We have a new toy, and I’m just loving it.
The cool thing about our new kayak is that it’s inflatable, which means we can fold it up and put in the camper. And it’s a cinch to blow up. Check it out:
Nifty, eh?
We tested it out at Rainy Lake, a lovely little jewel of a mountain lake in the Seeley-Swan Valley. Rainy Lake (and isn’t that just a perfect name for a lake?) is a loon nesting area, and I was hoping we’d see a loon carrying a baby on its back. Mainly though, we were just happy to spend some hours on the lake, playing with our new toy.
We watched a heron fishing along the shore, and were watched by a bald eagle from his perch.
A couple of loons were calling to each other at the east end of the lake. We got as close as we could without disturbing them, and – success! – one of them had a baby on her back! The photos I got were from pretty far away, so they’re pretty fuzzy, but still…such a grand sight. Can you see the little baby on her back?
Off the Beaten Path: Hikes, Backpacks, and Travels 
These are wonderful photos, Cindy. Yes, the inflatable kayak is nifty, and the eagle and heron are gorgeous–but the baby loon on mother’s back is truly endearing.
Hard not to love that little loon, that’s for sure! Thanks.
Nice kayak!
🙂
Yes, really nifty.
🙂
Wow, great. We are definitely getting one of these.
You should. This brand (Innova) seems like a good one.
Who manufactures these kayaks?
It’s made by Innova – an Innova Swing II.
Thanks! I’ll check it out.
Cool boat, I can see where these would be very handy for running rivers too.
Yes, that’s the plan as well. I wanted to be sure we could manage on flat water first!
What a great toy!
It sure is! It continues to be fun.
Absolutely love the baby loon pics. And a very cool kayak!
Thanks!
A beautiful area makes for great photos. My husband and I have talked about getting an inflatable kayak. Nice to see someone who has one.
I’d recommend it, for sure! Thanks for the visit.
What spectacular scenery. So gorgeous. I’ve never been out West so I truly appreciate your taking us there via your stunning images.
We have a Rainy Lake in northern Minnesota. I expect more than a loon or five calls that lake home, too.
Someday we’ll bring the kayak to Minnesota, for sure. I just want to time it so that the mosquitoes aren’t as big as the loons! Thanks.