Makinson Island paddle trip

Ah, the annual Makinson Island paddle trip is upon is. Makinson is a small undeveloped island in the middle of Lake Tohopekaliga. A couple of years ago Charles started leading weekend paddle trips out to the island for the FL Trail paddlers. There is a big open field for camping, and we usually hang out all afternoon, cook out for dinner, and take a slow easy breakfast and pack out in the morning. Last fall we had an awesome time, and battled some pretty stiff wind and waves paddling back on Sunday. It was my first free weekend after leaving work, and I was leaving for Europe a couple of days later. It was like a "retirement" weekend for me, and a real blast.

This year, I had no idea I'd be able to attend. I'm supposed to still be hiking, then when I abandoned the hike I thought I would be at the ALDHA Gathering this weekend, but when I transpired that I had nothing else to do, why wouldn't I join the paddle trip? The forecast was for storms and strong wind this wekend, but after all, it is fall in Florida.

It was another great weekend, but with a totally different dynamic from last year. Charles, Ian, Rodnay and I were the only last year participants, but I got to meet some new FL Trail folks that I really enjoyed talking with. Of those that couldn't go this year I missed Mary most. She's still in New York with mom. I missed Virginia too, but don't tell her I said that. I'm sure she was busy wathcing LSU lose, or something as important. I missed the "girls night out" vibe we had had last year, but most of all I missed Mary.

Makinson itself did not seem as well groomed this year. I guess we must have caught it just after they'd mowed last year, and it was all short and lovely grass. We also had to share the island this year, where we had it all to ourselves last year. There was an extended family group having a party of some sort when we arrived. I don't know where they went, I didn't see them leave, but by dark there was just us and a boy scout group camping. The storms never materialized overnight, and we had a gorgeous bright moon all night, and lots of noisy fishing boats!

The paddle back to the fish camp on Sunday was veritably leisurely compared to last year's epic battle against wind and waves. We ended out the trip with the traditional late lunch at the Catfish house in St Cloud. Yum, but I didn't feel like I deserved the overindulgence this year like I did last!

Great weekend. Miss you Mary