Owasco Lake Inlet
(South End)
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Approximately 6-8 Miles

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   Anne SchofieldRoger Harrod
Anne Schofield Roger Harrod
 
       It was an overcast day on the Owasco Inlet for 24 2-legged paddlers and one 4-legged rider/paddler: Cindy, Rick, Pam, Walt, Kim-too, Howard, Kim, Dave F, Tish, Gene, Dana, Ginny, Hugh, Roger, Anne, Bill, Ruth, Ellen, Larry, Susan, Sandy, Phil, Christine & Edgar.  The dark clouds added to the eeriness of the woods on either side of the inlet.The mango, red,blue, white, purple and bright yellow colored boats did little to
cheer it up.  The numerous downed trees looked like they might come alive and grab you if you got too close.  In fact, they did catch a few folks who spent much of the paddle practicing their dodging & limbo skills.  Some got a nice back scratch and some were surprised as they let their eyes wander for a moment then poof - a branch in the face.  The trees were not just above the water, you had to look all around, for many logs were hiding underneath the water.  Sadly, there were also a few discarded tires.  One had been there so long it had plants growing out of it.  Tish and Bill were lured by the black berries along the edge and stopped for a moment so Tish could snack on some black caps.  The smells on this paddle were particularly strong (after the much-needed personal mosquito spray odor died down).  There were several different wild flower smells that were delightful and one section with a distinct cow smell, which we hurried through.  A huge hornets' nest hung from a high tree.  A few trout hid in the murkey water.  Holy Trees were obvious pecking grounds for the many woodpeckers that must frequent the area.  I found some information about that black insect that escorted us.  It is a an adult damselfly (Zygoptera).  There is a picture below if Rick can fit it in.  If not then look here. There was some additional
New Comer 1
New Comer 2
New Comer 3
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 vigorous exercise needed as we neared our resting point.  The crashing currents created some rapids.  You knew they were close because fellow kayakers were yelling "Paddle!! Paddle!!! Paddle!!!!"   Edgar bravely tried out his doggie paddle along the way, too.

      The take out was at the point where the water was too shallow to go any further.  Convenient.  We could see the bridge & Moravia sign in the distance.  We gathered on a small mound of crushed stone and a mini beach.  Cindy shrunk, as she sunk to her knees in sifting sand when she got out of her boat.  It wasn't all stone!  Kim-too showed us a "paddle dance" which Roger quickly recorded.  Not sure if we will all be required to learn those moves in the future.  There was quite an interest.  I tried to capture the movie moment from behind, but she was too fast for me.  (WA folks and kayakers on the beach - you will have to ask for a replay.)  Ellen showed us a few more moves that we could try if there was ever some serious thought about a kayaker chorus line.  I am sure she will also be willing to repeat the performance.  Quite creative!

      The paddle back was much faster with the current.  It looked like it might rain at anytime and it did for a second.  It was so quick, you could count the raindrops on your fingers & toes.  We paddled 8.6 miles total.   All arrived safely back to the launch site without tipping.  Last year there were two 180s.  Aneta might say we were b o r i n g!!  

      It was off to the Cascade Grill for 19 of us.  A live band (the Boogiemen, I believe) was playing for a large group of patrons on the patio.  They set up a table for us inside.  Guess they didn't know some of us could dance to that nice music - well, maybe.  Food was ordered, quickly served, and devoured.  A coconut cake magically appeared with a box (or two) of candles on it for Gene.  We sang our best version of Happy Birthday.  Kayakers sing almost as well as they dance.  Roger chose not to record it.  Thank you, Roger.