March Paddle

The weatherman predicted highs in the upper 40's for the day and with the last couple days being about that we had no reason to doubt it. So, Pat and I decided to take some timeoff from work and go paddling. Unfortunately, the temperature never got above 33 and started to drop shortly after noon. When we met at the causeway at 2:30 it was about 30 degrees and the wind was coming out of the north at about 10 to 15 miles per hour. By the time we were done it was down to 28. The next few days don't sound too good so we decided to just head upstream and spend a bit of time out on the water anyway. We continued up and finally stopped to turn around once we got to the northern edge of town. It was interesting to see what the water splashing up from the river or dripping off of our paddles would do. Paddle leashes and deck cords really took the brunt of it. The current and the wind in our face made for some waves as we made our way upstream. The trip back was a bit quicker. We spent about an hour and 20 minutes on the water and traveled about 3.5 miles. With this I have now made it out at least once in 24 straight months. With spring beginnning soon, longer and warmer days are just around the corner and the streak should be easier to continue.

I have had people ask how long we need to paddle to count it as an outing. While it is possible to go out 50 feet, turn around, and call it a day, that has never been considered by Pat, Chuck, or myslef to be enough. The minimum we have ever gone out and counted has been about an hour of paddle time.