View from the kayak

Kayaking is a big part of Back Roads and Beaches Multi-sport tour. Kayaks can be rented in the southern portion of the BRaB tour at Findley State Park or, in the northern portion, at Great Lakes Kayaking. Yesterday, my family and I rented kayaks at Great Lakes Kayaking and were treated to a unique view and experience in Lake Erie. Great Lakes Kayaking rents double kayaks so my 7 and 8 year olds were able to tag along with the grown-ups and I didn't have to worry about them wearing out.

This proved to be a great way to get some exercise and teach the kids a little about the environment. They especially loved kayaking under the Charles Berry Bascule Bridge where they could look up and see the cars traveling over them. A little further up the river, the kids loved the choppy waters and sailboats that sweep by the lighthouse. We didn't venture out onto the lake but found our little Black River excursion to be enough of a workout.

As seen by the full parking lot at the Port Authority launch ramp, Sunday was a big day for smallmouth bass fishing as well. There was a rather large tournament going on so we shared the river with quite a few bass boats. Lake Erie is especially well-known for awesome walleye, smallmouth bass, steelhead and perch fishing. There are numerous charter boats that can take small groups out for a half day or full day of fishing.

As for kayaking, if you're bringing your own, there are a number of great places to launch for a Lake Erie adventure. Vermilion has a Municipal boat ramp where you can launch your own kayak or canoe. Vermilion is currently working on developing a kayak trail of the Vermilion River. Other good Lake Erie Launching points include the Lorain Port Authority Lakeside Landing and the Black River Wharf Boat Launch (where kayaks can be rented). If you're planning the day around kayaking Lake Erie, just east of the Black River you'll find Spitzer Lakeside Marina and the Jackalope Restaurant. If you leave your kayak at Lakeside Landing, you can take a break and have a bite to eat at Jackalope. Outdoor seating with a view of the marina and Lorain Lighthouse are available.

I can't forget to mention the birding along the Black River! We saw a number of different birds, Great Blue Herons that were busy fishing, Sandhill cranes, Magnolia Warblers and Mallards.

We feel very lucky to have all these awesome natural experiences so close to home. Hopefully the kids have some new memories and a better appreciation of our environment and recreation. And I hope they are inspired, as I am, to continue to explore and protect our natural resources.

Click here for more information on the Back Roads and Beaches Multi-Sport tour of Lorain County/North Central Ohio.