Before Little Buddy was born, we would rent a canoe and go fishing and floating at least a couple times each summer. Since babies and canoes don’t exactly go together, it has been a few years since we have been able to enjoy this activity.
The other day, we had childcare and a free day, so we decided to take a trip down memory lane and rent a canoe for a five-mile trip. It was sunny and about 90 degrees, so just about perfect weather. We made peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, grabbed sunscreen and water, and headed to the river.
The trip took about three hours, and I’m proud to say that I paddled most of it. Mr. Handsome hadn’t been fishing in months, so I let him sit in the back with his pole while I guided the way.
There were a few points where I may or may not have let out a few screams and begged Mr. Handsome to grab his paddle to help me avoid hitting a rock. Thankfully, we never did tip the canoe, although there were times when I felt like we definitely would, like when my husband decided to hang both legs over one side. I quickly requested that he not do that.
The scenery was beautiful, but the best part of the trip was spending time just the two of us. We adore our son, and we both look forward to the day when he is old enough to canoe with us, but sometimes it’s good to just be alone and do an activity together.
After canoeing, we cleaned up at home and were able to extend our date day with dinner at a nice restaurant.
Kris W.
Sounds like a fun day and nice the two of you could spend some time together. That’s really important and not always easy when you become parents. Glad you had that opportunity to do a fun activity that you used to enjoy!
Anonymous
Not something I’d ever do. I had a family member who drowned in a boating accident and someone else we knew who died while kayaking. I’ll stay on land and look at water, but won’t go on it or in it.
Ellie
Oh my! That’s very sad. I’m sorry to hear that.
Anonymous
No life jacket?!
Ellie
As per Tennessee law, we each had one readily available. The water was also very low that day. In most spots, I could easily have stood up if we had capsized.
Anonymous
These are the types of comments that drive me CRAZY!!!! Unless you are a member of the TN Wildlife Resource Agency it is absolutely none of your business if they were wearing life jackets or not. Ellie, I don’t know how you put up with so many rude people.
Anonymous
When my son was 2 my brother,my husband and I and our son. were on my husband’s fishing boat. A speedboat went by and capsize our boat. My son was wearing a life jacket and we were all hanging onto the upside down boat. The speedboat never return to help, a larger boat stopped and took us to shore. We lost some nice fishing gear that day but we were all okay. Ellie and Mr. Handsome, thanks for sharing your life.
B
Sounds like fun.
When I was 6 years old me and my family went on a boat trip for 2 weeks. The people who own the boat had life jackets on the boat for us just incase.
Anonymous
I’m not sure why babies or little children can’t go out in a canoe. My mom took me out in my grandparents canoe when I was one, and I loved it. I would even sit still in it when it was tied up at the dock. My ex-husband and I took my son out on the sailboat when he was three. He knew he had to sit still. It’s never to early to teach children how to act and behave on a boat!
Jen
We love canoeing! My husband and I and two of his brothers took a canoeing trip last summer on the Raquette River in the Adirondacks. It was amazing! We camped at really rustic spots along the way (hello no bathrooms or showers!), sleeping in hammocks and doing dinner really late. But the scenery and fishing made up for it! It took about 4 days and some of it was tough going, but it was awesome too! So much beauty in the mountains.
Ellie
That sounds like a fun adventure! But I bet you were ready for a warm shower when it was all over. LOL
Regina
Ellie that sounds like fun. I wish I were brave enough to go canoeing.
Eileen
This is wonderful Ellie! What a nice day of reconnection for you and Mr H. You have to make room for these special times.
It looks so peaceful and relaxing in the pic. Thank you for continuing to share. I love being on the water like this. My husband always says being on the water brings a special kind of joy.
Iris
You both are always so creative with dates and fun outings! That’s so healthy for your marriage and your child!
Tiffany
Looks like fun! We had a canoe a few years ago and took our boys with us . They both did well. They were older than your son though and we all had life jackets on.
Now we have a jet ski and two kayaks . My boys are old enough to use them with a parent close by . Since I am smaller I fit my 4 year old with me and she does very well.
It sounds like y’all had a good time and glad y’all could go without having to worry about having a young one on the water .
Ellie
How fun to have a jet ski and kayaks! Those are memories that your kids will cherish for years to come.
Anonymous
I’ve never been in a canoe or kayak, and it does look like fun! I’ve fallen out of a fishing boat before. Next month, my daughters are taking me to the beach for my birthday, and they have reservations for a dolphin excursion. I am so excited! I’m glad ya’ll had a good time. It’s so important to make time for yourselves.
Ellie
We just heard from someone who went on a dolphin excursion, and they loved it. Have so much fun!
Elizabeth
Such a fun date idea! Glad you were able to get out on the water! Great photo too!