Canoeing on Cheat Lake

Labor Day weekend is always an excellent opportunity to get out and do some fun outdoor activities. Friday before the extended weekend came and I still did not know what I wanted to do. Then, an opportunity presented itself instigated by my friend Brian. He expressed an interest in boating that Friday evening and had to go to the rec center here on campus to get a dry bag.

So then it occured to us, what if we were to rent a canoe? Hannes and myself were able to rent this canoe for only $17.50 for 3 full days including PFDs, paddles and a dry bag- I don't care who or where you are, that is a deal! This was actually the price for a full day, but since we rented on Friday and Monday was a holiday, we had no choice but to keep the gear until Tuesday (-:

I was able to make it out 3 of the 4 days we had the canoe, mostly on Cheat Lake. After grabbing the canoe from the rec center and a quick pit stop at home to grab some food and beers, we joined up with Brian (he was in his own whitewater kayak). I took the back of the canoe because of my canoeing experience and Madison and Hannes took turns being in the middle or front. Sometimes the paddling was hard because motor boats would fly by and nearly tip us over! Eventually we came across a pretty serious logging operation, so naturally we stop to take a closer look. With 2 foresters, one wood technology scientist from Austria and a wildlife guy of course we were curious!

We had a nice mellow dinner there and then got back to the put-in just in time for dark, great timing! However, upon returning to the cars, a woman who apparently owns the property we were parked on stopped by in her Jeep. Some sharp/rude words were thrown at us as well as threat to tow the next time we park there, pretty mean woman I'd say!

Other than a moment of discontent (and perhaps excessive motor boat traffic), the float trip was an ultimate success and we looked forward to paddling more whilst we had the canoe!