Six of us launched from Lanes Cove for a meandering game of follow the leader through the rocks around Halibut Point to Rockport. Billy D quickly learned from the rest of us how to put scratches on his beautiful Tide Race Explorer. A pod of 4 decided conditions were perfect to continue on and circumnavigate Cape Ann.

An orange moonrise followed a brilliant sunset. Water "fireflies" danced off our paddles. Gentle swells accompanied us on the leg from Rockport to Gloucester Harbor with the revolving light beckoning. Rick Crangle deftly led us along with his local knowledge of hidden shoals, buoys out in the middle of nowhere and rocks that might appear. Crashing waves bounced off the rocks to our right. Just before the Dogbar someone turned on the washing machine.

As we rounded the bend, the phenomenon of Gloucester Harbor receding as we paddled in became apparent. A quick beach break with hot tea, snickers and organic peanut bars fortified us for the last leg of our journey. Les and I couldn't believe how the length of the endless Annisquam had tripled since the last time we paddled it. Fog softly greeted us and stayed off our left shoulder as we emerged from the Annisquam and made our way back to Lane's Cove.

But wait, who was in that car with the boat on top we spied leaving Lane's as we arrived back at 1 am? Sure hope it wasn't Christopher waiting to make sure we'd made it safely back?! Must have been an illusion.

Thank you Christopher for posting and to my paddling companions for a spectacular evening.

Not I...I believe I was tucked up and asleep by that time! (Pooped, I was...)

BTW: thanks, all, for the lovely company!

Christopher, oh glad to hear it wasn't you! We were afraid you'd waited to make sure we were back-looked like it may have been you car. Much better to hear you were sound asleep as it was late.

I confess to being the illusion. Watching and nodding as the tide slowly turned the boats moored and mirrored in the moonlit water kept me there awhile. I was a little tuckered out and perhaps a little sleepy eyed when I finally got on my way.....so sorry to have missed greeting you all upon your return.

Billy, thanks for solving the mystery. Good meeting you and having you along on the first leg.