Welcome back to our eleventh consecutive year of Kayaking for Cancer!

Like every other year, 9 am came early after the infamous "Merrickville Night". It was only a late night for a select few, and those who chose to crash early were awake for a delicious hot breakfast at Main Street Restaurant.

For the first time in ten years, we missed the lock down resulting in a portage down three locks.....stairs, streets and headaches. Needless to say the morning was a little rough. Paddling was slow and the chit chat was kept to a minimum heading to Burritts.

We arrived at lunch around noon, to a much needed hot and delicious soup by Nicki. This took some of the chill off as the weather got cooler and the rain drops fell.

Leaving Burritts Rapids we knew it would be a long afternoon ahead of us.....four hours and counting. It was great to see the Pirate Cove Marina sign, with the wind at our back we arrived at six.

Many familiar faces greeted us upon our arrival. The weather was chilly and for some, close to home, so the tents were looking sparse. Nicki's delicious home made lasagna and Laurie Brenno's amazing salad was more than satisfying for our hungry stomachs.

A huge thank you goes out to Nadine Pickard from "Back in Motion", who provided us kayakers with exceptional massages. Not long after dinner, the bonfire was lit and the remaining few gathered around. It was an early night playing catch up from "Merrickville Night" festivities. On to Manotick tomorrow. Wow.....It's already Friday!

Kayleigh