Weekend Roundup

Resting on Burntpot Island

The weather has finally turned cool, with the mercury dropping to just above the freezing mark overnight.  Finally, a change in the weather.  On Friday, I was paddling in a kayak with just a t-shirt and shorts.  It was a great day even if it was a little windy (12 knots) as I made my way north through the Skidaway Narrows along the Intracoastal Waterway.  Heading south were at least a dozen sailboats, many of which were flying Canadian flags.   Toward the north end of Skidaway Island, I explored a creek around the backside of Burntpot Island and, as it was high tide, paddled through the marsh.  I also got to watch a bald eagle watching me from its perch high in a pine tree.  Paddling back, I was passed by the Savannah Fire boat. 

Bald Eagle

Enlarge to notice the snails on the grass (spartina)

Savannah Fire Boat

Another boat coming out to race

 Saturday afternoon was a day of sailing.  We had strong winds out of the north and the weather was a little cooler.  I still was wearing shorts, but with a long sleeve shirt and a rain jacket.  As soon as we sailed through the marina’s break wall, a wave splashed over the bow and I found myself wishing I’d brought a pair of rain pants.  The racing was exciting.  In almost every race, there were several boats in contention at the finish line and in one, the distance between us and another boat was only inches.  I thought we had taken it, but the committee boat gave the race to the other boat.  Still, it was a great day of sailing and thankfully, we only received a few drops of rain.

waiting for the gun to sound

Sanders in Savannah taken from my iphone

Bernie Sanders was in town last night and spoke to an overflowing crowd (2600 seats and not everyone was able to make it in and the publicity in advance wasn’t that good).  My daughter wanted to go and so I went along with her and a friend.  It was interesting to watch him live.  Personally, I believe the only candidate that has as much energy as he has is Trump (and interestingly, they are both on the extreme of their parties).  He spoke for nearly 90 minutes on pretty much every topic.  He was also funny, but I doubt he has a chance.  It was a pleasure to go with my daughter as she’ll be voting this year and would like to see all the candidates.  I remember in my first election to vote (1976), I got to see Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan (and even shook hands with Nancy) as well as Jimmy Carter and his challenger Eugene McCarthy (with whom I had a cup of coffee).  She shares that same excitement.  

This is Thanksgiving week and it is going to be a crazy week.  My dad is facing potential surgery so I may be making a trip to North Carolina in the middle of the week.  Keep him in your prayers.  

Final view
Sailboat heading south (Friday)