Simple Solutions: Car Identification

I might have mentioned that our bright yellow kayak has been strapped to the top of my van for a few months now so that it is ready in case the stars align, meaning that I’m in front of Lake Superior when the water is calm and my husband is along to retrieve the kayak off the top of the van so that I can head off on the water.  It’s happened a few times.  Not so many, actually, but when it does work out, I’m so glad that kayak is ready to go on top of the car.  It seems that when the kayak isn’t on the car, I encounter calm water all the time, and then have no kayak.

There are a few side  benefits of driving around with a giant yellow kayak on top of a nondescript minivan.  First, if someone needs to follow you to a destination while driving their own vehicle, you are extremely easy to spot in traffic.  Lead the way yellow kayak.

Second, even your youngest children can find your car in a parking lot, and you never wonder where you parked your car when you exit a building.

Third, it is possible less people crash into you because they see you coming.  I don’t know this for sure, but it seems like it makes sense.

Fourth, it gives your older children something to roll their eyes about when you pick them up from any event or activity.

Speaking of kayaks, we went up the North Shore this weekend to go on our longest hike ever on the Split Rock River loop.  It was gorgeous, and I loved it.  The hike was long, even though we took a short cut, but stunningly beautiful.  The youngest kidlets did the best because they are much more optimistic about hiking and look at adventure in the face and then jump in.  There was considerable drama from the eldest kidlets, but we won’t dwell on that this fine fall day.   After the long hike (it was four miles but felt like 20, seriously), my tired husband generously drove to one of my favorite beaches, located in Split Rock State Park.  Since my kayak was adhered to the top of the van, I had the opportunity to paddle around the base of the lighthouse, which is probably my very favorite places to kayak.  I love the medium sized sea caves in the cliff wall.  I love the sheer immensity of the cliffs.  They look so, so high from the waterline right underneath.  I love the giant boulders that stretch down deep into the clear water.  It is such an interesting place to explore.  It kind of makes me giddy for fresh air.

Side note, The Banana and Mr. TOF took absolute delight in the opportunity to poke their heads out the moonroof on the van while we were waiting for YaYa at her piano lesson.  Pure joy.