First-time kayakers in Hartford

From left, Susan Bailey and Theresa Symancyk, both of Wilder, Vt., practice paddling under the guidance of Jay McDonough, superintendent of recreation programs, during a senior kayaking excursion organized by the Hartford Parks and Recreation Department at Kilowatt North in Wilder on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023. Bailey and Symancyk said they take part in many of the programs offered by the parks and recreation department, including a hike up to French’s Ledges in Plainfield, N.H., the day before, but this was their first time attending the kayaking class. “If they didn’t offer this I would never do it,” Symancyk said of the opportunity to spend the morning on the Connecticut River. (Valley News / Report For America - Alex Driehaus) Copyright Valley News. May not be reprinted or used online without permission. Send requests to permission@vnews.com. Valley News / Report For America - Alex Driehaus

Published: 10-09-2023 7:32 PM

Wilder — Susan Bailey and Theresa Symancyk, both of Wilder, practice paddling under the guidance of Jay McDonough, superintendent of recreation programs, during a senior kayaking excursion organized by the Hartford Parks and Recreation Department at Kilowatt North in Wilder last week.

Bailey and Symancyk said they take part in many of the programs offered by the parks and recreation department, including a hike up to French’s Ledges in Plainfield the day before, but this was their first time attending the kayaking class.

“If they didn’t offer this, I would never do it,” Symancyk said of the opportunity to spend the morning on the Connecticut River.

— Alex Driehaus