The weather forecast was for steady, stiff wind - all day. So we planned four alternate venues with different degrees of wind protection. We arrived a bit early to check out what was actually occurring. It was practically dead calm. Go figure.
So we unloaded some kayaks and here is what we found.
And I even got Lady D, aka. Donna, to pose by a few kayaks.
Our guests arrived and were prepped for our outing. As we began we noticed a moderate breeze had begun. So much for the steady amount of wind all day. Yet, everyone made it to Sawyer Key, some with a bit of assistance. As we headed around the tip of the key, we could see the wind had grown to that stiff wind forecasted. Boy, I wished we were in an alternate venue. Since we were in 18 inches of water we weren't too worried about anyone. We just wanted to make sure everyone was having a good time - even while battling the wind - as we headed for Summer Resort. We regrouped everyone, ducked between some islands, took a look towards Shell and had a bit of a coaches meeting to decide the best approach. We agreed how we would take on the next crossing. We got everyone headed out, and the wind started to die down. It was quite easy to make that last leg.
Now at Shell Island everyone began to enjoy the beach.
When I introduced Russell, I told everyone about his expeditions into dangerous environs where no one lived for a month at a time. So once on the island several people were enthralled with his stories.
An others milled about collecting shells.
Then everyone went for a hike on the beach. After which it was time to get back to the kayaks and back to their bus.
Back at the put-in we had hot chocolate and cookies, where everyone deepened the camaraderie they built on their journey. It sure is a thrill for us guides to see so many happy, smiling, even contented faces.
As their bus pulled away, reality struck. It was getting close to dusk and we had a bunch of boats and gear to load, drive back to our shop, and all all that stuff to unload and wash. Thank goodness we had those nice memories to think about while we worked.
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