The highlight of our recent vacation to Gulf Shores, Alabama was a kayaking adventure on the nearby Bon Secour River. “Beachn Betty” and “River Rick,” the owners of BeachnRiver Kayak Rentals set us up with the Kayaks and told us what to look for. They went above and beyond our expectations to make sure that we were taken care of.
Our big concern on this adventure was SuperPizzaBoy. He has a form of autism called Asperger’s Syndrome. Among other things he has problems with coordination. So the initial plan was for us two have one single kayak and a double. SPB announced that he wanted his own kayak, so Rick and Betty set him up with one and showed him how to use the paddle to propel and steer.
So, our outing went from something that sounded like fun to something that was wonderful. It took him a while to figure out how to go straight and not run into the bank but he figured it out. Thanks Rick and Betty for your kindness and patience!
We started out on the upper reaches of the river where the banks are close and the tree cover dense. The river bottom is white sand and the water is crystal clear. As we went along we could see fish swimming along the bottom.
The further downriver we went the more the river opened up. There are lots and lots of houses with docks and boat houses. The river is crystal clear and very pristine. It is also very historic. Ships have sailed up the river since the 1700’s because of the fresh water and game in the woods. Some of the property along the river has been in the same family for ten generations.
Reportedly dolphins sometimes swim up the river, we didn’t see any though. The current is very slow so turning around and paddling back upriver to where we started was very easy.
It was a wonderful way to spend several hours cruising along. There were a few power boats that passed us but they were very courteous and slowed down to a crawl as they passed us.
This might be the best family outing the Yogi’s ever had. It was totally relaxing. SPB in particular had a great time.
When we came back we chatted for quite a while with Betty and Rick. We could tell that they love what they are doing and love the river and the area. They told us about the local places to eat at Gulf Shores. Gulf Shores is notorious for long waits in the summer at the popular eating places. The places Rick and Betty put us onto were just as good, but we never waited, ever. They really know the area well.
So anyways, I rate this place as five stars out of five, all thumbs up, whatever. If you are close to the Alabama Gulf Coast. You have to go see Betty and Rick. We are when we go back.
