We have paddled the Goodwin Islands many times and each time is a new adventure. Wind, tide, currents and storms change the contour of the islands and we are always experiencing something new. Today was no exception. We had eight paddlers for this very hot day with temperatures in the high 90s. Kayaking today were Ellis, Marti, Bruce, Margaret, Bill B, Kevin, Sherri and Phyllis. Despite the warm temperature and high humidity we all stayed relatively comfortable due to the constant breeze. We paddled Back Creek (where Kevin spotted an eagle) and on through the thoroughfare to the Goodwin Islands and our traditional short beach stop. The water was unusually clear and we were able to see abundant sea grass and the occasional jellyfish. The real treat came after leaving this beach stop when we started to spot sting rays in the water! One of them even bumped into Marti's boat! We continued around the islands marveling at how much they had changed from previous trips. Narrow passages were now wide. Sloping beaches were replaced by steep eroded shores. Some beaches were simply gone! We made the crossing from the islands back to the mainland heading to our lunch beach. We paddled into a stiff southwesterly breeze which slowed us a bit but kept us cool. Again we enjoyed many sting rays swimming back and forth in the clear water below. The water was unusually shallow and this was most likely due to the direction of the wind or the tide-or a combination? We enjoyed our lunches on the beach, sharing some of Bruce' cucumbers and peaches (and Phyllis' chocolate). We waded out into the water though it was so shallow, we couldn't really swim-no one wanted to go that far out! Then it was time to head back. We made a brief foray into Claxton Creek but due to the time decided to head back to our put-in at Back Creek Park. After loading our boats, we headed to Sweet Frogs for our ice cream treat! Another fabulous day for the Tuesday Group! Phyllis
View Bill's photos: Ellis and Phyllis put together a great paddle around the Goodwin Islands in the Chesapeake Bay! This was the first time I paddled with many skates* in the clear water. This trip also gave me a chance to practice paddling in a straight line in open water against wind and tide without using a GPS!
Bill
https://photos.app.goo.gl/b8Ta7ocB2vKbJY5e9
*Skates are cartilaginous fish belonging to the family Rajidae in the superorder Batoidea of rays.
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Sherri's Pictures:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/xmVZDQRAZD6ErNFx6