A recent life lesson we’ve hopefully learned and will not repeat is that when you want to go kayaking early in the season, you might just have to suck it up and not go. In this instance, my sister-in-law and I really wanted to go kayaking, so we kept trying even though there were many signs that perhaps it wasn’t the best idea.

Like when we tried launching the kayaks as we were sinking into the mud. Or, when she fell into the mud and was literally stuck. Or, when I was sitting in the kayak for an extended period of time just trying to get to deep enough water so that I could actually paddle. I was scooching back and forth and trying to use my paddle to push off to no avail. Or, when she carried her kayak down the dock and then had to figure out how to get herself and the kayak 10 feet below the dock to the water - with no ladder. Perhaps there was a reason no one else was kayaking?…

But nope, we didn’t let any of these signs deter us. We were determined to go kayaking. While we were ultimately successful and we enjoyed our time on the water, hopefully we will think twice before trying to brave the mud at low tide in the future. And, just to be sure we would remember it was a bad idea, I managed to lose one of my husband’s Crocs in the process. The mud would not relinquish it. 

We were sure some of the neighbors would come out to thank us for the entertainment we provided. I’m sure anyone who witnessed our misadventure was rolling with laughter. Nevertheless, it was a fun bonding experience for us. A tale we’re sure our kids will be telling their kids someday. Maybe my great nephew will even discover a buried “Croc” treasure someday. And, in the end, my husband received a nice new pair of Crocs as a surprise gift from my sister-in-law, so good, fun memories all around.