Summer Solstice weekend was blessed by abundant sunshine and beautiful weather for any outdoor activity.  It’s about time. My travels took me on the road for two loops out of Libby.  The first, was out to Kalispell and Whitefish to attend and assist a wetland plant identification program.  

“A good teacher is always learning,” my brother Steve used to say.  The second, had me cruising over to Sandpoint, Idaho to meet a nice group of folks and head through Hope and Heron over to the Ross Creek Cedars to instruct a program on “ Old Growth Ecology” for Northern Idaho College.

Of possible interest to folks coming up are classes sponsored by MWA in “ Basic Botany and Wildflowers, “ July 26;  “Ten Lakes Scenic Area Hike,” August 2; and “Introduction to the Southern Cabinets,” August 16.  For more info and to register visit:  www.wildmontana.org and look up Flathead - Kootenai Chapter hikes.

The noticeable standout on my trips,  among numerous bicyclists, horseback riders, motorcycle riders, boaters, and hikers were the unbelievable number of kayaks seen.  Like a swarm of colorful butterflies, they were everywhere.

The kayak was originally made from wood frames and covered in sealskin. They had a small hole in the middle of the craft for the user to sit in and were primarily used for hunting.  They are small, human-powered boats designed to be propelled by means of a double-bladed paddle.  Today, kayak styles run the gamut and include whitewater styles, sit on tops, inflatables, tandem, and even a design with foot powered propellers for saving energy and also leaving hands free for serious fishing.

My interest in kayaks was piqued by a book I read years ago by Jon Turk.  The title is “ A Raven’s Gift,” and it is an amazing story.  The subtitle, “ A Scientist, A Shaman, and Their Remarkable Journey Through the Siberian Wilderness “ explains the premise of the book examining ties between the natural and spiritual world.

 I’ve wanted to get a kayak for a long time now, but was unsure as to what type I would benefit most from for my recreational uses.  I also discovered while researching for this column how much I did not know about the subject at hand.  I contacted Dave Friedman, an old friend whom I used to work forestry and timber cruising with for Plum Creek Timber out of Libby.  Dave was nice enough to help me out.  Dave enlightened me on the subject, and here is what he had to say.

 Whitewater kayaks are the tool of choice for the Kootenai and Yaak Rivers.  One can get models available ranging from high volume boats for larger rivers and steep technical creeks, to low volume boats to surf waves, hydraulics, and play in the eddies.       

There are also many flat water boats out there for exploring the lakes and calmer stretches of our rivers.  The sit on tops are real popular as they are easy to paddle and do not require learning to roll the boat.  

The stand up paddle boards are a great vehicle to explore lakes and rivers surrounding Libby.  

After paddling all over the world, Dave says it is hard to beat our little corner of whitewater paradise, and remarks that within four hours of Libby world class kayaking abounds.  

The guy loves coming home to kayak!  That says an awful lot for a guy who has kayaked the Langu Kola in Nepal, and the rivers of Ecuador.  When it comes to kayaking in our area, Dave Friedman is the man!  

Upon wrapping up my Summer Solstice weekend, I peeled off my damp boots and socks and relaxed on the couch.  

Kicking back, and closing my eyes, I envisioned a colorful choice of kayaks, like a kaleidoscope of butterflies, the video rolled through my head.  

In the background, I heard the music of Elton John and Bernie Taupin from the album “ Tumbleweed Connection.”  The song is titled,  “Where To Now St. Peter?”

“I took myself a blue canoe/And I floated like a leaf/

Dazzling, dancing half enchanted/ In my Merlin sleep.”

What a great way to start a summer!