River Island Park - August 13, 2023

The sea kayak trip that I was going to do yesterday got cancelled due to potential wind and thunderstorms. Probably just as well - I was pretty tired anyway. Later in the afternoon, I decided to go down to River Island Park to practice back ferries and back sets in my Yellowstone Solo. Of course just as I put in, the skies opened up and we had about 10-minutes of torrential rail. As I pulled over to take shelter under a tree, I saw this poem painted on a rock.

Sitting on the river banks
To still my heart at ease
And rest with God in thanks
With every passing breeze.

So many thoughts in time
So many questions there
A moments peace of mind
To know that love is there.

A little ways downstream I saw another one in an isolated spot up off the river.

Precious be the heart
You are not alone
With all the love you’ve got
Let your light be shown.

For love is pure as fire
And the flame of love is free
A love so to desire
For all eternity.

The poems are nice with their references to peace and love. The reason they are there is less nice. With access to services nearby, this section of the river has become a magnet for homeless camps. Back in January, the city removed a bunch of camps just downstream from here. I didn’t go down that far, but if I had to guess, I’d bet that they are back. I’ll have to check out the lower section sometime. Probably some nice poems down there as well.

I did some back ferries using a back sweep and cross back stroke. Once you get the angle set is not too hard. I forgot about the reverse J-stroke so  didn't try it. Then I tried some back sets into an eddy. I was able to do it, but I still think that an eddy turn is easier and more reliable.

Eddy Turn and Back Ferry from Erik Eckilson on Vimeo.