There are kayak people and there are canoe people. My wife, Ann and I have often cast lustful eyes upon the beautiful kayaks here on North Island but we have never quite graduated permanently to this slim little vessel with the hole in the top. Although we have tried kayaks and enjoyed them, the canoe has positioned itself as “first” in our lives years ago.

I rode in a canoe almost before I could walk, paddled along by my trapper father before the days of the outboard motor; while Ann’s first canoeing experience came at twelve when her parents started a tourist resort. One of our first dates together was canoeing and fishing and when we were married, was it going to be a new chesterfield or a canoe? The chesterfield would have had to wait had it not been for a gift of a canoe from Ann’s father. The red canoe, made of fibreglass, is the one in the painting. Now, over fifty years old, it is still in use and a family heirloom!

This painting with a canoe is of Atluk Lake, a North Island jewel that is the favourite of many campers. With a great beach that has plenty of room for tents and RV’s, it can be reached from the Zeballos road in just a few short kilometres. With Pinder Peak looming overhead, this cool, clear gem has countless spectacular views with some impressive waterfalls coming off the mountain.

I’ve spent many happy hours painting this lake, often without a boat of any kind. There are some great views from the logging road that runs along the side of it, views that give you a really good look at Pinder and its accompanying range. There are turnouts and parking places along this route but you have to keep a sharp eye out for them.

I must admit we had a glorious evening at Atluk Lake last summer with some friends, who prefers kayaks and had an extra one to lend us. We did the whole nine yards, picnic lunch and all; and I learned that a water fight with another kayak is less invasive than one in a canoe.

To sum up: whether it’s a canoe or a kayak, getting out there with only the sound of your paddle and the cry of the loons is a great stress reliever. It should be on your “To Do” list very near the top!
Oops, I forgot to mention fishing!