Friends with (Paddling) Benefits

It's been 1 year since our iconic trip to Alaska with our good friends Tom & Kay.  Since that time, they have moved to Marblehead from central Mass, and more importantly, have purchased a couple of sit-on-top kayaks to enjoy the seaside life.

I have paddled in this area several times before and was looking forward to a return visit.  We joined our friends in the harbor parking area at about 1:20pm on a hot Saturday afternoon.  We won't have to retrace out route or spot cars because our take-out is right across the street from our put-in.

Marblehead Harbor is as picturesque as any harbor in New England.

We don't really have a plan, but we paddle to the end of the harbor, then decide we can circumnavigate Marblehead Neck.
Why not?

Thinking it might be time for a little stretch break, we head for a nearby beach and hope the residents of the houses above are friendly.

It turns out, the guy at the pool at the top of the wall was friendly, so we're all smiles..

But it's time to head off paddling again.  This is my only photo with all 4 kayaks in frame.

Betsy with downtown Boston in the background.  Is this sufficient "social distance"?

One more turn around the lower corner of the neck, then we're heading for home.

Betsy & Kay are in the home stretch paddling into Devereaux Beach.

Our total paddling distance was 4 miles in about 2:10.  It was a wonderful way to spend a hot summer day in New England.  After arriving back at the beach, we loaded up the boats and headed to the house.  That in itself would have been a fantastic day, but it only got better when we ventured out to the Barnacle Restaurant for a late lunch.  "Cheers!"  to good friends.