A gorgeous fall day is a great time for kayaking (Occoquan: rating, best)

[Caladium]

Originally Posted by GreenGene

The Occoquan River is a great place to kayak. My wife and I got our kayaks in July, and one of our favorite places to go is Fountainhead Regional Park (http://www.nvrpa.org/parks/fountainhead/ - broken link) (Fairfax County).

I've always like Fountainhead, and even more so since you posted your photos. Lots of birds and wildlife there.

BTW, if you want something fun to watch check out the skulling races at nearby Sandy Run park.

[SteelCityRising]

Originally Posted by normie

Sounds like you found a good deal. If you want to try kayaking on the river next spring, the best deal may be at Riverbend Park. You have to take a class first (which costs about $35 and includes a guided river tour). Then, once they know that you know the basics rentals are $15 for 2-3 hours. Riverbend includes riffles, islands, coves, and interesting landmark on the MD side, and lots of nesting birds. But the season is coming to a close there (which is a shame because some of the best kayaking is in October and November, IMO).

I was actually already on the Potomac last Saturday for the first time, Normie. A few friends and I rented kayaks from the Thompson Boat Center in Georgetown and paddled up above the Key Bridge. One of my male companions, feeling adventurous, dove into the water, so we just sort of parked ourselves for a while, soaking up the sun, and enjoying the camaraderies from all of the other boats around us. My allergies are horrific again today or else I'd head back here again to paddle further upriver.

[normie]

Originally Posted by RestonRunner86

I was actually already on the Potomac last Saturday for the first time, Normie. A few friends and I rented kayaks from the Thompson Boat Center in Georgetown and paddled up above the Key Bridge. One of my male companions, feeling adventurous, dove into the water, so we just sort of parked ourselves for a while, soaking up the sun, and enjoying the camaraderies from all of the other boats around us. My allergies are horrific again today or else I'd head back here again to paddle further upriver.

Sounds like a fun time. Someday, you should also try the areas upriver, away from DC. They have more rocks, riffles, rapids, and wildlife (especially if you go very early in the morning). A good place to start is Riverbend, where the riffles are easy-mildly moderate.

BTW, I'm really glad you had fun but diving into the water from a kayak is not smart.

[normie]

BTW, a tip of the hat to Hurricane Earl for giving us this most gorgeous holiday weekend.

[SteelCityRising]

Originally Posted by normie

BTW, I'm really glad you had fun but diving into the water from a kayak is not smart.

Meh. I wasn't exactly in the presence of the "smartest" company. LOL!

[quiet walker]

Originally Posted by RestonRunner86

I was actually already on the Potomac last Saturday for the first time, Normie. A few friends and I rented kayaks from the Thompson Boat Center in Georgetown and paddled up above the Key Bridge ...

I don't have a kayak but a 1970's 16' Old Town Royalex canoe. No keel and low gunnels so it's pretty maneuverable. Weighs 65lbs so it's easy for one to handle, it's a neat boat I like to launch at Thompson's and go upstream to Chain Bridge which traverses a choke point in the river. Because of the narrow space, the water is moving at very high speed. The first time I did this I got to the bridge and was really digging into the water with a wide beaver tail paddle, rapid, deep strong strokes and was haulin' a*s with regards to the water. But then looked up and saw a puzzled fisherman about twenty feet away on the shore. He was watching my heavy efforts and with regards to him I was not moving

One of the most important canoe lessons I learned is always go upstream first Like others here I enjoy Bull Run Marina and Fountainhead Park. The Occoquan is not so swift here so one can enjoy a round trip from either place. And I have charmed more than a few gals by packing a gourmet lunch and taking them for a cruise from Burke Lake's marina along the shoreline and around the island in the middle of the lake. Great place!!

[Caladium]

Originally Posted by quiet walker

And I have charmed more than a few gals by packing a gourmet lunch and taking them for a cruise from Burke Lake's marina along the shoreline and around the island in the middle of the lake. Great place!!

LOL, that was one of the first things my dh did back when we were first going out and you're absolutely right--it's a surprisingly effective way to charm a date. (Worked on me, anyway. )

And here's the killer touch--put a bud vase and a single rose into the cup holder. Ridiculous? Yes. Goofy? You bet. And 100% charming.

[seiketsu]

Originally Posted by normie

BTW, a tip of the hat to Hurricane Earl for giving us this most gorgeous holiday weekend.

No kayak but I loved this weekend. Dog and I took did about five miles on several walks each day. If this weather keeps up, I might lose some of the "3 scoops for $3" Ben & Jerry's weight I gained over the summer .

[Caladium]

Originally Posted by seiketsu

No kayak but I loved this weekend. Dog and I took did about five miles on several walks each day.

Where did you walk? I love walking this time of year and I'm looking for some new places to try.

[Caladium]

By the way, if you're interested in buying kayak equipment Eastern Mountain Sports has a huge sale right around this time of year. They sell off all the kayaking equipment they used in tours and demos the year before. You can get some incredible deals.