Was lucky that it reached an unseasonably warm 55 degrees today, with light winds, so I could take the kayak out for one last trip this calendar year, to which in many way we get to say 'good riddance.'
Light, 5 mph winds from the SW left Valentine Creek pretty calm at 4:30 p.m., as the sun was preparing to set. Didn't see a single power or sailboat out on the water during the 50 minutes I was out, which was wonderful. Did see one fisherman on a kayak, but that was it. One of my very few kayak trips this year without seeing any heron; saw a flock of Canada geese on someone's lawn, but that was about it for waterfowl. With the water temp around 50, and not wearing a dry suit, I stayed within 50-75 feet of land, to give me a fighting chance to make it to shore. With the tide about a foot above normal, I could explore further back into the headwaters of Valentine Creek than i usually can, in several cases becoming completely surrounded by tall reeds as I ventured further and further up the creek. Wonderfully quiet night, with the only noise coming from my paddleblades rhythmically dipping into the water. Enjoyed watching as various holiday lights turned on as I paddled, with various trees, Santas, and boats all outlined with lights, including a sunfish made to look like a tree.. Marvelous evening, and fitting end to 2021.