In the off-season, I bought two SUPs. Because we stayed at home all spring, I hadn't picked up the 2nd SUP or the two paddles from the former White Squall Paddling Centre in Nobel. It finally seemed reasonable to make a quick day trip to get them.
While we were in the neighbourhood, we hoped to take the SUPs for a test paddle and say a distanced hello to the Wadd Squad. It worked out perfectly since they were going paddling on Nine Mile Lake around noon. Hammer, Etoile and AdventureGirl! had just expanded their bubble to include GHOSlow and Sue, which was wonderful news.
Here's Hammer starting to paddle from Nine Mile Lake Beach in his beautiful wooden kayak.
It was fantastic to be on the water, surrounded by rugged Canadian Shield scenery.
'Bent and I had to get used to the new SUPs, which are a bit tippier than the SUPs we've used in yoga class. Compared to our fast canoes and kayaks, they feel a bit like pigs because I got ones that would be stable enough for yoga as well as paddling. But they're fine and nobody fell into the lake although 'Bent had a close call.
By the way, they are both *my* SUPs since 'Bent made it clear last fall that he didn't want one. I got two SUPs and paddles anyway so I can set up a guest to paddle with me. Today 'Bent was lucky to be my +1. :)
We headed into a beautiful bay to the west and paddled around a bit.
Then we all stopped for a distanced conversation break on shore (time deducted). It's still a wonderful novelty to talk to friends in person!
Here's what a group selfie looks like in the time of Covid.
And here's the Wadd Squad's new album cover.
We headed back first because we had to get home to the pooches. Thanks to Etoile for a rare photo of the two of us.