Hello and welcome to Weekend Coffee Share #28! I’m glad you’re here. Please come on in, help yourself to a cup of coffee, or tea, hot chocolate, or a cold drink at my coffee station and let’s chat.
My first stand up paddling (SUP) excursion of summer 2021 was a resounding success. The morning started with some clouds. By the time I reached Toronto Islands to pick up my SUP board and go paddling, it was clear and sunny.
These surf boards are outside the centre where I book my SUP board. For my fantasy beach cabin, I’d like a mini version of these boards at my cabin door. My favourite is the O board with the blue waves.
I love paddling within Toronto Islands and experience nature. The island vibe is totally different from the city vibe even though the two sides are only ten minutes apart by ferry. In the summer, the Toronto Islands are beautiful.
For readers who are unfamiliar with Toronto, the following map shows Toronto city centre with the CN Tower at the bottom of the map and Toronto Islands in green, surrounded by Lake Ontario in blue.
Once on the island side, I picked up my rental board, the red Starfish, by the water’s edge.
Then gently paddled towards Long Pond to see aquatic life and the wetlands.
Beautiful white lotus flowers are in bloom at this time of the year. Their presence is a display of purity and tranquility.
A few snowy egrets were catching fish in the wetlands. They flew away when I tried to get closer for a good photo. Better luck next time.
The painted turtles were out on tree logs to bask in the sunshine. Their name comes from the brightly colored markings on their extremities, which range from yellow, to orange, to red.
The head of the turtle is distinctive. The face has only yellow stripes, with a large yellow spot and streak behind each eye, and on the chin two wide yellow stripes that meet at the tip of the jaw. Their feet are webbed to aid swimming.
A double-crested cormorant perched atop a tree. Up close, cormorants have gorgeous aqua green eyes and orange-yellow skin around the base of the bill and chin.
I saw beavers, fish, birds, geese, swans and duck families with cute little ducklings. The islands are green and idyllic at this time of the year.
After about two hours of paddling, it was time to return to the city. I’m grateful for a wonderful SUP outing on a beautiful morning with blue skies, green trees and water everywhere! I’ll be back next week to canoe with friends.
Before leaving Toronto Islands, I always take a few photos of Toronto’s skyline which has changed over the years with new skyscrapers and green space along the waterfront.
Happy weekend, everyone!
Linked with #Colour2021, #LifeThisWeek, #Pond, #SundayStills, #TreeSquare, #WWE.
How was your week? I’d love to hear your comments.
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Natalie the Explorer 
What a joyful experience that looked like. Peaceful too as you paddled through nature like that. To be able to stand up and take the photos…very good balance Natalie! I really enjoyed that gentleness too. Looking back at the city. Always an interesting view to take in as well. It’s a bit blustery and cold here tonight but as it’s mid winter that’s reasonable. Thank you for sharing and the link up. Denyse
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Denyse, I sat or kneeled on the board when I took these photos. The water was calm and the islands were quite beautiful. Thank you for linking up. Have a great weekend!
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Thanks for letting me know. Great co-ordination! Denyse
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Lovely to view these images again! Thanks so much for linking up for LifeThisWeek. Next week, the optional prompt is Share Your Snaps. Hope to see you then. Denyse.
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Thank you, Denyse. I hope to see you at the upcoming link-up.
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Looks like a fun activity and particularly enjoyable to do it in such a lovely spot Natalie.
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Hi Leanne, I love to paddle within Toronto Islands as I can get to areas that are not accessible by any other means. Thank you for linking up. Have a wonderful weekend!
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I loved this post. I wonder if I could learn to do stand up paddling. I really enjoyed the water pad/water lily photos, but my favorite was that turtle. 🙂
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Susan, Of course you can learn to do SUP. My suggestion is to sign up for an Intro lesson from a certified instructor. Most painted turtles that I saw on Toronto islands are small, about the size of my hand, but that big painted turtle was fantastic to see.
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Thanks, Natalie. I don’t even know where they would have lessons for that around me, but we’ll see. I’m sure there’s some place. Yeah, that turtle is fantastic. 🙂
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SUP lessons and rentals are usually available around recreational lakes or beaches. SUP intro lesson is quick but good instructions will give you a good start and help you enjoy the sport on first try.
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That really does look so peaceful and perfect! I have yet to try SUP; but it’s on my list of things to do this summer.
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Joanne, I hope you try SUP and enjoy it.
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How lush and green the islands look, yet so close to the city! I admire your sense of balance being able not only to paddle standing up but even to take photos 😀
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Sarah, One can kneel, sit, or lie down on the SUP board. I sat or kneeled on my board when I took these photos, to get closer to the objects.
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What an oasis! And great job with photos especially from a SUP.
You were either really quiet not to scare the wildlife (if you sat down), or you have great balance.
Nice post. I loved the photos, the journey and the way you documented the sequence interjecting interesting tidbit about the park. Donna
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Welcome, Donna, to my blog and thank you for your comment. Oasis is a good word to describe Toronto Islands. When I paddle within the islands, I stay calm and quiet to entice the birds and turtles to come out 🙂 I sat or kneeled on my board to get closer to the objects when I took these photos. I’m glad you liked them.
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Yes. This was definitely an add to (when we Tavel to Toronto). Thank YOU.
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So peaceful. I like your photos and that you had the opportunity to do this. It seems like quintessential summer.
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Ally, Paddling within the Toronto Islands is one of my summer favourites. I’m glad you liked my photos. I wish the snowy egrets stay patient for my snaps 🙂
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Fun about the stand up paddling Natalie. I had no doubt you would be able to get up on the board. My daughter has recently purchased two boards and I will give it a try. My husband wants to be there with a camera, laughing at me.
A great point about island vibe and city vibe. Did you have your phone in a waterproof container? The white lotus is exquisite! Painted turtles always make for a picturesque scene. Thank you for sharing an awesome post. I will channel your spirit when I am (up) on the board. 🙂
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Erica/ Erika, I hope you try and enjoy SUP. With two boards, you can go with your daughter and laugh at your husband who’s on the shore and is missing all the fun on the water 🙂
I use a dry pack and a clear waterproof case for my phone when I go paddling. I highly recommend using them any time you go paddling. I can take photos without taking my phone out of the waterproof case. I’ve seen many people fall into the lake with their phones. Also have strings to attach your sunglasses so you don’t lose them.
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Great advice!😎
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That sounds like a peaceful enjoyable outing!! Beautiful photos as always.
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Thank you, Ruth, for your comment. Paddling within Toronto islands is one of my summer favourites.
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That looks like a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. I love all of the lily pads. Thanks for sharing your gorgeous photographs, Natalie!
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Thank you, Jill, for your comment. I’m glad you liked my photos. The lily pads and lotus flowers are beautiful at this time of the year.
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How wonderful Natalie! I haven’t tried a SUP in many years, but it is so much fun! It looks like an amazing experience to paddle around the Toronto islands. Thank you so much for taking us there, and the coffee of course 🙂
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Hi Maria, Paddling within Toronto islands is one of my summer favourites. I get to see the wetlands and animals who live there up close. I hope SUP is available at one of the lakes near where you live.
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I can definitely understand why it’s a favourite! I haven’t seen any boards for rent here nearby, only people using their personal ones.
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Maybe there is a SUP rental business opportunity for your lake area.
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I haven’t tried SUPing, but it looks like a great way to get exercise while enjoying nature.
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Janis, SUP within Toronto islands is definitely a great way to get exercise while enjoying nature. There may be lagoons or harbours suitable for SUP near where you live.
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I look forward to my armchair travel trips to Toronto every Friday. How long have you been doing SUP?
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I’ve been doing SUP consistently for the last two summers. It’s like riding a bike. Once you know how to do it, you’ll remember what to do even if there is a time gap in between outings.
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I’m with everyone else marveling that you could be on a paddle board sitting or standing and have the balance to take pictures. I put my phone in a waterproof container even when I’m just kayaking. Well done, Natalie!
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Thank you, Marsha, for your kind comment. I sat down or kneeled on my board to get closer to the objects when I took those photos. I use a dry pack and a waterproof case for my phone when I go paddling. The waterproof phone case has lanyards that I wear on me so I can quickly access my phone.
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That’s like mine. It’s hard to press the spot to shoot a photo through it, though. You are amazing, Natalie! 🙂
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The beautiful Toronto islands made me do it 🙂
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LOL. I’d love to come see them. I’m sure they would have the same effect on me, Natalie. 🙂
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This is a wonderful post and gorgeous photo. Love the welcome sign. 😀
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Thank you, Cee, for your kind comment. I’m glad you liked the Welcome sign.
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This looks like so much fun Natalie. I’d fear for carrying my camera around on one of those as I could all but count on taking an unintended swim..
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Gary, I use my phone camera to take photos and keep my phone in a clear waterproof case. It comes with lanyards so I wear it on my neck. I can take photos without taking my phone out of the case although if I take it out, the photo quality is better.
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oh this looks so wonderful. I am envious of your ability to paddle and to maintain balance whilst photographing – fantastic #TreeSquares
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Thank you, Becky, for your kind comment. The water was calm and I either sat down or kneeled on my SUP board with my paddle on the board when I took these photos.
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What a fabulous thing to do! Great location with all that wildlife!
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Yes, I love paddling within Toronto Islands and seeing wildlife there.
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Hi Natalie, I’m enjoying a morning coffee looking at your beautiful photos of the Toronto Islands.Gosh you live in a beautiful place. It reminded me of a recent outing I did with my two grandsons to the Brisbane Botanic Gardens. So much beauty right in the City! Enjoy your weekend and thanks for the #WeekendCoffeeShare.
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Hi Sue, Botanical Gardens are amazing places to visit. I hope your grandsons enjoyed your outing to the Brisbane Botanical Gardens. There are lots to explore when we look. Thank you for linking up. Have a wonderful weekend!
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I must admit this does look like an amazing way to get close up to nature. Far too late for me to learn how to do SUP and I envy your ability to do this AND take photos! I’m not overly keen on water though so I shall just have to be happy seeing what other people can find.
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Hi Jude, I sat down or kneeled on the SUP board and the water was calm when I took these photos so it wasn’t a tough “balancing act” 🙂
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Maybe not, but I would have fallen in just getting into a sitting position – that’s assuming I’d ever manage to stand!
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Ah, sitting in a canoe or a tandem kayak with someone who knows how to paddle would be fun too.
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If you read Tuesday and Wednesday you will see why I can’t agree with you 😉
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I’ll read snippets from your African diary, Jude. I’ve wanted to visit South Africa and Namibia for a while.
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The diary is written with tongue in cheek humour!
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Hi Natalie, what a beautiful place Toronto Island is. I love all the animals you have photographed. The weather looks stunning as well. It’s lovely that there is this natural habitat so close to the city. Regards, Christina
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Hi Christina, I feel fortunate to have easy access to Toronto islands. Paddling within the islands is one of my summer favourites. Thank you for linking up. Have a great weekend!
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I LOVE the Toronto Islands. And those Welcome Surf Boards are very cool. I’d also like them plus a fancy beach cabin. But if I can only have one, I’d take the first (W)!
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Hi Donna, Hurray, no elbow fighting over the surf boards. The first
board is very pretty. Have a great weekend!
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Hi Natalie,
Thank you for the coffee and I so enjoyed the visit with you and I felt like I was there along side you with the wonderful photos!! Thanks for providing the map of the island, there is so much water in and around the island I can see why there is so much wildlife. What a super FUN excursion!! I know you’ve shared paddling before, it’s so COOL!! Love the view of the city scape! Now what’s for dessert? Haha, just kidding. I’m hoping to get my coffee share together this weekend. Have a wonderful weekend!! ❤️🤠
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Hi Diana, Good question: What’s for dessert? Since it’s summer time, how about ice cream? There is an ice cream place near the SUP centre 🙂 I look forward to your coffee share. Have a great weekend!
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It looks like fun!
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It was fun. I’ll be back to Toronto Islands soon.
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Great photos Natalie. Seeing all that wildlife sounds like a great bonus to a wonderful day.
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Jennifer, Seeing the wildlife is definitely a great bonus.
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Looks like a great paddle! I’ll admit that although I have one, I am not a huge fan of SUP. I can get a harder workout with my kayak, and yet also have a more relaxed paddle with it. I can go a lot, lot faster on the kayak if I want, and have paddled none-stop for hours at a time without an issue- I can cover 20 miles or more in a day with no problem., it is far more maneuverable, etc. Anyway, I know people who love their SUPs, but I just haven’t figured it out yet…. Glad you had a great paddle and were able to see so much wildlife!
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Kayaking is great. I like it a lot, too. I hope the weather cooperates for me to go kayaking tomorrow. I alternate SUP, canoe, kayak to give me variety.
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Alternating does make a lot of sense – mixing up the activities is great.
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How fun! I love the surfboard sign.. I’ve never tried a SUP before. I should do that this summer. We have a place that does SUP yoga on the water.
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If you want to try SUP, my suggestion is to sign up for an Intro lesson from a certified instructor. The lesson is quick but good instructions will give you a good start and help you enjoy the sport on first try.
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Looks beautiful and love the birds.
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Thank you, Deborah. I love seeing birds within Toronto Islands.
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Oh, you totally have me wanting to travel to Toronto Islands now just for the paddling around. It sounds like such a great experience. Oh and the white lotuses in bloom, wow!
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Yes, I love paddling within Toronto Islands at this time of the year. It’s beautiful and tranquil there.
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That’s so lovely! I have been to Toronto Island and loved walking there. Now wishing I had also SUPed ! Hope you have a lovely week ahead!
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Sanch, I’m glad you enjoyed Toronto Island. Paddling lets us see the islands from the water and gets up close to aquatic life. Have a great week ahead!
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That looks like a wonderful place to spend time exploring, Natalie. Thanks for sharing the pictures, they are beautiful/
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Thank you, Dan, for your kind comment. I’m glad you liked my photos. Paddling within Toronto islands is one of my summer favourites.
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Hi Natalie, I have a funny SUP story. Well, maybe not soo funny. I think I watch too many police dramas. My husband and I were at a local park to fish and have lunch the summer before COVID. I got quite concerned because there were a few posessions, including shoes and an id card seemingly abandoned at a table. No one in site. I was really concerned, so I flagged down a park ranger and turned them in. After the ranger had left I noticed someone out on the lake standing up on a board (had never seen t hat before) and I thought, shucks, serves me right for interfering. I bet he will be surprised when he gets back and no shoes or id.
Great pictures, as always, that park alone is enough to entice tourists to Toronoto. Thanks for hosting. I will jump in late and try to do my reading tomorrow afternoon. Should be able to read a post or two before turning in. Best and blessings, Michele
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Michele, That’s a funny story. Sounds like the paddler was either very trusting or naive to leave his shoes and ID unattended in a public park. Thank you for stopping by. I hope you and your husband are keeping well. Have a great weekend!
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Thanks Natalie, slow but steady progress on his hip surgery He will be 4 weeks postop on Tuesday.
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Slow and steady with no setback is good news.
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Wow, so very beautiful. I don’t know if I could do it but it looks like so much fun. So very nice. Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful week.
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If you can swim, you can do SUP. My suggestion is to sign up for an Intro lesson from a certified instructor. The lesson is short but it gives you a good start to enjoy the sport.
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What a fantastic paddle. I have tried paddleboard on choppy bays; not a good place to learn. ou have inspired me to try again.
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I’d recommend sheltered area for new or beginner paddlers. I hope you give SUP a second chance and enjoy it much more than your previous try.
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That looks so lovely – and such a restful paddle (if, indeed, you can call a paddle restful).
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Paddling within Toronto islands is relaxing and restorative with all the green and water. I can rest my paddles any time and just take in nature.
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How fun!!! I tried this for the first time last summer and really enjoyed it even though I’m not a fan of deep water….lol. Looks like a beautiful spot.
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I’m glad you enjoyed SUP. It’s a different perspective when we see things from the water.
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Gorgeous pictures as usual – nice to see summer as we are in winter.
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Thank you, Barbara. I’m glad you liked my summer photos.
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How wonderful to follow you on your SUP today, Natalie! I love the map you included, so detailed and what a great place to explore. Do you worry a little about your phone? I have a dry bag I use but I have to take the phone out to use it and while sitting down, LOL! I now own two inflatable SUPs and a new inflatable kayak, the kayak which I have yet to use. It’s literally been too hot! We found a new place 20 minutes from home to not only bring the dogs, but play in the water with our boards. Soon!
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Hi Terri, I have a clear waterproof case for my phone and wear it with a lanyard on my neck. I only take my phone out to take photos when the water is calm and I feel well balanced on the SUP board. It’s easier when I’m in a kayak or a canoe. I hope the temperatures return to normal soon so you can go paddling. It’s fantastic that you have your boards and easy access to a body of water to paddle and let your dogs play.
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Good to know, thanks Natalie! WE are looking forward to more water exploration around here. 🙂
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Nice blog
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Thank you.
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Beautiful images, Natalie & such a diversity of wildlife 👏 Thank you so much for joining in & sharing your fantastic experience 😃 Looking forward to seeing more 😁
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Thank you, Jez, for your visit and comment. I’ll check to see when your next photo challenge is up and the theme to participate again.
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Hi, Natalie 👏 That’s great; every Monday for the challenge 😃
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SUP has become very popular in my local area, in the sea or on the river. My next door neighbour took his eight year old daughter up stream on the river and they were proud they didn’t get wet!
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Sounds like your neighbour and his daughter had fun with SUP. I think it’s OK to get wet when doing a water sport.
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Looks like a good time, Natalie, with some wonderful views. 🙂
janet
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Paddling within the Toronto Islands is one of my summer favourites 🙂
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I can see why.
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Hi Natalie, how beautiful is your Toronto Island! What a great day out too. I’ve never been SUP. Not sure if I could stand up but I could paddle! Love your photos especially that turtle! Have a wonderful week!
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Hi Min, With SUP, it’s not required to stand the entire time. You can sit down, kneel, or even lie down on the board. I love that big painted turtle, too. It stayed on the log for a long time. I saw many much smaller painted turtles before. The smaller turtles leave the tree log when they sense someone is coming. Have a great week!
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This was a great post showing us how beautiful your area is Natalie, the animals and scenery are wonderful! I love the idea of all this nature quite close to a major centre. #lifethisweek
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Debbie, I feel fortunate to have easy access to Toronto Islands and the city centre, both nature and urban.
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I love the Toronto skyline and have such fond memories of visiting the Toronto Islands although knowing me, I’m best exploring on land as I think I’d end up very soggy if I attempted to paddle board! Looks like you’re having a wonderful summer!
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Sammie, I’m glad you had fond memories of visiting the Toronto islands. I think it’s OK to get wet when you play water sports like SUP. The water feels nice and refreshing on warm summer days.
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What beautiful scenery and how lovely to do it on a SUP. I tried it years ago but felt too fat to get onto my feet so had to stay on my knees and squatting. It’s popular at the beach where I live because we get very little surf – it’s very calm.
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Calm beaches are great for leisure paddling. It’s good to alternate sitting, kneeling, standing positions when doing long SUP sessions. The main thing is to have fun and enjoy the surroundings.
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One of my to-dos is going paddle boarding. I’ve been meaning to for years.
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I hope you get to go SUP and enjoy it.
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What lovely scenery along your paddle. 🙂
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Thank you, Sarina, for your visit and comment. I greatly appreciate it.
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I was about to say that this looks like such a relaxing trip – until I almost got hiccups from reading standing up paddling! That must require a very good physique and balance and all. I know I would fall into the water immediately. Your photos look like it was a lovely relaxing experience, however!
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Susanne, With proper step-by-step instructions, I’m confident you’ll be able to get on and stand up on the board without falling into the water immediately. It’s relaxing to paddle the waterways within Toronto islands since they’re are more sheltered than the open harbour. Thank you for stopping by. Have a great week!
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Such a wonderful and special excursion, Natalie! And so close to, yet different from the city as well. I’m amazed at these wetlands within the lake region. And the views of the Toronto skyline are magnificent seen from the islands. I can totally understand why this would be a favorite destination!! Thanks for sharing your paddle with us and happy canoeing next weekend!
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Hi Liesbet, Toronto Islands are beautiful gems. It’s amazing what I see when I explore them by paddling. It’s also very green and calm in the summer.
I guess you’re back or almost back to the USA? I heard about the flood in Belgium and neighbouring countries. i hope your family is all well. Have a great week!
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I returned to MA a few days ago and am now slowly catching up on blogs and other items in my inbox. 🙂 Luckily, my family didn’t suffer from the floods as they all live in the western regions of the country. Thank you for your concern. Have a wonderful rest of the week as well.
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A fun day out!
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Thank you, Debbie, for your visit and comment. I greatly appreciate it.
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A wonderful place to go paddling🙂 We went there at the billing of July too, we’ve had a great time!
Christie
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Thank you, Christie, for your visit and comment. Glad you had a great time visiting Toronto Islands. Paddling within Toronto islands is one of my favourite summer experiences.
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That’s so nice you can do that, I’m not so good at keeping my balance LOL
Have a lovely day!!
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How about kayaking or canoeing? I was there yesterday doing stand up paddling. It was fab. Have a great day!
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Early this summer I got first time in my life kayaking and canoeing😉 The couple of times kayaking in Cuban warm waters doesn’t really count, right? lol I really need to practice more!!
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