In spite of a forecast of possible thunderstorms, eight paddlers enjoyed a calm Jamaica Bay under a spectacular super moon Friday evening, May 4, 2012.
Paddlers started arriving at the Brooklyn Club House a little after 7 PM. A fire was built in the wood stove to take the chill off the Club House and to provide for a warmer space to return to. With an announced "on the water" time of 8:00 PM, all paddlers were finally on the water before 8:15 PM.
The evening was one of firsts. Not only was it the first Moonlight Paddle of the 2012 season, it was also the first led by John Harris and assisted by Vicki Moss. For Laurie G., it was her first Moonlight Paddle ever but will certainly not be her last. Walter and Dottie each paddled with their new Greenland paddles for the first time. It was the first time John paddled the demo Chatham 17 he bought in January. For Tony, it was the first time he used his new deck light.
Embarking at high tide under a nearly full moon, the eight Sebago lunatics easily paddled over the mirror smooth water, under the Belt Parkway Bridge, and out into a beautiful moonlit Jamaica Bay. After crossing the channel to Canarsie Pol, they circumnavigated the island counterclockwise. On the back side of the Pol they encountered a large flock of birds which darkened the moonlit sky and created a "thumping"sound across the water. A few jets, landing lights blazing, were also descending into JFK.
Crossing back from the Pol toward home, the group waited for a party boat to move up channel before crossing. Other than the small fishing boat they passed by near the bridge, the paddlers encountered no other traffic.
Back at the Club House, gear rinsed and stowed, the eight moonies enjoyed assorted snacks and beverages while also watching the recently released and colorized 1902 Le Voyage Dans La Lune with soundtrack by Air.
The next Moonlight Paddle is scheduled for Friday, June 1, 2012. Paddlers should be at the clubhouse by 7:30 PM and plan to be on the water by 8 PM.
