Kayaker navigates the hiking trail along Slippery Rock Creek.
My first clue that it was going to be an odd day of hiking in mid-February, 2018, was this guy coming towards me. Maybe you've seen someone dragging a kayak on a hiking trail in the middle of winter, but this was a first for me.
As he passed by we exchanged greetings. My goofball filter had been turned off so I joked that he might have better luck in Slippery Rock Creek about 400 feet away. He laughed and pointed past my shoulder towards the rushing water. That's when I saw two very cool picture opportunities bouncing toward me in the water. It's not unusual to see kayakers in Slippery Rock Creek that runs through McConnell's Mills State Park in Butler Country, PA.
When it happens in mid-winter after a snowfall it's almost unbelievable.
A kayaker plunging through an icy creek is one thing.
A guy in a wetsuit on a waterboard plunging through icy water is even more amazing.
A tip to outdoor photographers -- take your zoom lens even on ordinary hiking adventures. I nearly left my 300mm lens at home because I wanted to travel light and easy. At the last minute, I packed it in the unlikely event that I'd see something interesting.
NOTE: If by chance you are either of the gentlemen in these pictures--please contact me. Or, if kayaking or waterboarding in the winter is your thing I'd like to talk with you about an article idea. You can reach me at eob60@zoominternet.net
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