Most of us live busy lives. There is always something to do or somewhere to be. It seems like few people take the time to relax and let Mother Nature soothe their souls. Being retired, I should have no trouble finding time to relax, but it just doesn’t happen. So, when I finally realize my soul could use some soothing, I climb into my kayak and head for my “hidden havens” along the Chadakoin River.

The Chadakoin River drains Chautauqua Lake, and even though we are in close proximity to the Great Lakes, because of the Chautauqua Ridge, this water eventually ends up in the Gulf of Mexico. For the first few miles, it is commonly referred to as “The Outlet.” After flowing under the bridge at McCrea Point, the 7.8 mile river meanders through Jamestown and Falconer where it empties into Cassadaga Creek in Levant. From there, the Cassadaga travels to Frewsburg and joins the Conewango Creek. The Conewango eventually empties into the Allegheny River in Warren. (rtpi.org:chadakoin-river-watershed)

From Warren, the mighty Allegheny River meets up with the Monongahela River in the center of Pittsburgh. The confluence of these two rivers is the beginning of the Ohio River. (www.newworldenclyopedia.org).

The 981 mile long Ohio River drains nearly 203,900 square miles of land and dumps more water into the Mississippi River at Cairo, Illinois, than any other tributary (www.britannica.com). Mind boggling, eh?

It almost makes me dizzy thinking about it. What happens in Chautauqua does not stay in Chautauqua.

At the turn of the 20th century, The Outlet played an important role during the era of lake resorts and steamboat travel. Many city dwellers would pack their steamer trunks, board one of the many ships docked at The Boat Landing, now called McCrea Point, and spend the summer enjoying the beauty and healthy climate Chautauqua Lake had to offer. These boats were coal powered, and they all had to make at least one trip a day down the Outlet to “coal up.” You can still see the remains of many of the docks that serviced these vessels (Ahlstrom, Harold, Ed., Chautauqua Lake Steamboats, Fenton Historical Society, 1971).

The river was busy with all those big paddle-wheelers. But, like so many other things, that era has ended. Gone are echoing calls of the steam whistles, the huffing engines and the whoosh of the paddles and the plumes of black smoke. The traffic on the river now consists of a few pontoon boats, fishermen, canoers and kayakers enjoying a leisurely tour and a closer connection with nature. It’s that closer connection with nature that keeps me coming back.

If you travel The Outlet and look closely along the shoreline, you can see little inlets. During the summer they are almost hidden by vegetation but easily seen in early spring and late fall when the river is higher. Pontoons or fishing boats could never navigate them, but I can in my kayak. These are my “hidden havens.”

I find myself tingling with excitement when I veer off from the beaten track and point my little boat up the tiny streams. Many times there are fallen logs or other debris that I have to navigate around at the mouth, but I am persistent and push on. My trusty paddle enables me to maneuver under branches and around tight corners. Often, I have to use it to propel me forward with a side to side movement using the stream bank. But trust me, all the work to get where I am going is worth it. Sometimes, I only make it a few hundred yards off the main river and that is enough. I stop, close my eyes and let the calm silence wash over me. I exhale to clear my lungs and then breathe in deeply. The musty, earthy smell of the swampy land makes me smile, and one by one, all my troubles flutter away. Sunlight filters down through the heavy canopy and shimmers on the water, warming my heart and soothing my soul. I feel blessed and content.

This fall, try turning off the TV and heading outside. Maybe you can find your own “hidden havens” and the peace they can bring. See you on the water and the trails.

Susan M. Songster Weaver is retired teacher, nature lover and longtime CWC volunteer and supporter.

The Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy is a local nonprofit organization that is dedicated to preserving and enhancing the water quality, scenic beauty and ecological health of the lakes, streams, wetlands and watersheds of the Chautauqua region. For more information, call 664-2166 or visit www.chautauquawatershed.org or www.facebook.com/chautauquawatershed.