Alameda Full Moon Night Circumnavigation

The 8pm start time turned out to be more like an 8:50pm start time, which threw our paddle off a bit.  We fought a little more current than we should have, and picked up the flood a bit too late, but no worries, it was an awesome paddle anyhow.  How can you not have a good time paddling with friends on a warm night with light wind and a full moon?  Night paddling is always fun and last night was no exception.

Start time:  8:50pm
Finish time:  1:50am
Launch:  Grand Street Boat Ramp, Alameda
Route:  counterclockwise loop of Alameda

Around 2pm I saw a FB post from Yuri saying she's in San Fran for a 24-hour layover on her way from NZ to Baja.  A quick chat later and the plan was set to meet her at West Oakland BART so she could join us.  She was traveling with full kayak kit, so it couldn't be easier.  So, 6 of us set out on our way up the estuary towards the bay.  L&M paddled a fair distance and said their goodbye's, opting to not do the entire loop with us.  From there the four of us chatted & paddled the next four hours until we returned to our start, playing in some bumps and current along the way.  Bitching & moaning, laughing & joking.  Nice paddling last night and good training for the girls as the get ready for Maui and the California 100.

MM made an appearance

looking back at the estuary, about to make the turn downcurrent

1:50am finish.