If you have been following me for awhile, then you know that I am a “water baby” and one of my favorite things in the world is ocean kayaking.
Some people do yoga, some meditate, some jog to find their center ~ to obtain balance in life. I find my center floating in my kayak in the middle of the ocean. I love everything about the water and being on it.
I love gliding through the harbor and looking at all the boats ~ wondering what destinations they have been to…
I love passing by lighthouses…
I love hearing the muted jazz music playing from the catamaran passing by…
I love hearing the faint adrenalin screams from people on the rides as I pass the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk…
I love listening to the seals bark under the pier…
I love watching the surfers catch waves…
I love knowing, that although I cannot always see them, that there is an entire aquatic community thriving beneath me…and I love when the otters and seals are playful and will allow me to float along with them…
I love the sound of splashing water and seagulls, I love the smell of the ocean, but most of all I love the silence. I love the quite peacefulness as I glide through the water and the connection I feel to something greater than myself. It’s a feeling of contentment that nothing else gives me.
And those are just a few of the reasons I love kayaking. Today was a good day!
What do you love to do that helps you find your center?
I love the otters! I could go for this if I lived nearby the water. There is something about water that makes us momentarily sane. My daughter is a true water baby too. I loved these photographs and your descriptions.
Otters are just the cutest things ever! They are so playful and friendly. They were so many of them out there today. I took these pictures with a cheap little waterproof camera we have and I was surprised that they turned out as decent as they did, especially considering I couldn’t even see on the screen what I was shooting.
I love the silence you describe…beautiful and holy…God given and designed…that is why I love living in the isolated country…the incredible silence and the beauty each night when the sun goes down. I love reading about your life in that it is so different than mine…you live with lots of people and yet you are able to find a place of quiet and peace:) I need to check out Kayaking:)
Yes, we each have to find our own way to center ourselves no matter where you live. It’s something you have to find within yourself no matter where you live.
Wow I become quite envious of the serene time you have on the kayak… and then I think about my equivalent of cruising in my vehicle in the outback, looking for the lion or birds to photo.. or for the times we sit quietly at a water hole waiting for nature to happen where we can witness it … and think maybe that quiet you would enjoy as well, those sounds of nature that continually abound around us… the bird songs and antelope calls, and if ones lucky, the roar of lions… although those otter photos are magnificent as well as the yachts passing by.. I love to Hobbie on a 16 footer with my son, anything to do with nature must be better than being cooped up inside… lovely share.. thank you…
I would love to listen for the animals. Africa is my #1 bucket list item! i think it would be an incredible experience.
love the otters so cute, beautiful photos
There is something so cute and playful about them. They are so much fun to watch.
You capture a whole new perspective from the ocean. Beautiful shots. The otters posed nicely for you. They’re awfully cute.
Didn’t they though? I don’t know if that was a mama and her two babies but the two that are together were playing up a storm, making all kinds of noises ~ it was just adorable to watch.
Great photos and commentary!
Thank you, Carissa.
I have never kayaked before, but you definitely make me want to try it! Especially if I get to see some otters, I never pass up a chance to photograph some animals. Lovely photos and descriptions.
That is why I love ocean kayaking over lake kayak, because the sea life you encounter is amazing.
These are all beautiful! I haven’t tried kayaking, but you may just have persuaded me.
It’s definitely something to try.
Sea lions and sea otters!!! Some things the Midwest just doesn’t got. Miss them!
I have to say, I would have a hard time not living by a beach. A lake would be a nice substitute but I would miss the ocean and all it offers too much.
Wonderful series! It’s like I’m there with you
Thank you, Inga.
i couldn’t agree with you more…kayaking is bliss.
Sheer bliss!!
You should write more, more often, Susan.
That’s nice, Sid ~ thank you.
Great Photos – Loving your photos, especially the otters. I usually find my center in nature or getting lost in a great read:)
It’s so nice when you get that down time to enjoy what you love. We all need that balance in life.
I do yoga, but your pictures make me want to try this! Those otters are the cutest
Susan! What a great post. You have to try Stand up paddleboarding with us! It gives me the same joy you described in the article. It’s cool to see Santa Cruz from a different perspective. Xo
Haven’t tried kayaking yet but it looks like a lot of fun! For me, I love being out in nature. Hiking a long trail, tent camping, really anything outdoors!
The sea otters are so cool!