Goodwin Islands
An even dozen Tuesday Groupers met at Back Creek Marina this morning for a paddle to the Goodwin Islands. Temperatures were a comfortable mid to high 70s and the sky was partly overcast as we launched our boats. We had one Tripper canoe with hardy paddlers Ellis and Dewey and ten kayaks paddled by Bill B, Bill R, Bob M, Brian, Bruce, Jean, Margaret P, Phyllis, Tom and Vic. The full moon and northeast wind made for some high water which became quite choppy as we approached the thoroughfare. The kayaks made short order of two and three foot waves as their bows sliced through the water. Sturdy craft that she is, the Tripper made a valiant attempt at the capricious sea but was unable to maintain headway. Had the paddlers lain prone on the bottom of the canoe, they may have reduced their wind resistance. However, this position made paddling extremely difficult. Reluctantly, they reversed their course and headed back upstream escorted by the Kayakers Pisone.
The rest of the kayakers headed towards the Goodwin Islands riding the rodeo of waves. Much whooping and hollering was heard as we roller-coastered along. Dolphins pranced alongside and sea turtles coasted in our wakes as we dashed along. Ospreys and eagles soared over our heads laughing and encouraging us on our voyage. We made it to the lee of the islands and paddled along the marshy shore just in time for a warm refreshing brief rain shower. We decided to head back just as a pod of Orcas came into view and we paddled with them for awhile as well. With the wind, waves and roll of the sea at our backs, it was a fast frolic upstream. We surfed the wave tops and cruised back to the marina where we made landfall for lunch and home-baked chocolate chip cookies (which Bill B. said had “substantial resistance”....a good thing).
We were soon reunited with the rest of the group who had just lunched at the private yacht club just around the corner.
Some of us paddled a bit more after lunch while others headed on home. We were down to ten when we rendezvoused at the Baskin-Robbins for our traditional after paddle ice cream. Another great day for the Tuesday Group.
Phyllis
Note: The above is mostly true
Pictures by Bill B: http://picasaweb.google.com/b.billings/GoodwinIslandsStorm?authkey=Gv1sRgCJXIys6vuILXswE&feat=email#