Recreation Report: Kayaking
Paddles up! Last Saturday morning was absolutely beautiful. It was one of those mornings that calls for an outdoor adventure. It was a little balmy, so anything water related would be the ideal choice. After some research, I quickly found out that Belle Haven Marina offers kayak and boat rentals along the Potomac. A local outdoor adventure? Now that floats my boat (yes, I went there.) 
Belle Haven Marina, located just South of historic Old Town Alexandria, is a quaint, scenic marina owned by the National Park Service and operated by Belle Haven Marina Inc. Sailors in the Washington, D.C. area have enjoyed sailing at Belle Haven Marina since 1977. You can rent a boat, canoe, kayak, or SUP. Their rates are completely reasonable for just $30 for 2 hours and $45 for 4 hours. 
In about ten minutes, I was pushing off the shore, in my life jacket, with my paddles up. I didn’t really know what to expect. To say I’m an experienced kayaker would make just about anyone laugh, but I was relaxed as soon as I got out on the water. Other fellow kayakers were of all ages. Fisherman trolling for bass, friends enjoying a leisurely paddle, even families with dogs lounging in their kayaks (like really cute dogs with tiny life jackets.. I repeat Tiny. Life. Jackets.) It took about two minutes to be totally calm, without a worry in the world. Before I knew it, I was cruising and my heart was singing, Just Around the Riverbend. 
To say you’re immediately in another world is an understatement. It’s like a mini-vacation from the everyday hustle and bustle. The breeze oddly silences everything around you and the soothing rhythm of paddling is almost like a moving meditation. You also get to be feet away from incredible wetland wildlife that you would normally never have access to. I ended up paddling down a variety of serene tidal marshes, including the Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve. Another great perk? Once you’re back on dry land, The Custard Shack is just half a mile away from the marina. Nothing beats a little ice cream after working up an appetite.