The weather gods were a little perplexing for this trip this year. Looking back on last year's trip report, there was a threat of rain but it turned out nice. This year, the weather was just about perfect...except for that darned wind. But at least it was a warm wind. As we prepared for the put-in, the question became what to wear. The air temp was at least in the 70's, if not higher, and the water temp seemed pretty reasonable. We all decided to go sans wet-suits or dry-suits since we had a good size group and nice weather.

There were seven of us ready to go a few minutes before the appointed put-in time but we were expecting an eighth. So, after a few phone-calls, we found out the eighth was pulling into the parking lot. So, those that were ready launched and puttered around the area chatting while the eighth got ready. One of the conversations was about Bob's wooden kayak which he built from a kit - his advice was to be prepared for it to take much longer to finish than the instructions say it will take. Another conversation was between the experienced leaders who chose the route for the day after evaluating the wind conditions.

A Few Photos of The Group MIlling Around Near the Boat Ramp




The Trip Organizer - his boat still looks brand new...


Once everybody was ready, we headed out following the same route as last year's trip, down the southwest side of Popponesset Island and then north up the west side of the barrier beach, Little Thatch Island. Since it was Friday, there was basicly no other boat traffic in the area most of the day.

Jordan leading the way under the bridge to Popponnesset Island.


Three Pictures Along Little Thatch Island




Before we arrived at the outlet to Nantucket Sound, Nelson was nice enough to warn the less experienced paddlers that we were about to come into some confused waters as we left the protected waters and went out into Nantucket Sound. The camera got put away till we made the 3 mile crossing. The conditions were favorable with mostly following winds. It was a lot of fun riding the waves but we all knew there'd be a price to pay on the way back. Once we were out in the open water, there was another route decision made and we headed a little more eastward to enter West Bay for a counter-clockwise circle around Osterville Grand Island. We stopped for lunch on Dead Neck, just inside the entrance to West Bay. We took a few pictures of where we had just been, ate lunch and collected a few sea shells.

Looking Back At The Area Of Nantucket Sound We Had Just Crossed


The Inlet To West Bay From Nantucket Sound


The Outside Of Dead Neck, Another Barrier Island


Boats Parked For Lunch Break


Getting Ready To Head Back Out


We headed North across West Bay towards the draw bridge that allows traffic onto Osterville Grand Island. We were back in somewhat protected waters so I was able to take a few more snapshots of the beautiful homes and yachts.

Heading Out - Our Lunch Stop Beach In The Background


Nelson and Jordan Waiting For The Rest Of Us


Bob In His Wooden Kayak - Note The Flag In The Background Showing The Wind Strength


Osterville Grand Island Draw Bridge


A Few Of Us Paddled The Left Side Of The Channel At The Bridge


The Others Paddled On The Right Side


Chris Found His Boats Big Brother (Serenity)


Chris's Boat On Top Of Jordan's Car (Serenity)


Once we rounded the northernmost point of Osterville Grand Island, it was time to start "paying the piper" for the downwind wave rides we enjoyed earlier. Everyone seemed to find their own pace for slogging their way into the wind. There was no protection all the way through Cotuit Bay for about 2 miles. But although the wind was strong, thankfully the waves were small. We made another short stop on the western end of Dead Neck to gather everyone up and prepare for heading out into Nantucket Sound again. If I remember correctly, the radios were used to check on the stragglers. With the different paddling paces into the headwind, we had stretched out over quite a long distance. It was handy that more than half of had marine radios. Personally, I need to learn more about using mine and find a better place to store it for better access - couldn't hear it in the day hatch.

Second Rest Stop


I was not looking forward to heading back out into the open water, but we hugged the shoreline and found the waves to be much more managable than I expected. The prevailing winds were on-shore throughout the trip, so that reduced my fear of not being able to complete the trip - at least I'd be blown on shore and not out to sea.

Again we each set our own pace for slogging into the wind for another 2 miles as we headed back to the inlet into Popponesset Bay. I was hoping there'd be some relief from the wind once we got inside the inlet, but that was not to be, and now we also had the tide running against us. So after 2 miles of open water paddling into the wind, we now had to fight both the wind and the tide for another mile before we could reach a brief respite from the wind at a point just outside Ockway Bay. It was very challenging just inside that inlet - you're paddling so hard and can see exactly how slow you're advancing into the wind and tide as you can easily see your progress against the close shoreline - this was quite an endurance test.

Once everyone was accounted for, we headed into Ockway Bay and back to the boat ramp where there was a lot more activity than when we put in.

South Mashpee Boat Ramp in Ockway Bay


We managed to take our kayaks out and load up our boats on our vehicles around the activity of a sailboat and motorboats launching and landing. It had been a long day so most of us did not have time for a PPR and headed our own ways. It was an enjoyable day and a great work-out. I'm sure a lot of aspirin or ibuprofin were consumed Friday night.

I'm glad I made the effort to come out for this trip even though I couldn't lift my right arm to change the radio station on my drive back to Connecticut where I was camping for the long weekend. I think I get the prize for longest drive to attend the trip - 230 miles...it was definitely worth it.

A few specs for the trip:
Put-in time: 9:30am
Take-out time: 3:00pm
Distance traveled: 13.3 miles
Trip Organizer: Nelson
Participants: Ron, Chip, Bob, Chris, Jordan, Barb, Norm

Here's the track from my GPS...sorry, I only have topo software....


Norm

Excellent report norm and great pics.

Unfortunately, my camera rig was in test mode and so must have been my brain. I turned the camera power on and off about 50 times from the start until we reached Dead Neck, thinking to myself as I surfed down a few waves... "I can't wait to get back and see how these videos look." As we passed through the inlet into Osterville Grand I realized that turning the power on and off wasn't enough, you actually have to push the shutter button as well (Doh!). So from that point on I did it correctly but my review of the videos proved to be pretty boring. I'll try to throw a couple up anyway if I get a chance.

The return trip was quite a slog but I liked the challenge. It was a great day on the water. I was happy to get a group that size for this trip so thanks to you all for joining me.

Nice job Norm. You certainly do get the award for distanced traveled.

Smiling ear to ear!

Another Great Report!

Always enjoy your photos

I do know how exhausting those wind-slogs can be. I really enjoyed the trip last year so was sorry to miss this one. Thanks for the photos Norm. Awesome that Chris found his boat's big brother.

NK

Norm, great trip report.!

Reading it gave me the feeling that I was really there!

I don't know how you manage to capture those memorable details that make trips special, but you've done it again.

Thanks to eveyone on the trip for a great day on the water!