Hackensack River Canoe &
Kayak Club
www.hrckc.org
Farrington Lake Moonlight Paddle
by Monica Orso
Saturday, June 26, 2010
A small but friendly group consisting of Robyn and Phil, Richard
Howland, Henry Fernandez, Bob Wenke, Kate Liebold (with her brandy new canoe),
Zoran and Liz Vukasovic, Lori Bauman and myself met at the put-in in East
Brunswick at around 5:30. Reports of a sinkhole on the turnpike boggling traffic
delayed our launch only slightly. We launched into calm waters below and cloudy
skies above.
Within a minute or two we saw a great blue heron on shore, and then the ruckus
began. An irate red winged blackbird was trying to attack the heron, who was
just standing there. They let us get quite close, each one more concerned with
the other than with us. The redwing was relentless, but the heron stood firm.
This went on for quite a while, the redwing swooping and squawking in a frenzy.
We paddled on and left them to work out their differences.
Not long after we made our way up the lake and the traffic noise started to
fade, BAM…out of the woods to our right we hear organ music (really loud I might
add) playing the famous wedding recessional. We pulled up to the establishment
for a bit, contemplated raiding the outdoor bar (and I secretly contemplated
popping all the purple balloons..), then continued on our way to explore a small
cove.
As we proceeded down the lake, we spotted numerous adult turtles resting on logs
and smaller turtles on lily pads, which were in abundance. A lone cormorant swam
by us, uninterested in our presence. A few mallards and some ducklings were
doing their thing. As we approached a bridge to paddle under, we spot another
gathering at a local restaurant. By their attire, it was apparent that we had
stumbled upon yet another wedding. This time, the service was amplified. They
were very close to saying the infamous “I do’s” so we decided to wait and watch
from the water, and cheer them on after the deed was done. Having done so, the
crowd was as disinterested in us as the cormorant. Oh well, it was entertaining
for US!
We paddled on to our picnic destination, Bicentennial Park. Upon pulling ashore
we were greeted by a park ranger who seemed a little annoyed that we had parked
our boats there and told me that there was an “official” launch site up the
road. Apparently I said the magic words… that I spoke with Lee (the guy who
books park events) about having a full moon paddle and picnic. His face lit up.
All was well with the world, our boats and us were welcome there even though the
park “officially” closed at dusk.
We took advantage of the facilities, then claimed a few picnic tables, spread
out the goods and enjoyed a quiet dusk picnic complete with fresh fruit and
guacamole. You could see a slice of the water from where we were and it sure
looked like it was beginning to rain, the tree cover had protected us. We
decided to pack up and begin the paddle back, even though it was not fully dark
yet. Not knowing what the skies would bring, better to be closer to the take-out
than caught in a downpour with possible lighting.
The paddle back was leisurely and not nearly as eventful as the first half. The
water was like thick black ink and smooth as glass. Robyn compared it to
just-made jello that hasn't set yet. The frogs were beginning to croak, a few
bats flew overhead and a heron or 2 glided in flight a few feet above the water.
Just before the take-out there was a section of the woods that was swarming with
fireflies. There was no rain now, but there was no moon either.
Not losing faith that there really WAS a full moon out there under all those
clouds, Robyn, Phil, Bob and I decided to stay and paddle back out. Fireworks
went off in the distance as a farewell tribute to the others leaving. We all
thought this might be fun to do again.
The 4 of us headed out again and paddled just far enough away to get out of
street and restaurant lights. After a good while of chatting, the sky began to
lighten in one spot. Could it be? Oh Luna di Luna, you haven’t let us down! It
was indeed the moon! The clouds parted long enough for us to marvel at it, take
a few pics, and then it slipped back into obscurity. But the evening was now
complete.
We wound up leaving around midnight…a good time was had by all. Thanks to all
who participated!
Monica