5/22/2019: Wed. Lunch Paddle IV (Cape Ann)

[Joseph Berkovitz]

May 22, 2019
Route: West Beach/Beverly -> White Beach/Manchester -> return
Distance: 7.2 nm
Track: https://www.gaiagps.com/datasummary/track/601c85e792cae64efcdedee0da7e6882/?layer=gaianoaarnc
Conditions: sunny, air 60 F, water 50 F, wind N 8 kt changing to SE 8 kt, seas 1 ft
Tides: LT - 9.03a; HT - 3.05p

10.30a: Launched from West Beach in very calm conditions with a nice shelter from what was then a northerly breeze.

10.50a: Played in the first of many enjoyable rock gardens on this route, around the Ram Island Ledges. From here it was some lovely rocky handrailing all the way past Lobster Cove, Graves Beach and ultimately White Beach.  Of course, a bit of fun at NSPN Rock was included.

12.15p: Lunch -- the ultimate goal of every Wednesday lunch paddle -- was eaten on White Beach!

12.50p: The beginning of an equally enjoyable play session back in the other direction, this time with more water on hand and considerably bouncier conditions. The wind had shifted to SE and we were now getting some fairly active chop landing on the rocks as we paddled by.

2.00p: Near Gales Point, Bob decided to come out of his boat, abandon it, and paddle-swim to the rocks where he climbed out. I watched with some perplexity as his boat drifted away from him in the wind, then I clipped into it and shepherded it back to him. Apparently this was what he wanted to happen ?

2.30p: The end of another enjoyable Wednesday Lunch Paddle.

[prudenceb]

Really fun day!  I'm delighted that this is a new staple on the NSPN menu!

[Jeff Charette]

Great day. Joe, thanks for organizing.

[Jim Snyder]

What a wonderfull section of coastline!