Paddling by Moonlight

Last Saturday, we went on a kayaking trip with some friends to Jetty Island in Gardner Bay. Dave works with one of the guys in the scouting program; he houses a lot of scouting equipment, including the sea kayaks, at his house so it made it easy to borrow them. Although we headed out at low-tide and several of the kayaks bottomed out, it was quite an adventure. While waiting for the other kayaks to get "unstuck", we watched several juvenile bald eagles feast on clams and other sea treats marooned on the low tidal sands. After finding a good place to "make camp", we pulled our kayaks away from the water and up a sand dune. In a few short hours, the water was lapping at the edge of their temporary docking place.

While the men built a bonfire on the beach, one of the women started us on the appetizers - homemade, whole-wheat rolls, freezer jam and butter. By the way, I must mention that Ahren is a great cook! After we devoured the rolls, she and her husband fueled up a Coleman stove and warmed homemade stew for our main course. Needless to say, the food tasted divine to such a famished bunch! Dave & I were in charge of dessert, so I made a family favorite - strawberry yogurt cake. Although it was not chilled, everyone seemed to enjoy a light, sweet cap to our dinner. While playing "Two Truths & a Lie", we roasted marshmallows and tried to stay warm as the sun went down. Donning headlamps, we boarded our crafts and paddled back through the salty water towards the boat launch. By the time we got home, we both collapsed into bed and quickly fell asleep. All in all, a great day!