Manchester - Sunday July 4th

[alcoons]

Peter, Dan and I set out at 9 AM on this perfect July 4th from behind the Police Station in Manchester-By-The-Sea. The early start was well rewarded as the annual town Parade was about to start and we would have been held up trying to get to the put-in any later.

Leisurely paddle around Bakers and the North and South Gooseberries - small waves, light cooling wind. On the north side of South Gooseberry we found a young seal on a cobble beach apparently sunning himself. He did not seem to be quite right and his skin was very dry. Peter was good enough get wet in a surf-landing a good way up beach just to make sure the seal was OK. Of course, as soon as Peter landed, the seal decided to demonstrate his health by sliding down over the stoned into the water. We simultaneously awarded Peter both the "good guy" and "molester of wildlife" awards.

We rounded Eagle Rock and headed for Misery as boat traffic increased. Lunch on the SE bluff of Misery was as wonderful as ever. We walked the island and said hello to the rangers, giving our sympathies for the recent thefts of personal and Trustees equipment.

We finished with a nice paddle back to the put-in, passing an anchored mega-power yacht. It probably has more crew than the population of Manchester. Take out was about 1:30 (11 miles by Dan's GPS) with the final 20 yards fouling the bottom of our boats as is always the case there.

Could not have been more perfect.

Al

[dan_f]

It was a great day! Pictures to illustrate Al's narrative at http://danielfabricant.com . Thanks again Al.

Dan

[bob budd]

The town of Manchester will soon be placing meters or otherwise preventing long-term parking behind the police station. Before planning/departing I suggest you call the police station.