A sunset tour kayaking to the Cleveland skyline

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I looked forward to a kayak trip planned from the Cleveland Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum with 41 North Kayak Adventures. Unfortunately, due to the Tall Ships being in town this trip did not work out. A different tour turned out just as beautiful if not more. We kayaked on beautiful Lake Erie and witnessed an amazing sunset. We also experience the Cleveland skyline and the Lakewood Cliffs.

Getting started

I arrived in Rocky River, which is around 10 miles west of downtown Cleveland. In the Emerald Necklace Marina my guide, Josh, waited for me with a sea kayak. This trip would be my maiden voyage in a sea kayak; however, I have paddled a kayak on a river many times.

Josh gave me some kayaking tips. I have kayaked many times before, but never taken any formal training. Josh taught me that it is best to paddle with your back and abdomen as well as your arms instead of just your arms.

I have always used just my arms. This never really mattered because in my previous kayaking experiences I used the current of the river to power me downstream. Paddling on a big lake especially with wind involved changes things.

Paddling up the Rocky River to Lake Erie

We started out on the Rocky River and wound our way through drift wood and dodged boaters while we paddled towards the mouth of the river onward to Lake Erie. Before emptying out in the lake we paddled in this bay lined with river front houses and docks including the Elliot Ness home. The home of the famous former prohibition agent now acts as a private club with a private beach on the other side.

We continued towards the lake and passed a rocky point that extended out into the water. Great blue herons and sea gulls flew ahead of us and patrolled the water for fish.

Once we swung out into the lake we paddled east towards the city. On our right were limestone cliffs with beautiful houses lined precariously closed to the edge. Some of the houses were a little too close to comfort on the edge as erosion was taking its toll.

We paddled next to each other and traded outdoor stories and mutual places we have been. I would talk about canoeing in Wisconsin or Canada and Josh would talk about rivers in the lower peninsula of Michigan or the Erie Islands farther west. It is always fun talking to other outdoor enthusiasts, especially ones that hail from different regions as you get the scoop on places to check out that you have never been to.

Paddling towards the Cleveland skyline

Lake Erie was unusually placid, and we were able to continue our paddle an extra mile. The advantage of this is we swung around a point and the Cleveland skyline came into view. I took several pictures of the bow of the kayak I was using with the skyline framed in the distance, for it was a beautiful sight.

We then turned around and had an even more awesome sight to feast our eyes on. Clouds covered the actual sunset, but the pinkish light of the waning sun reflected on the water was just gorgeous. I kept stopping to take pictures in the amazing light.

Soon we were back to Rocky River and the trip was over. We brought the equipment back to the shed and said my goodbyes to Josh.

Lake Erie sunset

As I was driving away I noticed an intense pink or more like a red or purple light on the western horizon. I drove around trying to find a good vantage point. I pulled into a marina and got out and snapped a few photos with the boats in the foreground.

I drove back to Cleveland quite pleased with a pleasant paddle, a beautiful sunset, and the sight of the Cleveland skyline in my thoughts.

If you are in Cleveland, check out a tour with 41 North. Besides this cliffs tour they also have a Cleveland Rocks Tour, which brings you right up to downtown. The tour I was on usually does not wind up at the lookout over the skyline, but you can also rent kayaks from this outfit or go out on your own to see the skyline. Check out their website for tours, classes, trips and follow them on Facebook.

This tour with 41 North Kayak adventures was sponsored by Positively Cleveland Tourist Bureau, but the photos (except for the one), views, opinions, and stories are purely my own.

Adventure on!

The goal of Traveling Ted is to inspire people to outdoor adventure travel and then provide tips on where and how to go. If you liked this post then sign up for the email newsletter. Notifications are sent out once or twice a month with what is new with Traveling Ted’s adventures. There is no spam and email information will not be shared. Other e-follow options include Facebook (click on the like box to the right) or twitter (click on the pretty bird on the rainbow above).