Autumn Paddle- Lake Bradford

Autumn Paddle- Lake Bradford
Originally uploaded by jmharper.

In early November, the River Mice tried something new. Our paddle season generally ends in early October, but why not extend the season a bit and paddle in November? Perhaps celebrate the last day of Daylight Savings Time. We met at Debbie P's place on Lake Bradford for a paddle and a dinner afterwards.

George, Jeanine, Debbie H, Mike, Jerry, Jeff and Teresa posed for a picture before heading out on to the lake. Jim arrived later and went out with Mike and Jeff a little later in the afternoon.

A Little Push and He's In!

A Little Push and He's In!
Originally uploaded by jmharper.

Put in was in Debbie's backyard. Jerry cut a path down to the lake, and we each took turns getting into the water. Each of us got a good-luck push from Debbie on the way out, and a smoky welcome on our return. Something about a bad starter log, and an obstructed chimney...

Here Jerry enters the lake in his big gray beast, a 16-foot Carolina.

George Fights the Wind

George Fights the Wind
Originally uploaded by jmharper.

George didn't want to take a sit-on-top boat out onto the chilly water, so he brought his canoe. Perfect for staying dry, but not for a windy day. The effects of hurricane Noel continued from Friday night into Saturday. they were diminished, but in certain spots on the lake, the wind was howling, turning George's canoe into a sailboat without a rudder. He pulled out every paddling trick he knew of, but in the end, George worked his way to the edge of the lake, where he got a little protection. The kayaks, with less freeboard, fared a little better against the wind, but still had to work at it.

Catching Up on the Water

Catching Up on the Water
Originally uploaded by jmharper.

Above all, this paddle is what we call a "social" paddle. Nothing hard core, just a chance to get out on the water and hang out with your friends. Debbie and Jeanine spent a good part of the paddle catching up on things, and floating back towards the take out courtesy of the wind.

In the end, it was another great day on the water, a fitting end to the 2007 River Mice paddling season. See you on the water next year!

END LAKE BRADFORD