Last Labor Day I offered almost the same trip, and I was the only one who signed up; it was gorgeous summertime weather. This year - a different story. Ten paddlers showed up, with canoes outnumbering the kayaks. I was joined by my hubby John, and TAPC Board members Harold, Jocelyn, Tracie and Dan, plus the king of trash Norm, nurse Linda, always-prepared Pam and new member Kim (who was awfully glad that Pam had an extra jacket for him). The forecast said the drizzle would stop during the morning; it never really quit all day. And it was chilly!
Who knew that after Saturday's trip in swimsuits (and yesterday's bike ride in a tank top), I would be wearing a tee shirt, a TAPC long sleeved shirt, a micro-fleece zip-turtleneck and a Gore-tex jacket and I would still be cold? It was probably the cold feet that got me, plus the lightweight pants. Things improved when I put on my rain pants, and later Jocelyn loaned me some neoprene socks. Sure wish I had brought along boots!
We began at Scheck's campground, and passed through the old "pond" area, where the foliage has grown up a lot! I personally missed seeing the giant snapping turtle, but others verified that he seems to be doing well. Norm picked up a chair (among other items he simply couldn't pass up) and dropped it off during our short break at the Brown Bridge Landing. We took out at Shumsky. Special thanks to the four people who helped with the shuttle, even the two who almost forgot to drop off the second car at Shumsky after their initial meeting at the Chums Corner Walgreens.
No mishaps, and good conversation, and a delightful lunch afterwards at Red Lobster.
Narrative by Lois, photos by Jocelyn & John
Passing under the big flag
Ducks and more ducks with Dan and Tracie