On Sunday, March 15, the weather was absolutely beautiful: it was sunny and in the 50’s. The Long Branch Park was throbbing with life with hundreds of sun seeking pedestrians, cyclists, runners, roller-bladers, Frisbee throwers (and catchers), dog lovers with their enthusiastic four-legged companions, picnickers, kids, fishermen, and… 8 kayakers: Patty, Lynn, Aneta, Dave, Greg, Bob, Rick, and Robert. Given the fabulous day we expected a higher turnout, but perhaps eight is a magic number for the month of March. We kayaked with the current for four miles while spying on three American Bald Eagles: two adults and a youngster. The four miles with the current were easy like a breeze but coming back was tougher. Not only was it against the current and occasional gusts of wind, but the kayak propelling muscles were in much surprise and reluctant to cooperate after two months off from their job. Different body parts hurt, and the kayak didn’t seem as comfortable as it once was. Regardless of some discomfort trying to get back into what we love doing the most, we had a wonderful time soaking up the sun and catching up on each other’s lives while keeping up a good paddling pace. At the end of the paddle part of the group went to Quaker Steak and Lube for dinner.