Winter Solitude: A New Perspective From Winter Paddling
I dusted off the fresh layer of snow from the hull of my canoe that had accumulated from the night before. A cool, calm, and crisp January afternoon that was calling me for a perfect sunset paddle. Most people, especially those living throughout the north, probably wouldn’t be too eager to jump at a paddle on a river in January, but that is exactly why I do. An unpopular opinion I am sure for many, but paddling in the heart of winter has quickly turned into being one of my favorite times of the year to get on the water.
A quick drive down the road from my house lands me at a nearby open stretch of river for my paddle. It always amazes me the sense of seclusion I receive on the river throughout the winter. Only minutes from my house and making its way through the city and eventually joining with the mighty Mississippi, I have the entire river to myself. As the snow and ice accumulate slowly along the banks of the river, finding a safe and easy put in requires an unexpected portage through the trees to the perfect loading spot downstream. The portage is a welcomed challenge and obstacle to keep me warm as I load my gear into the canoe. After maneuvering carefully down the icy bank and into position in the canoe, the swish of the paddle propels me forward as I make my venture upstream.
In this particular spot, there is a rapid set a few miles upstream that keeps this stretch free of ice. To play it safe, I decided to paddle upstream to avoid any issues that could surface should there be any ice accumulated downstream from the put-in. Luckily, during this time of year, the river is just deep enough for a paddle and holds a relatively lazy current in most sections, allowing for easier travel upriver.
This specific river I have paddled many times before, throughout all seasons, but the winter season holds more significance because it provides new silence, beauty, and perspective to the landscape that surrounds me. From the frigid waters that flow lazily through the maple floodplains, to the icicles and snowflakes, a familiar landscape quickly becomes one of mystery around each new bend.
As humans, we are naturally drawn to exploring places where little to no humans seem to go. Winter paddling allows people to feel this sense of adventure, even in their own backyard. Throughout the few hours I was paddling on the river, the sounds of humans and cities quickly disappeared and the crisp air has a stillness that is interrupted by the occasional flock of geese passing by.
I have noticed with this river in specific, as the colder months approach and more people spend a majority of their time inside, the river comes back to life as the deer, turkeys, eagles, and mink begin to make more regular appearances along its bank ~ undisturbed. Winding my way upstream, I paddle slowly, careful not to make a sound with my paddle as I round each bend in the hopes of getting a glimpse at the natural world, as it should be.
Scattered throughout the river, there are backwaters and eddy’s that provide me with a much-needed rest in their calm water. Without the need to worry about moving upstream or downstream, I get the chance to lean back on the deck plate of the canoe to relax and listen. A brief moment of absolute silence that many of us do not give ourselves on a daily basis because of our busy schedules and life.
In a time, unlike others, with COVID-19 and restrictions put into place where people are allowed and not allowed to travel, there is no better time to get out and explore your local waterways right in your very own backyard, no matter the season. Who knows, you may even find a new perspective for how to enjoy the cold, dark days of winter.
The sign of snow and colder temps has quickly become a calling to me each year as a way to recharge and reconnect with the landscape that is around me. Though my paddle on the water was not long, for that brief time I was alone on the river, there was winter solitude that I am sure will call me back again soon.
