Our friends Tim and Debbie joined us for an afternoon paddle on Union Bay. They'd just completed a five-mile walk up in Seattle as part of a fund-raiser for Multiple Sclerosis, and thought they'd try some canoeing to complete their afternoon. We met them at the University of Washington Water Activities Center, where they rented a canoe. 
Tim's brother gave a few parting suggestions, and all of us were on our way. Ambitious canoers can explore Union Bay, the Montlake Cut, Lake Washington, and the waterways and inlets at the Arboretum from this location. 
Tim and Debbie were all smiles as they steadied their craft and paddled out of the activity center, with George coaching them as they pulled out into deeper water. (For enlargement, click on photo.)We've done this paddle several times, with other members of our family. It has areas of sheltered water, emergency rescue boats at the ready, and the comfort of other kayakers and boat enthusiasts. We decided to stay close to the shoreline until we could get a feel for the water.
The sky looks very foreboding here, with a dark grey cloud looming overhead. I sure was wondering if it was going to obscure the sunshine and bring on the chilly cool temperatures we'd had earlier in the day. 
As long as the sun was shining, the air was warm, and the air quite invigorating. Tim and Debbie paddled along the wet-lands, then out into open water. It was enjoyable listening to them discuss their paddling techniques, and noticing things along the way. One thing George and I both noticed were the grins that stayed on their faces most of the trip. They were having a good time! Everything looked easy enough, and as long as there was no wind we were all in good shape.
At one point we crossed an open channel, then paddled around Marsh Island and Foster Island. These were islands that George and I hiked last March on Naw Ruz with Rahmat and Taraz. We took a delightful watercourse through the Arboretum, where we met a number of other kayakers and canoers, many of whom are students at the University of Washington.
These wetlands were a protected habitat for blue heron, turtles, and Canadian Geese. They are so accustomed to visitors that they allowed us to paddle within just a few feet of their nesting areas. And, yes, there were people fishing here!
