A Perfect Summer Sunday

One of the things I love most about Rhode Island is how easy it is to take a spur-of-the-moment trip to a beautiful place. Last Sunday, I joined my sister and her family on a trip to Ninigret Pond. My brother-in-law strapped the kayaks on the top of their car and we piled in and headed down to Charlestown.

It was a perfect day for kayaking. The sky looked a little threatening as we got the kayaks into the water, but it only sprinkled during our trip and the clouds provided a nice cover. The water was warm and clear and my niece searched the water for hermit crabs as we paddled along.

We weren’t the only ones taking advantage of the beautiful day. A pair of standup paddleboarders ventured out the same time we did and impressed us with their easy grace. Boaters slowed and waved. Quahoggers waded through the knee-high water, looking for treasure.  

While my eye was drawn to the swaying grasses and some of the old houses along the shoreline, my bird-loving sister pointed out egrets. Paddling was a steady workout in the slight breeze as we made our way around the lagoon.

After about an hour and half on the water, we made our way back to the launch. Wet but exhilarated, we wrapped ourselves in towels, piled back in the car, and headed over to the Charlestown Beach to change into dry clothes. The time on the water built up our appetites, and we enjoyed dinner outside just down the road from the pond.

I can’t think of many better ways to spend a summer Sunday afternoon in Rhode Island.

You can rent kayaks at the Kayak Centre, 562 Charlestown Beach Rd., Charlestown, 364-8000.