NOTHING TO CARRY

WHY CAMPING BY KAYAK CAN PROVIDE A GOOD ALTERNATIVE TO BACKPACKING

- STEVEN PAUL BARLOW

If you're looking to try something a bit different on your next camping trip, I would recommend a paddle camping outing, specifically by kayak.

When our kids were young, my wife and I used to load up the family and head to one of our favorite destinations: Raquette Lake in New York State's Adirondack region. There we'd paddle out to Big Island and stay in one of the lean-to's that were available for free on a first-come basis. All it cost was the food we brought and the gas to get there. That was a big consideration for a growing family on a budget.

Because we had the three boys (our daughter wasn't born yet), we had to use a two-person kayak and a canoe in order to carry everyone and all of our gear. It was a short paddle from the boat launch at Raquette Lake to the island, so the kids really didn't have a chance to get bored.

It was very private and a very different experience than staying in a campground. It was always a great adventure for everyone in the family. We fished, did some sightseeing as we toured the lake, cooked great meals, and, as with parents on most campouts, got very little sleep. But we made some great memories.

I have a well-worn brochure squirreled away somewhere that details a multi-day paddle trip that takes you through several Adirondack lakes, including Raquette Lake. Now that the kids are grown, I'm going to make that trip someday soon. But I'll opt for a single-person kayak for that adventure.

BIG ADVANTAGES

There are many advantages to traveling by kayak on a paddle camping trip. Here are my top 10: