Turnpike to Chalk Banks Report

Well I wanted to meet at 0930 hours but it seems everyone was already there, so unloaded, we talked about taking out at Wagram 401, which we did, Van had boat guard, and we went to Wagram, Andy's Uber shuttled us back, I tipped him ;). We was in the water according our time keeper, Van, 0958hrs, which I was looking at being on the water by 1000hrs to let the sun warm things up alittle. I will say the water was moving along at a brisk place, actually paddling was not required but ruddering was.
We came into downfall very soon, nothing that Gene and saw could not take care or and it was really just to clear over head and side branches. It was really a very nice paddle, water level was great, all other downfall was easy to get around or under in true LRCC fashion, a few short cuts was taken, but I mostly stayed in the main channel, no hurry to return back to the world.
at noon we was already at Chalk Banks, where we decided to eat lunch, Andy entertained us with so photos on his phone, I was glad that I was not drinking anything at the time, or it would have come out my nose from laughing, I did hear that Ann, ( Andy's wife was a bad influence on him ), I approve of it.
Back in the water, we took about 25mins to complete the last 2 miles.
I will say excellent job to the crew, staying together in such water and weather, as hyper thermal is always an issue with me in the season of year, if short cut was taken there was always atleast 2.
We gathered up and lauded the boats, everyone said they really liked this trip, We wished each other Merry Christmas, shook hands and parted.
I shuttled Andy back to his car, we talked about ice cream shop, but it is not open until 1600hrs, We almost had a swimmer, at the fabled area know as 4 fell, this is were 4 paddlers went into the water, one after another several years ago, I hit obstacle in water while adjusting my skeg, boat tilted enough to let a few gallons of water in, but I save myself, one can never under estimate the pucker factor.

Paddle Scott, Andy, Chuck, Gene, Van
Wildlife seen, 1 deer seen, but alot of deer heard moving in the water
Some new construction on the banks on private property
Pics by Andy and Chuck
Lessons Learned, do not remove thigh braces

Wish you and Yours a Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah from my family to yours!

Scott and Patrick

Again, I want to thank the gang for a great day on the water and the last one for me for the year