Cd'A Canoe, Kayak Club returns

COEUR d'ALENE - They're back. With the return of summer-like weather comes the return of the Coeur d'Alene Canoe and Kayak Club. So on a sunny, almost windless evening highlighted by blue skies, members pushed from the shore of Fernan Lake for their first "Thursday Night Paddle" of the year, leaving nothing but small wakes behind.

COEUR d'ALENE - They're back.

With the return of summer-like weather comes the return of the Coeur d'Alene Canoe and Kayak Club. So on a sunny, almost windless evening highlighted by blue skies, members pushed from the shore of Fernan Lake for their first "Thursday Night Paddle" of the year, leaving nothing but small wakes behind.

It's just an easy, casual trip to relax, enjoy the scenery, see some wildlife and visit with others in the group. It's also a time to treasure life in North Idaho.

"I love this time of year," said member Marcia Jimenez as she waited to head out on her bright red kayak. "It's wonderful to get back out on the water with everyone and just enjoy days like this."

The nonprofit started in the fall of 2005 with just a few people sitting around a coffee table discussing the need for such a group to explore waterways from the comfy confines of a canoe or kayak.

Today, they meet weekly on Thursday nights for a local outing to Fernan, Mineral Ridge or Boothe's Park. They also take overnight, weekend trips to places like Bowman Lake in Glacier National Park, Bartoo Island at Priest Lake, or longer treks to Canada.

The idea is simply for members to "explore the region's numerous scenic waterways, learn new skills and share experiences."

"It's just a great way to get out and unwind and see some beautiful places," Jimenez said.

Anyone is welcome to join the club, and check out a Thursday night paddle.

If you go

The Coeur d'Alene Canoe & Kayak Club's Thursday paddle will be at 5:30 tonight at the North Idaho College beach. Learn basic paddle safety. Non-members welcome. Information: www.cdacanoekayakclub.org