Gandy Group
About eight of us decided to get together and go for a paddle. Gandy was the choosen spot and I was surprise at how many have not paddle the Gandy area. So this was new paddle area for most of the group.
The group consist of: Judi & Roy, Bob & Sandra, Sue, Dan, Katie & Poochie and myself. Once all boats were unload, cars parked and water guns loaded, we were off for a morning of fun at about 830a.
Katie and Poochie
The weather was great, we had a nice breeze…which helped to keep the heat off of us. The water was inviting with just a little chop. The plan was just do a morning paddle and head towards and hopefully land on xmas island. I have only been there once, maybe twice. Once for sure from the Weedon Island and I think Kevin, Sean and I landed there from the Gandy side.
We paddled, chatted and occasionally the water guns came out. Everyone was under strict orders to not squirt Poochie, (Katies Yorkie). he just does not appreciate being squirted. The occasional blast of water that made it my way felt good. Everyone was enjoying the nonchalant paddle. We were in no hurry to get anywhere. We saw about 3 dolphins that were feeding a little distance from us and we followed them for quite some time. Lots of sting rays. Katie and I had one swim between our boats for a few minutes…it was funny, like he was in on the conversation. Katie saw a shark. And on the way back, I saw a fin just a few feet from her boat. I am still not sure if it was a dolphin or shark. Up in the trees we saw several brown Pelicans just hanging out and we saw quite a few Ospreys fishing for their breakfast.
We went exploring and ended up on part of the Weedon Island trail. So we took a little break, this means the water guns came back out. Then somehow Judie and Sandra’s rudders locked up. Both trying to paddle different directions and going no where…lol. Katie yelled at me at me to come back and take a picture, but before I could Bob was able to get them apart.
We paddled a little bit further then took about a half hour break in swallow water to get in the water and relaxed. We never made it to xmas Island but noone cared. We headed back to our cars and landed on Gandy Beach about 11:30 and ran into our Sweetwater friend Russel. He was taking someone out for lessons, so it was a quite how ya doing. We loaded the boats and headed for Kuanas for lunch and cold bowl of water for Poochie. We appreciated the waitress for allowing us to sit at the outside tables with Poochie.
Poochie
A wonderful morning when you have a great bunch of friends, cooperating weather and beautiful water all ingredients for an awesome paddle…the only thing missing to make for a perfect morning was my Kevin.
Kevin
