Seems like forever since my last paddle on New Year's Eve, 12/31/24. Snow, rain, wind, ice -- all are my enemies. But at last, all of the elements lined up. Strange, how much heavier my kayak feels after not being hoisted on my shoulder for the first time in 8 weeks. I'm out of practice, so I didn't stray beyond Crab Creek.
I was thinking that 2024 saw me out on the water sooner, but I was mistaken. Last year's first paddle was on March 7. So I'm ahead!
New Year's Eve, and the weather is good enough for one final paddle for 2024. Wind was more than I expected, so I stayed in Crab Creek. The tide was way out. The water was as clear as I've ever seen.
Moved Heron into our slip at AYC, since Calypso is on the hard. Heron was part of parade of lights festivities, but now it was time to fill the fresh water system with antifreeze. Should we find the weather good enough for a ride, we'll have to do it again, but it's better to be prepared.
Last week, there was skim ice on Harness Creek. Today, it will get close to 60 degrees. There have been warm days since Thanksgiving, but not many that weren't windy like today. So I went for it to get at least one more day in for 2024, and set the stage for 2025's Century Club.
The trees are leafless, and the skies are grey. As it should be in December. Stayed mostly in Crab Creek, but ventured out as far as the 6 knot piling.
I had all the best intentions of kayaking when in Eleuthera. But unless my floatie toys count as vessels, I didn't manage a single day eligible for Century Club.
But back home again and the November weather is unusually kind, so I'm back in the water. Crab Creek and South River this afternoon.
They're not all that. We haven't had rain in ages, and the trees need that to give us their best.
Beautiful morning; Little Aberdeen Creek.
Yesterday was too windy to sail, and there was too much going on today for a leisurely trip. So, we took Heron for a spin to the West River to enjoy raw local oysters and fat autumn crabs at Stan & Joe's. Washed them down with Annapolis IPA. I tried out a new way (for me) to pick them, and the results were great -- a lot better access to paydirt backfin crab. October is pretty awesome here!
The paradise that October 2024 is turning out to be. Though we could sure use the rain.
Church Creek was today's destination.
And I was thirsty....
As low as I've seen it in Crab Creek. The ramp to the floating dock felt more like a ladder today. But otherwise, the day was sublime. Got further into Little Aberdeen Creek as I ever have. Afternoons are gorgeous where there are no wakes.
In what has become our default plan this season, we motored to the Rohode River for a clear and calm night on the water. It got pretty cold, but most of October is behind us now. Hanging out with the Whispers is always a good time. Seas still as a millpond on Sunday morning for the motor back.