Marion, kayaking away on Okanagan Lake at dusk.

But I do love travel overland and on water, and I'd like to tell you about some remarkable women - American and Canadian - who pursue both.

I met Christine last summer on the north shore of Lake Michigan with a group of her women friends.

"We belong to a swim club," Christine explained over the non-campfire, unlighted because of an extreme forest fire hazard. "We work out with a coach, set personal goals for fitness - and sometimes we arrange social events. Three years ago someone suggested renting sea kayaks for a day. Well - some of us got hooked on paddling as a natural extension of our swimming. Now, we search out beautiful, remote campsites and beaches where we can camp, swim, paddle and hang out together. It's a fabulous package - and the price is right!"

Berta lives in St. Paul, Minnesota. An information technology professional, she loves to camp solo, and has built her own wooden kayak. We met at Parsons Lake, Nova Scotia. "Canada's a lovely place to visit," she offered. "Folks are friendly, the scenery's amazing - and my US dollars are worth about $1.60 Canadian!"

She hadn't brought her boat on this trip, but keeps her life jacket in the car. I lent Berta my kayak for a tryout; she checked over my malfunctioning laptop computer. "I have a terrific career, my own house and my own business," Berta offered. "None of them requires a man in my life. Neither does kayaking. My former guy had a sailboat - but both he and the boat were too high-maintenance. My kayak set me free."

Berta bid adieu to high-maintenance men and found kayaking (and freedom).

Why is kayaking among North America's fastest-growing recreations among women? Simply because these safe, stable boats take you to beautiful, hidden places on lakes or the sea coast, bringing upper-body fitness in the process. It's quiet. You hear the birds, the lapping of water, droplets from your paddle, and you visit snoopy seals in salt water, loons on the lakes. It frees you from the sound and stench of motors. Paddlers can be home in a few hours, or pack gear and food for several days out, unbound by roads and trails. You can tour alone or with friends for an extra margin of safety and companionship, while enjoying the independence of being "captain" of your own boat. (CONTINUE...)