Not all that cold, actually, but cold enough—high 40s-low 50s F.
Had signed up for a group kayak tour in the South Slough, but a storm literally blew in yesterday and downed some trees over there, so they canceled it. Since my boat and gear were all loaded up, and the tides were right this morning, I decided to try the bit of river from Myrtle Point to Arago at high water. Occupied my time from about 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with about an hour and a quarter of that being the paddle 😄😄. But almost an hour of that was lunch in Myrtle Point, so it’s not as bad as it might seem.
Anyway, here’s the boat all ready to go.
The saddlebags I bought for the bike also work nicely on the boat, which means I can carry the bike helmet etc. with me and not leave it with the bike, which is nice. It was also nice how clean the boat ramps were, both of them. I suspect yesterday’s rain washed them clean of mud.
I wanted to take a selfie showing me all bundled up for the weather, but the phone is really, really sure I want a close-up of my face. Or at least a close-up. So I gave up.
Shortly after launching. I didn’t even get my feet wet getting in, which surprised me.
It’s really impressive how much more water there is at that point in the river now than was there back in September. In fact, just from pictures you couldn’t tell that stretch from lower down. This shot is maybe two thirds of the way.
Took a screen shot of the map right after that picture. I’m the blue dot, and the Arago boat ramp is over to the left, that sort of white bit coming down to the river.
I always worry mildly about spotting my gettin’ out place, especially this one, since if I overshoot it the next spot is Coquille, another 7-8 miles, and my transportation back to the car wouldn’t be there. Anyway, it was easy-peasy. Though I did get my left foot wet getting out.
Altogether the trip is about 4.6 miles and took about an hour and a quarter. Stowing the boat and transferring to the bike etc. took about 20 minutes, and the ride back to Myrtle Point for the car another 20 minutes. At which point I was tired and hungry enough that I went into town for a chili relleno lunch before going back for the boat and coming home.
A good day. But I still want to do a South Slough tour. Apparently the next one will be in March. Something to look forward to.
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