Introducing @paddlingnature!

I guess I should introduce myself. @paddlingnature is yet another personality of @artemisnorth. I'm starting to resemble "When Rabbit Howls" (a book by Truddi Chase and a very good read)

When I say kayaking is my thing what I really mean is that it's what I day dream about most often. I am drawn by water and the closer I am to it the more calm I feel. I often have dreams of swimming and kayaking and hate to wake up.

This is my old girl, known by many as my "Canadian Sombrero" because I carry her on my head. I simply call her "My Baby". She has served me well for over 11 years. The photo above shows her during her second season, with my little grandson, after the "flood".

If you were to ask me what type of kayak to buy I will always say a good quality, inflatable can't be beat for both portability and carrying weight. Many people ask me if it holds it's air. YES it does....unlike the cheap ones they sell at Canadian Tire. In over 11 years I have patched my old girl once, and it was a very tiny patch. She owes me nothing and I owe her much!

When I think about all the adventures and photos taken, this kayak has been the best investment ever! Every time I launch I thank my Dad. I know he would be happy that I spent a bit of the money he left me on something that brings me such joy.

Most of the time I grab my trusty Nikon Cool Pix 300W to take out on the water....or in the water. This camera was a birthday present from my Hubby....yes I thanked him! I love this camera. The picture quality is excellent for what it is and it takes a beating! And for an added chuckle when it's battery dies it get dramatic with it's "Battery is exhausted" message.

When I'm heading out in my yak to go birding I put my Olympus EM10ii in the dry bag. I love this camera too!

This is the bundle I purchased. Yes, it's the entry level camera in it's line but I have to admit I had my doubts and didn't want to "bet the farm". She has proven herself to be a worthy and quality camera. The lenses are cheap but impressive for what they are. One day I'll buy the EM5 or EM1, which is waterproof and shockproof, and a few Sony lenses. For now I'm happy.

So now you know I love kayaking, photography and birding. Because of these interests I'm an advocate of conservation and saving our water ways. There are so many ways we can help our planet, small things we can do everyday.

My curation efforts as @fiberartists has made me realise I love curating! @paddlingnature will be used to curate paddling, outdoors, nature, birding and everything related. So take a break, grab a coffee, load the Paddling Nature Ramble and come along outdoors with your Steem family.

Until next time friends...