The shortest day of the year—December 21. Enjoy the sun…while you can! Although the calendar says its winter, today felt much more like spring: Air temperatures in the mid-50s, water temp 40, wind SW 5-10. In other words, tropical! (Drysuits a must, however.) We geeks and Jim set out from HHYC at a very low spring tide (8:45 a.m.) to meet up with Rick and Andrew near Glen Island and paddle west into the balmy SW breeze.
Utterly calm wind and water…a gull’s feather floats
Approaching Glen Island
Boats in winter storage. One orange kayak very much in use!
Alex, with Execution Rock lighthouse on the horizon
The usual view of Andrew and Rick: Specks on the horizon, far ahead of us
We took the long way, around Hart Island. Sign says PRISON KEEP OFF
On a cheerier note: The Santa of Sugar & Spice Bakery, City Island
On, Andrew! On, Jean! On, Alex and Jim and Rick! On, Sugar and Spice! And to all, a good omelet.
Launching for home from the tropics of City Island
Ok, there’s a seal. Not THAT tropical…
Home at last… my, how the tide has risen!
The weather was so balmy, Alex and Jim decided to go for a swim… (a Festivus feats of strength thing? Sort of…) Trumpets, please: A new Solstice tradition…The Testing Of The Drysuits!
2 Geeks @ 3 Knots 
What a great trip. I love the testing of the drysuits!
Yeah, lots of fun! Though you may notice, I test mine in the nice warm shower at home, hahaha. Happy Festivus! We are very thankful to have found you and your blog — all the best to you and your family for 2014. J&A
You must have a strong back! lol Nice photos…I love the simplicity of some of them with the ripple of water. 😀
Thanks, Laura! Coming from a real photographer like yourself, we’re especially humbled and pleased at the praise 🙂 My “technique” consists entirely of aiming the waterproof Nikon point-n-shoot, and hoping for the best. While floating, lol. Haven’t taken a level shot yet! BTW, I guess our backs are strong… kayaking really uses the core, though. Torso rotation and all…we try not to eat TOO much at Sugar and Spice bakery! Have a wonderful holiday 🙂
You’re welcome…I’m only a wanna-be photographer though. Keep taking pics! You have an eye. I see it. I’m off to the gym to work off the baked items I’ll be eating tomorrow. hehe