The full moon was actually the night before, on Thursday, but a Friday made for a better group kayak night. Nine of us (Kris, Susan B., Chrissy, Linda, Denise, Pat, Beverly, Karen, Diana)set out from the usual spot on the river at about 6:3o. It was a great ride down the river on a beautiful night. I had been watching the weather all week, and forecasts were not good, but got better as the week went along. It ended up being cloudy some of the time but overall a nice, warm, mostly clear night. The beavers were out in force and we began seeing them almost immediately upon getting on the water. As we approached and passed under Chickadee, there were lots of teenagers swimming and jumping from the bridge (including Chase, Susan's son - who jumped in from the top despite her motherly yells from the kayak telling him not to do it!) On down the river, over the beaver dam - pretty easy going towards the lake (knowing it will NOT be that easy on the way back!) After entering the lake we headed right over to the town beach to take a break, and have some snacks and beverages. It turned out to be a veritable feast with everyone bringing various treats to share. As we enjoyed the night socializing on the beach, it got even better when a couple arrived and started a bonfire for a high school party that was taking place that night. So we ate, talked, enjoyed the fire, had our group picture taken by the fire, and had a visit from another group of kayakers, Alisa and her friends who were out doing the same as us that night - saw the kayaks and came in to say hello. As dusk and dark set in, we went over towards Point Folly, enjoying the sight and smell of all the campfires from a very full campground, all there for Memorial Day wknd. As we headed back towards the river it was a bit cloudy and hard to see where the entrance was. Someone did find it though, and just as we were about to start up the river, the moon became visible as it was starting to rise, and enough of the clouds cleared for us to have a good look - it was really cool, nice & bright, 'popping up' out of the water and right on up - just like a sunrise (only far less bright!) We just sat at the mouth of the river for awhile enjoying that view, then began to head back. Knowing that the only way over the dam was getting out of the kayak and stepping on the dam to pull the kayak over...or having someone else who was standing on the dam help to pull you over...everyone began their attempts of navigating over it. This was the location of the only real mishap of the night, as one of the group tried to help another over, but ended up with someone dunked in the water (no names here!) But hey, it was all good intentioned, and luckily it was not a cold night, so she was ok. We all had a good laugh (sorry about that to the ones involved - it was easier for the others to find it funny! I'm sure we'll all eventually have our turn!) The rest of the ride up the river was great - nice night, nice company - can't wait till the next trip out!
