A foggy notion

[bob budd]

This morning at Tuck Point may be my last for awhile. As I gazed across the water at Salem Willows my gaze was interrupted by the few boats now moored in the shallows. Next week I’ll have to pass on weekday kayaking in lieu of an early Friday exit to pick up my son in Maine. (I graciously accept all of your condolences in advance.) Two weeks from now I expect many more interruptions in this view and considerable traffic as well, making it less attractive. Thereafter the other regular in our two-or-more-some may be camping his way along the Maine coast.

The elder Gwynn, one Wilbur, preceded me in the sand as did the sublime Mr. Crangle. I began to wonder if I would spend the morning mightily struggling to keep up with him. While I stuffed a few things into my boat for the morning I began to assess the conditions. The forecast was quite accurate, little more than a breeze and low visibility due to a grey fog. While parking my SUV up the road the younger Gwynn, one Bradley, drove by saying Walter was fashionably late. While Walter indeed arrived last he was first on the water. Who does that remind me of?

There was acclimation that we head for the gooseberries. Through the haze we soon insisted we could see Misery Island. We made good time passing Eagle Island on the East side and ambled past the nearest Gooseberry. The expected gulls and cormorants frequented the islands and a solitary seal was seen. As we approached the Breakers many seals began to surround us, albeit at a distance, and a large stationary object on the Breakers turned out be the largest of them eventually too curious to remain stationary. Intriguing he was bringing head and shoulders well out of the water to get a better look at the five of us.

Three of us were reluctantly agreed to land at noon and go to work (condolences again accepted in advance) so we returned to the largest Gooseberry for a navigation meeting. One of our number found himself a bit wet in disembarking from his boat on the pebbly beach. Another of our number ignored the advice of his younger brother, leaving the stern of his boat within reach of a watery hand that succeeded in dragging his boat back into the water. After a brief swim we were all assembled on land for the customary chatter.

As we disembarked the forecast of improving visibility was affirmed. At this point the group became separated between those who followed the aforementioned trip up the coast and those who set out more or less directly for the put-in. I eventually joined the bee-liners as the three of us were the aforementioned nooners. We were joined by Mr. Crangle as we neared the put-in and landed as the cloud ceiling began to reveal a sunny afternoon.

[Bill Gwynn]

I figured I would show up for this paddle to simply provide the entertainment for the day. As usual, I was able to come through with one of my many "Stupid Kayak Tricks". Today's trick was having my boat set a course without me in it. Yes...I did have to swim to get it back, as the others laughed and took pictures (i'm sure my brother will be posting those later this evening). It was a good paddle that included several dozen seals surrounding us out at the dry breakers just East of South Gooseberry. I took some pics that can be seen here. http://www.kayakpics.com/gallery/051805

[Walter]

Bob as usual a very eligent trip report.

Bill and Brad great pictures.

Thanks all for helping to make a day on the water

outstanding.

Bob we can still make it out to paddle.

"They will come." or something like that.

Walter

Impex Assateague

Emerald Green/White w/ Yellow Stripe

[traction]

Here are some more pix of our foggy trip,

including my brother swimming after his boat.

http://www.kayakpics.com/gallery/album60