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Charles River Basin - Tuesday Evening - May 7, 2013

Posted: Fri May 10, 2013 10:46 pm
by norm
Tuesday was too nice to not go paddling but the tide was out, so I thought it would be nice to try a trip on the Charles River Basin. Never paddled there in the spring. Figured there would be lots of rowing shells...and there were. With the short notice on the trip posting, I expected to paddle alone but was very happy when Pablo decided to join me.

Jumping on the Mass Pike from Southy was pretty quick for me to get to the put-in. Probably easier than getting to the gas tank in Dorchester. So, I got there pretty quick and got my boat unloaded and took a few pictures before Pablo arrived. The trees were blossoming nicely.

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There are plenty of boats ready for rental at the Charles River Canoe and Kayak Rental kiosk.

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The water was nice and calm.

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Charles River water is much warmer than ocean water at about 60 degrees. I don't think its recommended for swimming with questionable water quality, but that didn't stop this guy from taking a swim while his buddy shot a video with his phone - maybe he lost a bet.

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Pablo drifting past some geese.

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The geese had a couple babies.

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Rowers, rowers, rowers...

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Entering the canals along the Esplanade.

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There was an SUP board beginners class in one of the canal sections. I've never seen so many people on SUP boards wearing PFDs. It was good to see.

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City paddling provides all kinds of entertainment, but I couldn't hear these guys with all the car noise from Storrow Drive.

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Bicyclists stop on the bridge to take pictures with their phones.

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Plenty of sailboats in use from Community Boating.

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We turned around at the Science Museum.

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After a short stop, sitting in our boats and having a drink, we headed back up river.

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The duck boats seem to go further up the river in the spring than when I've seen them in the fall.

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A classic Boston skyline picture.

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Up the river, back into the rowers domain again.

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Here is a Google Earth view of the area we paddled with our GPS track shown in blue.

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A few specs from the trip:

Launch time: 4:04pm
Take out: 6:48pm Distance: 9.77 miles

Thanks for joining me on this evening paddle Pablo. I think I could make a habit of doing this paddle after work when the tide is out or the wind is strong in the bay. It turned out to be a convenient place to get to quickly without sitting in traffic.

Norm

Re: Charles River Basin - Tuesday Evening - May 7, 2013

Posted: Fri May 10, 2013 11:09 pm
by Ken R
Norm, Some GREAT pictures!

Re: Charles River Basin - Tuesday Evening - May 7, 2013

Posted: Sat May 11, 2013 2:17 am
by Azane
Whoa! Could it be Spring??? Refreshing post!

Steve

Re: Charles River Basin - Tuesday Evening - May 7, 2013

Posted: Sat May 11, 2013 10:12 am
by kayakerjnj
Great day trip, and lots of great shots!

Re: Charles River Basin - Tuesday Evening - May 7, 2013

Posted: Sat May 11, 2013 6:12 pm
by TraceyJ
Norm,

Great post, and even better pictures.
It looks like you had a truly enjoyable paddle.
I'm sorry to have missed it.


Tracey