Triathlon Day - Kayak The Grand River - Bike The Paris Rail Trail and Beer at The Stillwater Pub in Paris, Ontario

Penman's Dam and the Train Bridge

Chris discovers a great location for our final triathlon of the season. A kayak trip on the Grand River from Brant Park to Paris offers a scenic 12km journey through Carolinian forest, historic bridges and wildlife-rich areas. 

This is where we drop our bikes as it's the take out point after our kayak run. 

Unloading kayaks at Brant Park

We drive the truck and kayaks upstream to Brant Park where we unload the kayaks and park the truck for the day. 

Kayaks ready to launch

Underway on the Grand River

Island lunch stop

The river is fairly low at this time of year so we really have to pick our route. Thankfully Chris had done some research and created some river notes so we know which side of each island to pass on or to stay to a particular side of the river to avoid rocks.

After about 1.5 hours, we stop on an island for a quick lunch break.

Remains of the Great Western Railway Bridge

Colors of the trees are spectacular

Successful 12.2 km paddle

We arrive back at the Train Bridge in Paris after a very scenic trip that definitely had its bumpy sections from low water. Lots of little rapid runs too so it was great. 

Need to swap the locks to the kayaks

So now we have the kayaks at the location we left the bikes earlier. We unlock the bikes and lock up the kayaks. 

Onto the Paris Rail Trail to bike the 13km back to the truck. This is another trail created when they removed the old abandoned railroad track. 

It's a very nice ride with colorful leaves falling all around us.

The Murray Overlook

We come to the Murray Overlook, which offers views of the abandoned Great Western Railway Bridge we kayaked through earlier today. 

Truck, kayaks and bikes all back in one spot

Back to pick up the kayaks and get ready for leg 3 of the triathlon. 

Town of Paris 

Into the town of Paris to find a pub :)

So true...speaking from experience

On the entrance into the Stillwater Pub is this sign...very fitting for us :)

Fish tacos and craft beer watching The Toronto Blue Jays :)

We head into the Stillwater Pub and not only order 2 craft beers, but we treat ourselves to fresh Ontario perch fish tacos...yum. We worked hard today and our lunch was a long time ago. With an hour drive to get back to our RV we pass on cooking for tonight. A great day. 

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Grand Slam

We witness history as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. smashed the first grand slam in Blue Jays playoff history. The crowd was electrified and went wild. Fun time. 

As we are heading home, the lights on this Paris sign are just coming on. Very nice town.