River Guide Kayaks, Illinois, United States

5Pam D 5:00 PM Sep 7, 2019

TRANQUIL KAYAKING ADVENTURE FULL OF WILDLIFE & FAUNA
The Hubby and I love to Kayak. We were exploring options and wanted a longer Kayaking Adventure than the average 2 hours or less, starting and ending at the same place. We were up for a "challenge". Found River Guide Kayaks on Groupon on the very last page: Kayaking for 2 people, 2 Kayaks: $49. Sign us up! Richmond, Il is located in the North/West section near the Wisconsin border. You can book your trip online using the Groupon coupon code. It's normally $60 per person. Again, we would've never discovered this place without Groupon. Due to the limited Kayaks available, there are 2 launch times: 10am & 11am, 10 Kayaks per launch. The Glacial Park Landing site is marked by a sign. However, slow down and LOOK for the sign. We missed it and ended up turning around in the farmer's driveway. We also reached out to Tim the Owner by cell who called us back within a few minutes but, we figured it out the meeting site by that time. There are 2 Guides who meet you at the pick up site/Glacial Park. Leave your car parked here and bring only the essentials with you. The Guides will give instructions on how to Kayak (just paddle or not), if the River is running high or low. You will then be piled into into a van or truck where you will be driven to the actual launch site. There are indoor porta potties at both sites. Because the trip will take at least 3 hours, use the facilities. Hold your breath, cause they are super stinky. We worn our swim suits under our regular clothes and flip flops. We brought a back pack to stuff them in. There is a cut out in the back of the Kayak for storage. We brought a few snacks and water bottles. There is a water bottle holder in the front of the Kayak. Bring 2 per person. The Nippersink Creek is almost 7 miles long. It zigs and zags with very small rapids which are not even classified because they are so small. But, super fun to navigate. Nippersink is a relatively shallow creek FULL of wildlife! We saw a large selection of bids, fish, butterflies and even Beavers building their home. The terrain does change as you head south on the creek. You will pass 5 Bridges before you come to the exit. The Guides will help you out of the Kayak at this site. The Hubby and I did some medium paddling and also drifted, it took us 3 hours. Other Kayakers took longer than us as they did less paddling, you have up to 5 hours to finish. Bring your cell phone to take photos along the way. Either store it in a ziploc bag or plastic container, you will get a little wet from the drops from the paddles. Also, use your sunscreen. Relax and enjoy your trip, it's amazing! P.S. You will most likely not see ANY civilization along the Creek, just a few fishermen. Don't panic, the Zombies did not attack the World while you were gone ;)