On Tuesday, 28 July 2011, many if not most TATC folks were prepping for trips to the ATC Conference at Emory and Henry U. The temperature was forecast to soar to the high nineties. Five intrepids still decided to take on the 10 mile circumnavigation of Jamestown Island. We all arrived around 930AM at the Jamestown Yacht Basin--which is a joke of a title (IMHO) with absolutely no "yachts" in this increasingly run-down marina. Fear not, James City County has put out requests for bids for future management of the marina. Rumor has it that the next contract will include necessary improvements as well as an ECO Park. More to follow on that.
The temperature was a little warm, but there was a breeze in the air and we set out. Bob H, Dottie, Julie, Vic sans Margaret, and Brian. We enjoyed the early morning air and the absolutely placid waters of Sandy Bay. We entered the James River after passing under the bridge near glass house point and saw our first waves of the day. The contrast between the glass like water of the bay and the wave action of the James was startling. We figured out that the ferries which were both passing by as we paddled by the early shoreline of the island were causing the large waves. After we passed the historic part of the island with all the excavation sites, the James settled down and, for a river, was fairly placid itself. About two-thirds of the way along the shore, we normally take the cut through along Passmore Creek. Vic, Dottie, and Julie did take this route. Bob H and Brian decided they wanted the riverside breeze more and they continued on the outer shore and paddled around the end of the island. Although the end run paddle looks to be further, you paddle more in a straight line so it is actually easier. And there were at least three bald eagles on this part of the island. We enjoyed the breeze until we reached Black Point and disembarked for lunch. Four Mexican men were there fishing--and had quite a catch of Croaker and a few Trout. After lunch, we took off to complete the circle. Julie's arms were tiring, so most pulled over for a "tip-over" to cool off.
After a nice respite from paddling and the heat, we moved on. We pulled out again at a breakwater near the visitor's center. Then we heard thunder. Julie and Dottie and all forgot their aching arms and started paddling. The sky was darkening and we were trying to predict the direction it was moving. Paddle, paddle, paddle. Another thunderbolt and a lightning strike in the distance encouraged us on. As it turned out, we made it back to the marina, and in the nice breeze that was striking up, we were able to take out, secure our boats on our vehicles, and say goodbye before the rain--it was raining as we drove away. Phyllis would be aghast, but this crew had no chocolate AND then decided to skip ice cream. That is the new definition of "hard core".
Laurie Behm who has paddled with the Tuesday Group many times could not come because she is now working full time as a pharmacist. She asked if anyone would like to do the paddle again on Saturday. Brian said yes, so if you missed it on Tuesday, show up on Saturday, 0930 at the Jamestown Beach. The Beach is free for launching according to Laurie. See you there if you are truly "hard core".