Finally got the tide right!

[NoNo]

Yesterday I woke up and knew I had a short window to do something outside before the brutal heat kicked in. I checked the tides, and high tide had come about an hour earlier. Perfect! Loaded the yak (in record time!) and went to the launch on the river.

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It was very cool to see my town from a different vantage point. The launch is just before the river opens into Long Island Sound. For a while I was just paddling through various marinas, but eventually I got past a low bridge and was on open river.

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This is the bottom of my street. I never realized how close the river came, but it certainly explains all the flooding when it rains!

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Just a little further upriver was a stand of tall grasses. I think I was actually behind my landlord's house. I wouldn't mind seeing this every day.

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There wasn't a cloud in the sky, but thankfully there was a breeze. It was 78 when I got in the water at 7:30, and 90 by the time I got out around 9.

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This little wall is in a park I've walked past a million times. Completely different when viewed from the water. The tide was just starting to go back out, so it took a little extra power to get through.

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In the distance you can see the high school. I hear there's a launch behind the practice football field, but I turned back just before getting there. I've seen the water rushing as it gets squeezed through the bridges, and I didn't want to get caught in it. Another time.

I turned around, and followed the tide back, quickly making it to the launch. It was very warm and I was glad I had gotten up so early. As I pulled my car around, there were about 5 guys at the launch watching. No one moved as they watched to see how this tiny girl was going to get the boat on top of the car. The Hullavator came down, the boat went up, and they were amazed. "Whoa, look at that! That's pretty smart! That's almost cheating!" :D So long chivalry! I don't need you anymore!:p

[lph]

;-D Great story! And I loved the pics. You're right, everything looks so different from the water. It's like re-discovering the world, right in front of your eyes.

And yay for loading!

[Cataboo]

It looks like a great paddle - nothing more relaxing than being out on the water.

[Selkie]

Very peaceful---nice pictures.

Have you ever taken your 'yak out on the Sound?

[NoNo]

Not yet. I would probably want to paddle with someone if I do that. While riding my bike along the beach Saturday, I looked out at the kayakers dodging the many boats and worse, jet skiers and didn't think it looked relaxing at all. I do want to paddle the Thimble Islands, but I worry about the heavy summer water traffic. I will get out there, though!

[tulip]

Thanks for the paddle report, NoNo. I'm glad you got out early and had a great time.

[Crankin]

It looks very relaxing. I'd love to spend more time in Connecticut.

[NoNo]

It looks very relaxing. I'd love to spend more time in Connecticut.

Growing up, my parents weren't the type to take us many places, and certainly weren't the outdoorsy type. So I had no idea how much this state offered and how many cool places there were. I went to college in DC and loved the city life, there was certainly nothing at that level here, but graduated and found a job back home. It's been since then that I've really explored the state and realized how many recreational opportunities are here.

Although I did just get an invite to bring the yak and visit friends on the Thirty Thousand Islands in Ontario. I'm thinking that may be an offer I'm going to take up!