We woke to find the tide had been higher than we expected, nearly reaching the boats. We slept on a rare plot that stayed dry. In fact we are surrounded by pine trees killed by the salt of rising oceans. Yes, global warming is real.
The new moon produced the extreme high, followed by an extreme low. The whole basin around our island is uncovered. It is soft muck the we can't walk in so we wait until the tide comes in. By then the wind starts to pick up.
The seas are still calm but we knew that would change. We re-route to face the wind directly and come back to the coast. Good thing we explored the Keys yesterday; now it is time to get back to shore.
The seas are still calm but we knew that would change. We re-route to face the wind directly and come back to the coast. Good thing we explored the Keys yesterday; now it is time to get back to shore.
The wind continues to build. At first the seas splash up to the bow, spraying out to each side. Then the waves splash over the bow. Then larger waves of foam, split by the bow temporarily, crash in from each side to meet over the top of the deck and spray up into my face. Eventually to bow rises high over a swell, crash down with a hard slap, and then is buried into the next swell, sending a wall of water over the boat.
Paddling was actually pretty easy. Since we just headed straight into the wind and waves there was little tossing side to side and little need to correct the course.
As the headwind grew to 20 mph we just continued a slow methodical pace and relaxed. The lower body knew what to do to ride the waves. Rod just relaxed and started singing oldies. Fran focused on remaining attentive.
We kept the slow pace going for 2:45 and made it back to shore. It was good practice and not particularly hard work.
Even with shorter miles today, with the slow start due to tide and then wind, we paddled until after 5pm and ate in the dark, much like a typical long paddle day.
We are camped on a spoil island next to Dunedin. Since the Florida gulf shelf is so shallow, dredging for boat channels has created many little islands. These islands are now vegetated and frequented by various birds. A heron is squawking at us that this island is his!
The sounds of the city surround us. Boats, jet skis, sirens, trucks, cars and trains all add to the noise. But the sunset was great.
This is Fran testing how to leave a comment. As many readers have had difficul ty adding their words. We really would like to hear from more of our readers.
ReplyDeleteI had to click on thd post's title before the comment box appeared. I expect that I'll finish writing, indicate "comment as", then click on publish.
This is a great telling of the events of the day. I'll add the events from my perspective at a later time. Today we have a town stop and big miles. Time now to break camp before the first light of the sun to get an early start.
Fran and Rod,
ReplyDeleteWhat a treat it was to meet you both! I hope your remaining journey thru Florida, well into our Everglades and our Keys, and your future journey's too will bring you much peace and happiness. Know that you are truly an inspiration to everyone and every sweet face of mother nature that you will meet along the way.
Peace, Love and Light,
Barbara