The Saturday Sylvan Beach paddle drew a group of 14 paddlers: our honor guest Kevin Stiegelmaier, the author of Canoeing and Kayaking New York, Jerry, Cindy and Rick, Bob, Phil, Tish and Gene, Kim, Lynn, Greg, David, and Aneta and Robert. It was fairly warm but windy with a possibility of rain showers. The water temperature was 42 degrees (courtesy of Kim’s wine thermometer), which greatly reduced the likelihood of being run over by blocks of free floating ice.

We set out towards Oneida Lake, where Bob and Jerry were playing with large waves behind the break wall. We paddled along the shore parallel to moderate but menacing waves that periodically crashed against us ensuring no one overheated. It was the first rocky ride of the season. After two miles we turned into Oneida Creek, where the water was much calmer. We paddled another three miles before we stopped for a break. That’s where the series of unfortunate events began.

The shore was treacherously muddy. Lynn, who had been paddling with a hurt wrist, slipped and fell onto the same wrist thus disabling it for good. Bob capsized and took a chilly swim as well as unwillingly participated in mud wallowing. Nor waves, nor ice will stop Bob, but the muddy shore just might. As we paddled back to the lake, it started to rain. That did not deter Greg from getting out of his kayak and climbing onto the bridge to take pictures of us as we were approaching in the pouring rain. Soon it turned out that Lynn needed help. Good Bob volunteered to tow her and almost lost his paddle in the process. As several kayaks parked side by side to help retrieve and fasten the tow rope, Bob’s paddle floated away quietly hoping to break free. However, its plan was foiled by Jerry, who watchfully caught it and returned it to its rightful owner. In the meantime, Robert’s boat took him for a ride far away from the shore, as he was convinced he was going straight. Straight it was, just not parallel to the shore. The correction cost him about half a mile. Also, Gene and Tish needed to pull to the shore to straighten Gene’s back. It was their first paddle since Lewey Lake, and we were glad to have them with us.

We arrived back safely after completing nearly 10 miles. The rain subsided. It was a hard paddle for some, especially those who chose it to be the opening of their kayaking season. We proceeded to “Spaghetti Factory” for dinner where we indulged in pasta and delightful conversations. As always, we had a really great time.