The stagnant attendance rate of 8 paddlers was finally overcome when the trip on Seneca River from Mercer Park in Baldwinsville attracted the total of 16 club members in various capacities. There were ten participating paddlers: Kevin, Lynn, Cindy and Rick, Aneta and Robert, Christine and Phil, Walt, and Greg; four kayak-less paddlers who stopped by to see us off: Jim, Gene and Tish, and Vic; and finally there was a racing duo comprised of Roxanne and her twin sister Robin, who sped off towards Cross Lake in their sleek 23 ft long tandem.

The paddle was scenic and very pleasant. As we swiftly paddled at a steady pace to complete the total of 8 miles, we admired some nice waterfront property, talked, and did some bird watching. Despite of the cloudy weather, it was fairly warm and the rain held off.

After the paddle ten of us gathered at Tassone’s Italian restaurant for dinner. The meal was excellent (ask Walt about his chicken and biscuits), and we had a wonderful time. However, by the time we left the restaurant the temperature dropped rapidly, and it was raining hard. The paddle and dinner were great, but the unloading in cold rain and mud we could have done without.