Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, water was a way of life. My family spent most of our time outside and loved getting on the water whenever possible. My fondest memories are surrounded by water- camping on the lake, camping on the sound, and boating out at my Uncle’s Beach House.
Being ONE with Nature
I learned how to water ski at the ripe old age of three. My mother was an avid swimmer and water-sports aficionado. She could do the awesome water-ski drop and then ski with just one ski (back before wake-boarding was a thing). My grandfather who was a principal at the local High School would take a week of the school year for activities that the students didn’t normally get to pursue. He would take groups out on his boat, the B’s Hive, and teach them how to take care of a boat and water ski. He never learned how to swim which is a marvel as he was a fabulous water skier.
When he was just a child and his father abandoned his mother and younger siblings a huge forest fire broke out and surrounded their rural farm. He put his family in a row boat and waded out into the middle of a lake as the entire forest was engulfed around them. He couldn’t swim, yet he maintained his composure and saved his family. What a role model to grow up with.
Searching for Jellyfish
Please do not try this at home. As Pacific Northwest natives we knew what we were doing. And YES, I have been stung by one of the dangerous ones and NO peeing on it didn’t make it better. Vinegar was poured on and my entire leg felt like it was on FIRE. Needless to say I ran around like I was on fire for longer than I care to share.
Castle with Moat
You haven’t truly lived until you try to tempt the tide and make your own fortress of solitude.
DO IT.
It’s hilarious fun.
Now that the kids are getting older I want to be able to provide the same opportunities for adventures with nature. I would love to take them boating and honestly, I bet Emma would love to water ski at three, like mom. She is my little spitfire.
Check out this amazing resource for finding boats that fit any family’s needs-
Discover Boating is a national, nonprofit program on behalf of the US recreational boating industry aimed to help people get on the water to experience the fun of boating. For those looking to get their feet wet, Discover Boating is a resource packed with easy, interactive features on all things boating, including a boat selector tool, get on the water tab where you can find rentals, classes and charters, cost comparison tool, renting options, youth boating programs, education courses – even nautical lingo and how-to videos.
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