Al C. and I met at Conomo Point for a mellow paddle to start off the salt water season. Luckily Al knew someone on the point that let us park in their lot as the point was posted sticker parking only and according to one of the locals that was being aggressively enforced. Set out to Crane Beach at 12:00. Seeing how calm conditions were Al suggested we head to Wingaersheek Beach then he could complete his coverage of Cape Ann. Incoming tide rippled the water across the end of Crane beach and 1 foot swells provided a gentle ride to the Annisquam River. The main beach was wallpapered with beach umbrellas but there was a quiet spot nestled between the rocks on the side, we ate lunch there. Boat traffic was very light the weather was calm mostly sunny. Encountered a couple green heads on the ramp at Conomo Point otherwise the day was bug free. Returned around 3:30 after paddling 8 miles a very relaxing warm up and a refreshing swim. Al demonstrating a graceful paddleless exit