Lazy Sunday – 10 April

[bob budd]

Arrived at Granite Pier at 11AM first. Dropped the boats off near the ramp and packed up the hatches, then moved the new kayak rack accessory up to long-term parking. Liz arrived soon after we did with bad news, more than she would not be joining us, and went back to her affairs. Karen arrived awhile after, no problem basking in the ample sun. The breeze above forecast was welcome, paddling in 60 degree weather whilst dressed for immersion can be hot business.

Set out around noon in the direction of Straitsmouth Island. Passed the gap and headed clockwise around the island. Intrigued when the northerly Thacher’s Island lighthouse appeared to slide from behind the island as I paddled somewhat close to shore. Already thankful there were few boats of any kind to spoil the peace. We saw not another kayaker and only a few distant boats the entire day.

As we reached Thacher’s Island we chose to slip and slide our way in on the boat ramp. With the receding tide we were able to leave our boats above the current waterline confident (though we did check a few times) that we would not later swim to retrieve one or more of them from the ocean. Walked up to the northerly lighthouse to find a locked door, expected same given the “Island Closed” sign on the boat house. Crossed the island to find the helipad and nearby cistern. As we originally planned to camp here Saturday night, never having done so before, we wanted to reconnoiter the camping situation for future reference.

Returning to the boat ramp we were able to slide down the ramp on the algae into the water (in our boats). Passed through Straitsmouth Gap and headed for the pier, soon after Dee received a call. My first experience making dinner plans from a kayak. At the boat ramp we briefly pondered the identify of the white rodent lying belly up at the bottom of the bay. Granite Pier to Thacher’s and back in five hours, now that’s a lazy Sunday.