Twenty three paddlers, including four new club members and one guest, came to enjoy a fabulous sunny day: Adam, Patrick, Jim, John, Jeff, Debbie, Ed, Anne and Roger, Howard, David G., David L., Tish and Gene, Christine and Phil, Bob, Aneta and Robert, Kim W., Kim B., Patti, and Chuck. It was a perfect day for a paddle. The water temperature was 54 degrees F, a whole 12 degrees warmer than the week before. Given the large size of the group parking was a challenge, but eventually everybody found a parking spot.

    We meandered leisurely down Fish Creek enjoying a summer-like weather. It was hot! We paddled over three miles before we took out for a break at a sandy beach. It was more like quicksand, saturated with water underneath, making us sink ankle deep. We enjoyed some snacks and a surprise mini-party with a patriotic brownie with red, white, and blue M&M’s and three tiny banners made by Anne to celebrate Aneta’s recent naturalization. The group sang “America the Beautiful.” It was very moving and unforgettable. Those people can not only kayak, but also sing! Sadly, not everybody made it to the end, as some newer paddlers turned back earlier.

    On the way back we paddled much faster with the current. Some paddlers got adventurous and explored the side pockets of the creek, where one paddler had a run-on with a branch that resulted in capsizing. Luckily, he had some assistance with the rescue and made it back safely. We completed 6.6 miles. After the paddle, part of the group went to “The Brothers” restaurant and enjoyed dinner and drinks.