Every morning we get the opportunity to see a sunrise. Some of us (meaning me,) wake up one day either for work or life in general and realize we’ve missed hundreds of them. Hundreds! Once you see the beauty that happens naturally, watch the colours that flood the sky, it really is an experience that can change you. You may wonder why you’ve wasted all those mornings. Or, you may focus on how you can make the most of the ones ahead of you. And for me, a sunrise paddle on the Grand River has been the best way to date.
Granted, there are some reading this article who self-identify as “not a morning person.” Fair enough. I too dabble in the fine art of sleeping in. For those, I would simply regard this as a kayaking post, or river experience in general. Regardless of the time of day, it’s never a bad time to be out on the Grand, kayaking, fishing, or just floating along. But, on the rare occasion the weather report indicates there won’t be a cloud in the sky and I’m on the brink of a beautiful summer day off, a plan to catch the sunrise while sitting out there peacefully is always good. Whether I capture the beauty and stillness I experience enough to intrigue you to do the same remains to be seen!
First off, no kayak? No problem! I rent at Chiefswood Park for a very reasonable rate. During summer hours, the Park is open early enough and booking is as easy as making a call at least a day in advance. They provide the vessel, paddle, and life jacket, and their launch is safe and relatively free of traffic at that time of day except for the odd person out to fish. For the most part, you and maybe a paddle partner if you so choose, are the only ones around.
Getting out on the Grand River in the early morning you’ll see the morning light on the extremely gentle current going by, hear birds waking up, and maybe feel a slight wind, if any. Traffic in the area is also light at dawn and much of what crosses the Chiefswood Rd. bridge (west of the launch) and travels Hwy. 54 (adjacent to the river,) is muffled. Depending on the forecast, you’ll have at least an hour of ideal morning sunrise paddle time to experience for yourself.
As you set out to the east, the Six Nations community will be on the bank to your right and the tiny village of Middleport on the left. Varying times of launch will determine at what position and time the sun begins to shine over the horizon and the river. If you’re anything like me, you’ll position the bow of your kayak directly toward the point at which the sunrise will hit you full-on. There’s just something about that experience I enjoy the most. And if the river is calm, the requirement to paddle or “steer” your kayak is so minimal, you’re then able to fully absorb what’s happening in front of you.
Take a few deep breaths, really listen to the sounds around you. You may even see the odd fish jump, honestly! And, all of that together with this big beam of beautiful light that shines out on you like you’re the only one witnessing it, combines to create such a warm feeling. It’s like anything is possible for you in that moment and that day ahead!
After the amazing sense of peace I feel from a sunrise paddle, I’ll circle back toward the launch at Chiefswood Park. There’s no rush, and I’ll sometimes spot blue herons, the odd hawk, ducks, and geese. A little boat traffic typically starts up at this time of day and they respect my slow pace and need for as little wake as possible. They too are usually out to get a good start fishing before the sun gets too high and hot. And, in between their use of the launch, I manoeuvre back and pull the kayak out without disrupting trailers and boaters.
With that, I’ve just experienced the Grand River coming to life. The day’s frequency has been set with that paddle and sunrise, and it almost feels like I achieved something, and the feeling goes with me throughout the day. That’s been my experience at least. No need to rush. Just float through the rest of it having seen the best of it first thing in the morning! It’s a level of optimism I hadn’t yet felt prior to my first sunrise paddle. And, each one since has been just as inspiring.
If you’re interested in experiencing this same “magic,” try a sunrise paddle on the Grand River. Once you’re out there for yourself, you’ll understand. It may even be the start of new kayaking adventures for you at different launch points and take-outs along the way. Enjoy, and hope to see you out on the water!
Uncommonly Grand 