Winton Woods Park Visit

Next on our park tour was Winton Woods park. We chose this park because it has a nice big lake that we could use our canoe in AND launch my paddleboard for the first time!  The lake in this park is miles better than the lake in Sharon Woods (much larger and also cleaner).

The process for us launching our canoe is almost comical. Our canoe weighs a lot and so it takes both Dennis and I to take it off our car and then to shuffle awkwardly until we reach the water. The first time we did it, I almost dropped it because it’s so heavy! This time, we had a better time, although I had to stop and rest multiple times, and we got it in the water without any issues. While we were in the process of launching the paddleboard, a truck carrying a canoe just like ours arrived. Out came two older people (late 50s or early 60s) and the man just up and lifted the canoe (by himself) and carried it past my gaping face to the water like there was no problem. After he launched his canoe and he and his wife set off and I was left off dumbfounded. Clearly he knows something we don’t.

While on the lake, we had an amazing time! The water was smooth and beautiful. The paddleboard allows me a great view (since I’m standing) and I had a beautiful, unimpeded view. Dennis and the boys paddled in the canoe next to me – or should I say that Dennis tried to paddle while the boys just put their paddles in the water, effectively making it twice as hard for him. After I gained some confidence in the paddleboard, we put the two vessels together and Lucas came on to sit on the front of my board. Having the extra 50 pounds made it hard for me to maneuver it but it wasn’t impossible, I just had to work harder. A little bit later, we switched and Alan sat on the board. He was a little more challenging to have on the board since he couldn’t sit still. I was afraid we would both end up in the water if he decided to suddenly lunge to the side of the board.

After paddling for a while, we came back, loaded the canoe and the board back in the car and then took the boys to the little splash pad/waterpark that was on the main area of the park. The boys enjoyed it and cooled off. It was great to get them exercising too since Dennis and I were pooped from paddling but since the boys just sat, they were energetic.

This park is definitely on my top favorite parks of Cincinnati too! I am lucky to live in an area with so many great parks!

PS- a picture of me on the paddle board will be forthcoming.  My hubby forgot to snap a pic of me while on the board.