Goodwin Islands Paddle 6-7-2011

You couldn't have asked for a more perfect day. Sunshine. A soft breeze. Temperatures in the high 80s to low 90s. Just right for the Tuesday Group to paddle the Goodwin Islands. We arrived at Back Creek Park that morning and put-in at the marina. We were 9 kayaks: Bob M, Bob S, Sandra, Jean, Vic, Margaret, Chuck, Mark and Phyllis and 1 (token) canoe: Ellis and Marti. We paddled down Back Creek with the wind at our backs and the current gently pushing us along. The water was smooth as glass broken occasionally by a ripple from a jumping fish. Great Blue Heron and osprey heralded our arrival at the Thoroughfare as we made our way to our first beach break. We took a short break here for snacks and water. Sandra had brought along her map of Holland and demonstrated the route she and Sandy took on their recent barge/bike and hike tour there. A few waded into the water but nobody swam and we were soon back in our boats heading down the York River. We explored the marshy areas as the water level was very high, spied on a congregation of pelicans and sea gulls and eventually settled on a sandy beach for our lunch break. Some swam, some ate--most did both. We took a nice break enjoying the warmth of the day and the pleasure of each other's company. Six or seven noisy oyster catchers kept flying by in graceful ellipses evidently wanting their beach back! Back in the boats once again we continued our circumference of the islands encountering some friendly chop as we rounded the tip of the furthest island. Once again however, both wind and current were with us and we rode the gentle swells on our return journey to Back Creek and the marina. Once the boats were loaded back on the vehicles we headed for the "Sno-Zone" for ice cream and shaved ice. One of the President's planes was practicing take-offs and landings at nearby Patrick Henry airport. I suspect it was indeed "Air Force One" ordered to fly low by the President himself so he could get several good looks at the famous Tuesday Group. And after all, who can blame him for wanting that?

Another splendid day for the Tuesday Group!

View Phyllis' photos: https://picasaweb.google.com/crashneumann/GoodwinIslandsPaddle?authkey=Gv1sRgCOD43uD6uonV4AE&feat=directlink