The Concord in a Canoe

Something I've wanted to do almost since we arrived in Massachusetts, is canoe the Concord River to the Old North Bridge. Of course it was out of the question in the winter, and we just weren't able to get to it this spring - until now. Nothing like waiting until the last minute. Richard's friend Darin was in town and made the trip with us. -- It was ABSOLUTELY beautiful! Perfect weather, no bugs, lots of geese and ducks and a few turtles, gorgeous scenery, a handful of lilly pads, stately homes with manicured yards, and only a couple of other boats on the water!

Preparing to board the two canoes. One canoe held Darin, me, Ivy and Tessa. For most of the trip, Richard, McKenna, Cooper and Maia were together in another. They were definitely the loudest! They were slow going at first because of an apparent lack of cooperation, however we could hear them even when we couldn't see them! (We did a trade of the teenager later and then the dad was able to calm down a bit.)

We passed under three of these beautiful stone bridges. So picturesque.
One of the homes on the bank of the River. There were a couple that were to die for (don't know why I didn't snap a picture - oh yea, because I had to paddle some time). I could have moved right into one - the yard was incredible, with lots of fun toys and a darling playhouse!

Most of the bank actually didn't have homes along it. So serene!

The non-cooperative group. Poor Maia was stuck in between the loud ones. She wanted so badly to get in our boat. We couldn't help but laugh at their lack of steering (McKenna and Richard differ in opinion on whose fault that was) but determined they got their money's worth as they mostly zig-zagged across the river as they moved down it, rather than traveling in a straight line.

Darin and Tessa keep us going, as I was mostly taking pictures.

Although Ivy was VERY nervous for the first half hour or so, she calmed down and enjoyed the ride. She even fed the geese! She was cute calling "here ducky, here goose" with her hand stretched out with bits of a granola bar on it.
Taking a break at the Old North Bridge - where the colonists fired the first shots at the British Regulars (killing some) and eventually chasing them back to the harbor.



Press play to see what a hard worker Ivy is. She paddled non-stop for a good 30 minutes. It was in our favor, however, that she is not terribly strong. She was rowing backward the entire time.

All together before heading to the car. Wait - we're not ALL together. The little one is missing. She decided at this moment to be in the "refusal" mode for picture taking. Up until that point she had cooperated with the camera. I can't win them all. As we stood here . . .

. . . Ivy walked away with her arms folded. . .

. . . determined NOT to be in the picture . . .

. . . no matter what. Oh well, maybe tomorrow.