Is it possible to get “steps” while kayaking?: June 19 2025

I did a number of things today to earn my steps, including some shopping and some outside work. But I wouldn’t have gotten over 5,000 steps without kayaking.

I know it sounds bizarre! I had my phone (which is my fitness tracking device) on my lap so I could get to it easily to take pictures. And the movement of the boat while I was paddling registered as steps. And I’m glad because that was the only thing I did for physical fitness today.

It was a lovely night out on the lake, my first excursion this year! We’ve had so much rain and chilly weather this spring that I hadn’t had an opportunity yet.

alt

The lily pads are just starting to flower. I’m always amazed by these plants. They send up stems that are just exactly the right length for the lily pads to sit on top of the water, regardless what the water depth is. (But they do of course have limits.)

alt

For a while I was paddling near a flock of geese.

alt

I also passed several boats, some people on a jet ski, and some people fishing on a dock.

alt

As for wildlife, I saw a lot of that too. In addition to the geese, I saw a hawk, a great blue heron, a lot of red winged blackbirds, some dragonflies, a lot of jumping fish, and a muskrat.

I did not get pictures of any of those, however!

alt

Thank you for visiting!

Photo credits: All of the photos in this post were taken by me and belong to me, unless otherwise noted.

My bio: I am a fiction writer and photographer based in Minnesota. I have had a lifelong love of fiction writing. I am earned my MFA in writing from the University of New Hampshire. My short stories go de have appeared in a range of literary journals and anthologies, and my first short story collection, Somewhere in Minnesota is available on Amazon US as well as international Amazon sites., Barnes & Noble or from the publisher.