Kayakers prepare to enter the main channel of the Ohio River, passing Middle Island, at right, and approaching the St. Marys Bridge.

Paddlers silently approach a blue heron on the riverbank point at left, as they make their way up French Creek during a tour of Ohio River backwaters.

Rich Holmes of Marietta, Ohio, passes through a tree shaded stretch of backwater.

Kayakers pass under the branches of a partially fallen tree as they explore a creek feeding an Ohio River backwater in Pleasants County.

Tour guide Hallie Taylor scans the shoreline of Broadback Island, a unit of the Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge, and the site of several bald eagle and osprey sightings.

Gazette photo byRICK STEELHAMMER.......'KAYAK1'........9.5x3.97.......Kayak trip.......6/6/12.......