Like bees on the journey to their hive, fourteen kayakers rushed in from every direction to gather for the Hinckley Reservoir paddle on a chilly Sunday morning. Kim, Aneta and Robert met up at exit 34A and caravanned together to join Anne and Roger, Ruth and Bill, and Annie and David B. at the bridge meeting spot at 10:30. It was Annie and David’s first trip with the club, and Annie’s first kayaking adventure ever. At the Hinckley Reservoir Park we met up with Bob, Cindy, Rick, and Dave L. Someone reported spotting Hugh on the Thruway, but he never arrived at the park. We soon learned that he couldn’t find the spot and launched elsewhere along the shore. Our mission was to find him.
      Transporting our kayaks down the long sandy hill towards the beach was a tedious task. After launching the group split up temporarily: half proceeded leisurely towards West Canada Creek, and the other half went a mile out of the way to meet up with Hugh. The Hugh Recovery Mission proved successful and we soon reunited with the rest of the group. The reward was two extra miles of paddling and the company of Hugh, of course.
      The paddle towards West Canada Creek was super fast and easy due to strong tail wind. We were surfing at high speeds of nearly 5 miles per hour while paddling, and about 1.5 miles per hour when not paddling. We zoomed happily along like a school of whales, and it was fun and exhilarating. We stopped for lunch at a beach, where Anne took pictures of us with our mouths full, and Hugh and Roger shared treats to make sure our mouths stayed full while Anne was taking pictures. So, if we look like pre-winter hamsters on the pictures – that is why. After the break the less experienced paddlers started their journey back knowing very well it will be against the wind. The more experienced paddlers pushed their luck and continued paddling until Bob encountered glass-boat unsuitable rapids with shallow spots. We turned around only to discover that the way back will most certainly be painful.
      The head wind was very strong and it took all the power to push against it. The whole core was engaged and our muscles worked hard to get us home. The group reunited again back at the reservoir, and some paddled along the shoreline, while others embraced the playful white caps right through the middle of the wrinkly Hinckley. The water washed over the decks almost up to the cockpit, it foamed alongside the edges of the kayak, and at times it came sideways to spray your face and leave you wet. It was a fun ride. Once we turned the corner, we took on the waves from the side, and once we turned again towards the beach, we received a welcome respite by being able to surf once again. We all arrived at the shore safely, exhausted but happy, having lived through almost every configuration of wind direction. The group from the Hugh Recovery Mission completed 10.6 miles; the Bob Single completed 16.5 miles, and the rest of the group estimated 7-8 miles. Well done!
      Kim’s dinner report: After the vigorous paddle, 9 kayakers went to the Buffalo Head in honor of wandering Walt, who chose this place especially for the chicken and biscuits and the hugest, most delicious coconut cream pie in New York State.  My guess - 1200 calories.  We ate beef, seafood, salad, and a few plates of  chicken and biscuits-to-die-for.  Some finished off with desserts.  It was delicious.  And ALL of it was calorie free because we worked off at least 2000 calories against the waves today.  Life is so good!