Almost 20 paddlers opted to take a right turn from Jack's Reef launch to go for a pleasant Sunday stroll on the 64 degree Seneca River.  Paddling in the group were Anne (the cute paparazzi), Rick (master of "GPS is for wimps") , Kim W, Kim 2, Ellen, Jean, Samantha, Ron, Pam, Cindy, Jack, John, Anne 2, Chris, Marsha, Michelle, Bob and Warren.  It was mapped at 3.8 miles, but we went a tad further because a left turn had appeared a little to soon, or maybe it was just in the wrong place.  Anyway, we back-tracked before we reached Baldwinsville.
       There were just a few humans in motor boats and on shore, so the river was nice and quiet.  Those previously noisy waterfowl weren't squawking at us quite so much this week either.  They must be busy squawking at their young ones now.   A heron was paying so much attention to a fish under the water that we were able to come very close before it flew off to the river's edge and began watching us first from the shore, then from a tree (where it looked so much like an hawk-eagle some paddlers had to check it out).  We also came across a couple of mammals that at a glance looked like a mom and baby beaver or two lovers ('nuff said).  As we neared the log the first mammal hopped off and revealed his/her identity as a small beaver.  The second was left with its ratty tail hanging out, so we could tell it was a muskrat.  He sat there for quite a while looking quite cute and fuzzy.  Babies are hairless so it must have been an adult with a bad hair day.  Per wikipedia,        Native Americans have long considered the muskrat to be an important animal. In several Native American creation myths it is the muskrat who dives to the bottom of the primordial sea to bring up the mud from which the earth is created, after other animals had failed in the task. That's an achievement.  No humans tipped this week, so the mud stayed where it was.  Yeah. That's also an achievement.  
       New-comers and veterans alike enjoyed themselves on this scenic route and will be looking forward to the next one.  The pace seemed to be perfect for all the age levels.  Many thanks to our leaders who aren't afraid to try new ways of doing what they already know how to do well.  

       Some of the paddlers, along with a few of their dry spouses, gathered at Tish & Gene's for a delicious BBQ.  Some people cook as good as they paddle and some have good cooking spouses.   A birthday cake was lit for the paddler who joined us after scuba diving.  Kudos to out host & hostess who also lit a campfire for us to enjoy.