Big news, Alice was born about 7am this morning! I haven’t heard the whole story but Michael called to let me know that Mom and Baby are happy and healthy. I was already on the water when I got the news. New goal, finish up and be there when They get home from the hospital, figure I have 48 hours. *
I left the pretty little make-shift site as the sun came up. The water was calm, no wind. Just the occasional dead fish today. Ospreys are plentiful here and I began to notice a few Seagulls as well. As the sun climbed higher the River got wider and deeper. People came out in abundance; it is a perfect Summer Saturday! ** Many power boats and jet skis. The large wakes, coming from multiple angles, reminded me of Ocean boating. Though different, interesting, not particularly relaxing for all the reasons I have mentioned before. These are some of the largest, privately owned boats I have had to share the water with. There are all kinds of people, beached and hanging out on the islands. I love to see everyone out enjoying the water, the weather, the beauty, hardly anyone staring at their phone.
Sometime in the early afternoon I was aided and pushed along by yet another strong tailwind! This is amazing, a wind such as this, two days in a row! Rare indeed and I have dubbed it “Alice’s Tailwind”. Enjoyed dinner in East Hanover at a lovely restaurant perched above the Connecticut. I was underdressed and alone but they let me sit outside on the patio, which is where I wanted to be anyway. (hehe). Had a big fancy salad and a glass of good wine, which I raised in a private toast to Alice and the whole wonderful, powerful Grandparent thing.
Ok, back on the water, I still have a bit of traveling to accomplish in order to reach the intended spot for the night. Gillette Castle Campground contains “primitive sites for non-motorized boaters.” Never did spot the Castle from the water but I did see the landmark Ferry Crossing and knew I must be there. It was close to sunset when I pulled over to an obvious take-out area and into a large family style campground with several sites separate, but close together. There were picnic tables and fire rings. A short path led to a port-a-potty. A big family occupied the place but at least one of the sites was open. I sort of asked, sort of told them, I would be spending the night. At this point I had been on the water for 12 hours and was not interested in paddling around in the dark looking for another spot.
I settled in, a little farther way from the group site, closer to the parking area and boat ramp, forgoing the luxury of a table for a little additional privacy. Not an ideal site, maybe a bit of a party spot, but I feel safe and the clean port a potty is a good thing. Now I will sleep, looking forward to seeing John around Noon tomorrow and then meeting Alice!
Thirteen miles to go!!
Goodnight.
*Briana’s Dad and Granddaughter #1, 5-year-old Olivia, will be there with Briana, Michael and Baby today and tomorrow. This makes me happy.
**I could have timed this Section better and would advise human propelled boats to avoid this area on popular weekends, if possible.
One Woman's Solo Kayak Adventures 
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