A Saturday in Annapolis

Funniest thing I heard all weekend:

James and I paddled back to Beverly-Triton Beach. He went back out to play but I got my paddle float out, unrolled it, put a little air in it to make a pillow, and laid down in the beach. I still had all my gear on. I just wanted to chill for a few minutes in the sun. I was dosing when I heard some of the young men walking towards me talking.
One says "looks like a kayaker washed up on the beach."
Another says "yeah, I hear they're good eatin'!"
The first says "Really, how'd you know if it was dead?"
and the first says "well, it's not movin'!"
At which point I sit straight up to look at them. I'm amused and smiling. They, all three, look embarrassed.
I could not help but chuckle...

Just a little slice of this very nice local beach

With the Labor Day weekend almost upon us, and our plans to go down to Brian's beach house canceled due to his flood of relatives, I hastily made reservations at the Sheraton near Annapolis. The plan was to paddle from Beverly-Triton Saturday, doing the Thomas Point Lighthouse and generally finding some rough water. Then Sunday we would do the harbor and "ego alley" in downtown Annapolis, maybe stopping by Annapolis Canoe and Kayak (ACK).

Friday night we cruised up to the Sheraton and found we had a very nice room on the top level, the club level actually. We ate a late "supper" at the Green Turtle (don't bother). We crashed early. The club breakfast and coffee hit the spot in the morning and off we went to the beach.

Packing safety gear

We launched around 0945, paddled across the mouth of the South River, took a break on the shore of Thomas Point Park, and then paddled out to the light. By the time we turned back to our launch spot the tide was beginning to change. Between the tide coming in and the wind coming from the south-east I began to struggle somewhat to control my boat. "She" is not always cooperative when I have less than a full tank.

Shore break at Thomas Point Park

Thomas Point Park in the background

Video James shot during trip


James first played in the waves with his Whisky and then we floated around for a bit before packing up. Around this time I overheard the "dead kayaker" conversation mentioned above.

Playing

James floating

A rare sighting of me sans glasses while outdoors. Bravo James!

We returned to the hotel wet, tired, and happy. We showered and then proceeded to the hotel bar for happy hour. We had some ahi tuna done sushi-style for an appetizer, which was nice. A couple of hours later after collecting steak house recommendations we chose to stay close to the hotel due to the long boats on the Outback. The place we ended up at was utterly forgettable, but the cocktail they brought me was strong. I don't even remember the name of the place. Neither of us finished the meal. We turned in before 11.