It’s spooky season, and we asked paddlers for their 12-word paddling horror stories. From creepy crawlies to downright unnerving, here’s what you sent in:
1. “Find abandoned building by river. No wait… Abandoned prison! Those are cells.” —@paddlecentric
2. “Shots fired, I threw down my kayak and ran for the river!” —@kaycee.maas
3. “Franklin Island, two in the morning, black bear scratching at my tent.” —@miss_t_bliss
4. “The drop of water running down my leg was actually a spider!” —@tropic_anna_24
5. “In the thick Mississippi fog, his paddle stirred the water over her.”— Lucas Schwalle
6. “Lip of stout. Drain plug out. Upside down and swimming.” —@justjeffv
7. “This walk was nice, but where’s the fourth part of my paddle?” —@grizzlyoutdoorpackrafting
8. “Giant leech and six babies draining blood from my foot.” —@camperchristina
9. “The storm-ravaged shore retreated no matter how frantically I paddled.” —@bascamper
10. “Anytime I get up in the middle of the night to pee is a terrifying experience.” —@em.outdoors_
11. “Huge splashes after dark. Otter in the island bay in the morning.” — Joe Johnston
12. “My family and l were at Silent Lake camping. We stayed up late one evening watching the fire. A slow cool breeze drifted up to the campfire. My son went, ‘Mom?’ I said it’s okay, we have a visitor. Welcome l said. The firelight flickered strangely, and it sounded like someone actually sat down. It stayed for a time and then moved on.” —Patti Johnson
13. “The skulling draw of his paddle failed as the shoreline wolves inched closer.” —@nash_david_
