Mothers Day was a perfectly sunny spring day this year and my husband and I were excited to spend it outside…but neither of our mothers lives in town and we don’t have kids. So we spent the day with a friend, who also happens to be a great mother (and pregnant). We went canoeing and kayaking with her and her family on Lake Padden for a lovely, relaxing afternoon. We floated across the small, but quiet lake, saw baby ducks, lily pads, a few fish jump out of the water and other paddlers (some novices like us and hardcore competitors who literally lapped us multiple times). Lake Padden is one of my favorite parks – and it’s a definite favorite among locals for sunbathing, walking, biking, running and picnicking. I go to Padden dozens of times each year – but usually for those other activities. It was my first venture in the middle of the lake. Beautiful and very easy to access. Great for newbie paddlers and training for Ski to Sea!