The big event in store for today was the Long Island Paddlers kayak club spring picnic. After two long days of touring the city I was happy to have such a simple and fun way to fill the day. After sleeping in a bit (lord knows I needed the rest) we stopped at the grocery store deli to pick up no less than 19 feet of sandwich along with salads and trimmings for the picnic. Without quite enough room in the car to haul everything we ended up putting the sandwiches in the cockpits of our kayaks in order to get it all to the picnic.
Playing Bocci ball with Micki from the Long Island Paddlers kayak club.
When we arrived people were just returning from the scheduled morning paddle. While the food was laid out and we waited for everyone to get off the water we enjoyed a game of Bocce Ball. This was the first time I ever played by the actual rules and I’m proud to say that Steve and I won our team match.
Me in my new hat and shirt. Thank you Steve and the Long Island Paddlers
Once everyone was back from the paddle the call was put out that it was time to eat. But before we dug into our heaping plates of food Steve thanked all of the volunteers that helped all the organizing and work involved and then thanked me for being there (although it’s me that should be thanking him) and gave me a Long Island Paddlers hat and shirt which I was wishing I had.
On the water with a few of the Long Island Paddlers
Throughout the day It felt like I shook hands and said hello to all 80 people at the picnic. It was great to meet so many people so fired up about paddling and their club. After lunch I joined a pod of about 10 kayaks to do a pleasant hour and a half loop around the harbor. Steve wanted to try out my Ikkuma, so I pulled out the foam on my front bulkhead to make room for his longer legs and jumped into his boat so I’d have something to paddle. This was the first time in 3600 miles that I actually saw someone else paddle my boat. It was certainly strange seeing it from a view other than in the cockpit. I really do like how all the signatures and stickers look on it, I just need to go get more. With any luck as many folks will show up at the presentation I’m doing next Tuesday and can sign the boat then.
Rosemary, Steve and Paul - some of the many great members of the Long Island Paddlers
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