It was a slightly late start to paddling season this year — by this time least year, I had already been out 3 times. I’m not complaining, though, because we had a good excuse, namely, our trips to Europe and Utah. We’re back to the daily grind for a while now, and paddling was high on my priority list for this week. My initial plan had been to go yesterday, but I had some issues getting out the door (misplaced wallet) so I ended up going running instead, but I left the kayak on the car in hopes that I could go today. The only thing that potentially stood in my way was the weather, with rain and wind predicted all day long from a slow-moving system coming up from the south. Too much rain and wind would have kept me inside, but this morning, the conditions were pretty good, with just a steady drizzle, light winds, and comfortable temperatures in the 60s. After taking care of a few things at home, I set off for my favorite weekday morning launch, namely, Solley Cove Park in Anne Arundel County, which was completely deserted this morning. This may seem surprising, but while I’ve dealt with sprinkles and occasional cloudbursts while paddling, today was the first time it rained the entire time, from arrival to departure. Everything went smoothly, though. I wore swim shorts and a long-sleeve rash guard with my NRS paddling jacket. I also used a spray skirt to keep rain out of the kayak interior. I bought the skirt 3 or 4 years ago, and I think this was only the second or third time I’ve used it. It did a great job keeping me dry, so much so that I don’t think I’d want to be without it in conditions like this. The only thing I was really missing was something to cover my head, but with the mild temperatures, I didn’t mind my hair and face getting wet. Any colder, and it might have gotten uncomfortable. I debated wearing a rain jacket (which has a hood) instead of the paddling jacket, but I think I made the right call. I may look to pick up a wide-brim waterproof hat at REI or somewhere that I can use in these kind of conditions, as I think my “face sucking” neoprene paddling hood would have been overkill today.

I paddled just under 6 miles, going out to the end of Tanyard Cove and back, and then south on Marley Creek to Brewer’s Island, around the island, and back to the launch. I had a steady drizzle for most of the paddle, with a few brief heavy downpours. The wind kicked up once or twice, but was mostly a non-factor. I didn’t see another soul out on the water. All in all, it was quite enjoyable, and I’m really glad I came out.

Solley Cove Park has a sandy soft launch that is great for putting in, but not so good for taking out. There’s a concrete berm separating the sand from the pavement, which keeps me from backing my car onto the sand (good), but reloading from there is awkward, and the kayak and car always end up coated with sand. Today, it occurred to me for the first time that it might be easier to take out from the adjacent concrete boat ramp. After disembarking, I could use my cart to wheel the kayak up the ramp and onto flat ground for easy, sand-free reloading. Seems like a great idea on paper, so I’m going to try it next time.