Bend is a big sporting town. You will find people participating in any number of outdoor activities from hiking, biking, skiing, snowboarding, kayaking . . . you name it, we do it. That is one of the things I love about this town.
Every year, some brave souls bundle up, decorate their kayaks, and join a kayak Christmas parade on the Deschutes river. It can be freezing, snowing, raining, or all of the above. This year they just had to endure freezing temperatures.
I do have my limits though . . . its hard enough for me to go out and take photos when its freezing out, let along get out on the water in a kayak when its freezing. But I do admire those brave souls who were out there.
The parade took place just before dusk and I lost light very quickly. I took a few photos as they were preparing the get into the water when there was still some light. About 20 minutes later, it was almost completely dark. I had to use a very high ISO (3200) in order to have any chance of getting any photos at all.
Maralee
Through My Lens 
Nice idea, but I’ll stay on firm ground too! 🙂
There were some people out on the standing paddleboards. It was about 27 degrees F (-3 C) so it was pretty chilly. It would be awfully cold if you fell in the water.
Now I go with the dressing up warm to take the photos… but to kayak and possibly get wet.??? madness… you capture great photos of a bunch of mad people…
It was pretty darn cold. It was 27 F (-3 C).
I love it. It looks very festive. The kind of scene I would love photographing as well.
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
It was fun until my fingers froze. I have gloves that cover my fingers and I can uncover when I take photos, but they still froze.