Our second outing of the day is a guided trip along the Blackstone in Lincoln, RI. This tour was set up in advance as a birthday party and even as it drizzled, the day was brighter, having the birthday girl getting into her kayak with pink ball cap and tiara on. With all the rain, the canal was higher than I've seen it in years. All but one of our paddlers had to duck under the bike path bridge as we headed up stream. One of my favorite signs of autumn for the valley happens to be paddling the canal with its surface colored by spent leafs. The paddling gets tougher as we push our way through the fallen foliage. Every so often a cyclist or jogger passes by and says hi.
 
                Portaging over the towpath we enter the Blackstone River and are welcomed with fast water. People on the bike path bridge wave at us and point at a great blue heron as it takes flight. Waterfowl pass overhead and a light rain falls as we're swept under the Martin Street Bridge. We join the kaleidoscope of color with our red and blue kayaks as we head down stream. At the island, half the group travel on the right side of the island and the other half traverse its left bank, something done only with high water. Regrouping as the two waterways merge back into the Blackstone. A large tree that had fallen during a storm this year once blocked half the river, now run parallel to its banks.  The river picks up speed as it rounds a corner, avoiding tree branches on the left bank the group continue through the quick water.  With the opening of the "TUBES" in view we head into the eddy on the right and finish our trip with the rain starting to come down once more. 
 

When setting out with a group on a day hike I always ask the group "If something was to happen and they had to spend a night or two on the trail, would their packs have the essential equipment needed for a safe and somewhat comfortable stay in the wild?"
Here is a list of ten essentials that every hiker should carry and more importantly know how to use.
1.        Map of area you are hiking. Make it waterproof.
2.        Compass and or GPS Unit
3.        Headlamp
4.        Food
5.        Water
6.        Extra clothing layers
7.        First Aid Kit
8.        Matches Carry them in a waterproof container
9.        Rain Gear
10.     Fire Starter
 
One more item I bring with me is a large Trash Bag. I line my daypack with it to help keep everything dry and you can use it for a shelter, rain gear, an emergence blanket or just put trash in it. Always leave the trails and waterways better than you found them.