Stranded
When I got to where I’d left my kayak! There it was gone!
The day had started like any other, except for the eager anticipation of a trip well planned.
Oh, I wasn’t an expert kayaker, but I’d had plenty of time on the local Rivers, and ha some experience with the Ocean.
Kayaking on the Ocean is very different, the elevated buoyancy, the waves, the currents in places, and if out too long, the sun and wind. Sun and Wind can both cause a burn on the skin, and both can create a blindness similar to being snow blind.
It’s funny, the hardest part of kayaking for me has always been getting in! I almost inadvertently tip the dar thing! Ending up with a wet arse!
I’d started my day with a good breakfast, always start my day with a good breakfast. I’m definitely a believer in the saying that “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day”.
After breakfast I loaded the kayak on the car and headed towards the ocean. I’d packed my things the night before. Only planning to be out a few hours that pack was light.
I stopped at the store on the way to pickup some water bottles and an apple and a couple oranges. The oranges, and the apple to a smaller degree, will help keep me hydrated. Plus, the oranges will help repel any mosquitoes and other pests.
Never take Bananas though! The old saying is, if you go camping and want the bugs to leave you alone, take a. Orange and give your friends the bananas! I think it must be the sugar, the fructose, in the Banana that draws them, but it does! Whereas the citric acid in the orange helps repel them.
Of course, out on the open water, there’s usually enough breeze to keep the nastys at bay! Yet, I don’t mind taking a few extra precautions!
After leaving the store, it was about twenty minutes to the shore. Another ten minutes and I was ready to get in the kayak. I made it! Without getting my, um! Wet!
I’d checked the weather last night and the forecast was good. Light to medium winds and a cloudy but clear day was in the making. If only I’d known what was really coming!
It was an easy start, clear calm, and comfortable. I love how the kayak glides over the water. I love canoeing too, but I think being ina kayak is the closest I’ll ever come to flying! It’s such a feeling of freedom!
I started out in the protected cove, it was almost too calm.
The birds were singing and the feel of the salt air on my skin was refreshing. I neared the open waters and made my way round the bend.
There was a bit of a swell, but nothing too bad. The kayak reacted well to the waves as I made my way along the shoreline. I always try to keep in sight of the coast.
There was an island about a mile, or so, off the coast.
As I neared the Island the waters were almost too smooth, more lake like than ocean.
I made my way to the Island shore, and pulled the kayak up on to the shoreline.
I got out and decided that sing it was so calm, I’d walk the beach and around the island. The whole thing was only a few acres and it’d make a good walk and a nice break from the kayak.
As I rounded the end of the island I came upon a nice, secluded, little cove.
Most of the island was pretty flat, but this little cove was wrapped around with a nice little rise of hills and quite private. I decided it was time for a dip in the chilly waters. It was refreshing and when I come ashore I lay down for a short rest. Falling asleep!
I woke with a start!
My feet wet cold and wet! The tide was on the rise and the cold water had woken me.
I could also see the waves were starting to build. That calm morning breeze was turning into a bone chilling wind. I decided that rather than walk around the Island, I’d make the hike through the woods and over the Island.
It wasn’t long before I could see the fog was starting to come in. I hurried a little.
Thankfully the going was good, just a nice walk in the woods. Although I could hear the rising win in the trees and the fog was a concern.
By the time I reached the shore, I could see the waves and the sky was getting darker.
When I got to where I’d left my kayak! There it was gone!
Damn Rookie Mistake! Why hadn’t I tied it to something!
Here I was! Stranded!
