October 7, 2011 - Beaver Dam Lake, Wake Forest, NC.It had been a too long interval between paddles.... and I was "chomping at the bit"... or maybe "scratching at the paddle?...
to get back on the water! Some of our friends from church... the same folks who I introduced to the wonderful sport of paddling in June -
"Paddling - There's Always a First Time!" - were eager to test their water "wings" again too! So, we arranged to meet after work on Friday - at Beaver Dam Lake... for a late afternoon paddle and dinner by the lake!
Unfortunately, at the last minute, Carol got tied up at work and was unable to join us. But, Gracie, Mary, my wife Rachel, and myself had a great time! I brought both my kayaks - the tandem Mainstream Escapade and Aquifusion Liberty 13, so there would be plenty of water craft to share! Late afternoon at Beaver Dam Lake saw temperatures in the low 70's, mostly sunny skies, light breeze, and low humidity - really nice paddling conditions!
Mary getting ready to "test the waters." Put in at the Beaver Dam Lake boat ramp.
Mary, occupying Rachel's customary front seat and showing that she had not forgotten my paddling instructions I gave her in June!
Well, look who has showed up now? Rachel and Gracie making their way down the boat ramp. Mary is either emphasizing that "you guys are next" or the one that got away was "this big!"
Rachel and Gracie in the tandem. Gracie looking very confident. I actually did not know how confident until....
... Gracie decided she would strike out on her own!
Gracie did a good job with solo paddling and with Rachel following close beside her in the Liberty 13, I was comfortable that Gracie would stay out of trouble. She did!
Spotted this nice sailboat. At times, there was a rather stiff breeze, so conditions were good for craft powered either by wind or hand.
The month of October can be "spooky!" I saw this canoe that had sprouted "legs" and was making it's way up the slope to the parking lot! Actually, it was a grandfather fishing with his granddaughter. I chatted with them for a few minutes.
The end of another beautiful afternoon of paddling, fellowship, and a relaxing dinner beside the lake! It don't get much better than this!
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