Temperatures were in the 90s and the heat index was over 100 but the Tuesday Group was cool as always for one of our favorite peninsula paddles! Paddling today were John F, Jack, Brian, Bob M, Bruce D, Buck, Mark C, Ellis, Marti, JaneO, JohnO, Bruce J, Margaret J, Vic, Margaret P, Anne (from Alaska) and Phyllis. We launched our kayaks from the Williamsburg Eco-Discovery Park and proceeded out to the causeway. The group split there with 10 staying inland and the rest heading out to the James River to circle the island. We paddled with an occasional breeze and frequent sightings of osprey, heron and one or two eagles. We reached our lunch beach and immediately headed out for a swim. The water was a perfect temperature to cool off in the heat of the day. We gathered our water cannons to await the arrival of the rest of the group! Several boats were treated to an amphibious assault by ISIS* but most seemed to enjoy the cool spray. Bruce J. brought up the tail end and suffered the wrath of multiple water cannon strikes. He fought back bravely but in his attempt to make a beach landing he was stunningly repeled by Bruce D. applying direct reverse pressure to his bow. It was quite the sea battle. Bruce J. had some shifting ballast problems and gravity eventually won. He got wet.
Skirmishes over we headed for the beach to eat lunch. Most found a shady spot to feast on sandwiches and other goodies. Afterwards, most went back in the water for another swim. Nobody got cramps and drowned.
Then it was time to head back to the marina. We rode the tide in and enjoyed a breeze for most of the way. We saw more osprey and heron and a very stately eagle calmly sitting and chirping at us from a tall pine. Arriving back at the Eco-Discovery Park we quickly loaded our boats and then headed for ice cream at Brewster's. Another great day for the Tuesday Group!
Phyllis
* Immature Seafaring Insurgent Soakers