My good friend and fellow author, S. W. Frontz, and I took our first kayaking adventure a couple of weeks ago, right here in Virginia Beach. We drove down to Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and got on a tram which took us down into False Cape State Park. There only a few ways of getting to False Cape: by hiking the four miles, bicycling, kayaking, or taking the tram and other vehicles that only the park can use to get here; no other vehicles are allowed. Once we got to False Cape, we were given canoes, paddles, and life vests and helped into the water. It took a few minutes for me to get the hang of paddling (and not being scared of tipping over the kayak), but once I did, it was wonderful. It was so peaceful out there on the water. We learned a lot about the animals and plant life, too. I even ate the petal of a hibiscus flower that our guide said was edible in three ways - the petals (which tasted like lettuce to me), the roots (used to make marshmallow), and also the bulb below the flower, which she said was like eating okra. We learned a lot, met some nice people, and enjoyed the peacefulness of being out in nature. We also saw a beautiful sunset! It was a great experience, and I can't wait to go again.
