Paddle 'n Party Kayak Club

Paddle 'n Party - it's not the best name although, it does roll off your tongue. Say it three times real fast!  We brainstormed several other names like "Kay-Yakkers", "Sunset Paddlers" and "Boat Buddies" but in the end this is the one we chose. (For all that, one of the members, Cindy, calls it "Carol's Club" because Carol Ann started it, and I think that is the one that is sticking!)

It truly was Carol Ann's brainchild really.  She wanted to spread the word about how much fun folks would have if they just got out on the river for a paddle.  So it was decided that on Thursday evenings from 5:15 - 7:30 we would meet at the Charles Cafe in Millis and head out for a 2 hour ride on the river.  Afterward, we would go inside the cafe and have dinner or drinks.

It has been a success so far!  Two weeks ago - our first group launch - found 11 paddlers shoving off the shore.  We headed upstream on a hazy, hot and humid late afternoon.  We had several newbie paddlers, some intermediate and a couple experienced ones as well.  One of the members, Eddy, (did I mention membership is FREE), brought along his fishing gear.  He got a couple of nibbles on his line, but nothing big. Then on the return trip he was rewarded with the catch of a good-sized large-mouth bass.   The evening ended with more fun, stories and laughter while dining.

This past week the clear blue sky signaled an inviting evening for paddlers of all abilities.   We were treated to the sighting of the majestic great blue heron who was squawking his welcome along the river.  After coming ashore we spent another evening chattering about our experiences with one another over a quick meal and drink. 

Hope you'll consider joining us this week!  Don't forget it's free if you have your own boat and rentals are only $25.00.  Reserve early as it is becoming a popular outing!

Perfect Day to Paddle!

For days the air conditioning has been running non-stop because it has been so hot outside.  Then last night a quick storm passed by bringing with it a change in temperature.

The result today: A perfect day to paddle along one of the sweetest spots on the Charles River.  The air was crisp but warm, and the sky was a deep blue with billowy, white clouds which reflected beautifully upon the water.

We arrived mid-morning at our destination.  After transporting the kayaks down a somewhat short, but narrow passage, Lisa, Carol Ann and I quickly pushed off the shore heading upstream at the Route 27 bridge for an afternoon of respite away from work and daily chores.

What kind of plant is this?

Although it was only Thursday, we were soon to realize that we were not the sole visitors of the Charles this day.  We no sooner rounded the first bend, and we passed by 3 other women kayakers (playing hooky from work!).  Surprisingly, we passed by a total of 11 kayakers and a gentleman fishing from atop an old railroad bridge.  Even still, we traveled the waterway with the feeling that we were the only people on the river!  It was just lovely!

There were many turtles on logs and rocks taking the opportunity to catch a little sun. We saw a couple of great blue herons, who seemed bothered that we invaded their space. (They flew away just a short distance upstream, only to have to fly away again when we passed by.)  Carol Ann seemed to think that one Blue Heron was playing a game with us!

Which way to the Charles Cafe?

One of the recurring discussions along the paddle was trying to identify a certain plant.  I of course insisted it was purple loosestrife while Carol Ann insisted it was NOT...after further researching, I am publicly saying I was wrong and Carol Ann was correct - that plant is NOT the loosestrife!  Which makes me wonder what this plant is....if you know, please leave let me know in the comment section!

Other highlights of our trip included coming upon a couple of men fishing in kayaks.  We witnessed one of them catch a 16 inch bass - nice! Another highlight was when we pulled up on the shore at the Charles Cafe, in Millis for lunch.  We stayed there just long enough to eat some delicious sandwiches and have a glass of ice tea on the outdoor deck which overlooks the river and chat about our day.  We then returned downstream to finish off the 5 mile round-trip paddle.

The Charles River continues to provide a peaceful interlude and mini-vacation from our daily activities.