Official start-of-summer party

Al (on right) with his group of hikers

Today the Senior Trailblazers met at the Lake Padden parking lot to have our annual beginning-of-summer gathering. Last year we didn't even have this luxury because of the pandemic, but this year we decided to meet, with everyone fully vaccinated, and have our usual hike before lunch. Instead of a potluck, everybody brought their own food, and a few people did bring enough to share. 

For the hike itself, we broke up into two groups, one fast and the other slower (Al's group, which I was part of), with a beautiful day and the light wind making us pretty comfy, after two rather warm days.

Al giving us some options for distance

The trails behind Lake Padden cover at least six miles, if we went over all of them, but we wanted to get back before 11:00am, so that we could have some time before eating to learn about the nifty portable kayaks that several of our hikers purchased this year. 

Chris setting up her foldable kayak

These amazing kayaks are lightweight and easy to use. Chris has the smaller size (being short and not needing a full-size one), which weighs around twenty pounds and took about ten minutes to get ready for use.

Haven wants to be first!

Once Chris got it assembled, we carried it down to the water and put it in. Sue has one, too, which is full size, and it was already down at the water's edge. These are called Oru Kayaks and they seem just right for people who want something easy to transport and fun to use.

Setting out for a paddle in the lake

Everyone who wanted to take a spin in a kayak had a chance to, and we all agreed that it's a wonderful and very safe feeling way to enjoy a nice paddle around the lake. Once we were done, we gathered under the rented pavilion to eat together and then have a short meeting about the summer season to come.

A senior social event, for sure

We had a wonderful turnout, with the three different hiking groups as well as seniors who joined us in previous years, those who hiked with us once upon a time but have turned to other pursuits. It was great to see old faces that I hadn't seen for years. After a really fine gathering, we headed home with plans for an exciting season ahead. With everyone fully vaccinated, we will begin to carpool for our long trips to the wilderness. Happy days are here again!

:-)