're just out there on a gorgeous day like this, and you're floating, looking at everything on the lake and the sky and the birds,” said Lynne Davis, a Grove City resident. “It's just so peaceful.”
Seven people from the Evans City Senior Center and other area senior centers kayaked last week on Lake Arthur within Moraine State Park, 225 Pleasant Valley Road.
“It's so neat the senior center offers this for us,” said Davis, who has attended the kayaking trip for three years. “It's beautiful.”
My unexpected adventure
Little did this Texan know I would go on a most unexpected adventure as I hit the water along with the seniors at the invitation to use an extra kayak.
Ill-prepared does not describe my lack of sunscreen, short sleeve, denim button-down blouse, black jeans and white Vans shoes.
After the safety rundown, I was warned my white shoes would be ruined. I took my socks off and tucked them into my pocket.
Dry socks can save soaked shoes.
The sun looked down on a cluster of red, blue and yellow kayaks making their way across the lake.
Paddle, push. Paddle, push and coast.
Lightning blue dragonflies darted across the water, birds dashed across the sky and the intense green trees blew in the summer breeze.
Water droplets cooled the sun's intense rays that burned into my dark jeans as my paddle splashed left, right then back again.The excitement that passed through my veins flowed faster as I paddled faster and faster.By the time we made our way back, my arms were ready to give out.I could not call myself a kayaker until I stood on the shore in my sockless shoes.Getting outdoorsDorothy Weisberg, Evans City Senior Center manager, who brings three kayaks of her own, has kayaked for 10 years and describes herself as an outdoor person.For the past five years, Weisberg has offered the excursion to members of her senior center and other centers.Outdoor activities give seniors the chance to experience something new, she said.“They can get out and see a bald eagle's nest, get out and do a wildflower walk,” she said. “It'd be healthy for anybody's life.”Weisberg said she hopes to share her love of the outdoors.Adaptive equipment, including specialized hand grips and lightweight paddles, made the excursion easier for the seniors, said Natalie Simon, environmental education specialist with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources at Moraine State Park.The most important rule is to wear a life jacket with the proper fit, Simon said.“It's supposed to be tight enough that it doesn't come off,” Simon said. “It's supposed to be snug.”On kayak trips, Simon shares facts about the lake and its environmental issues with the seniors, she said.“It gets them to enjoy what they see and appreciate it,” she said.Simon said her advice to seniors who kayak is to wear sun protection, drink plenty of water, always have a buddy on the water and know and work within their limits.“Be aware of the weather and where you're going,” she said. “Know your route.”Prospect resident Gary Rettig returned a second year because of his enjoyment of being on the water.“That fresh smell of the water,” said Rettig, with the Evans City senior center, as he took a breath. “It was nice, quiet.”Davis said going with a group is what makes the experience fun.“You have people to talk to, the DCNR who tells you about the things you're seeing and safety in numbers,” she said.My parting thoughtsBack on shore, victory shone on my face more than the rays of the afternoon sun.Two sunburnt forearms justified the cost of the first-time experience, priceless thrill and forever memory.I lived.
Always wear a life jacketKnow your limitsCarry the paddling essentialsPlan for changing weather conditionsTake a paddling classDress for immersionTell a friendMake yourself seenSOURCE: Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
