Why Wait?

If you're waiting for a balmy Spring day, you may be waiting awhile.  One nice day in two weeks just isn't enough for a hit or miss chance between workdays to hit the water. Unless.... your gear includes clothing that will get you out there a little sooner.  Dry tops have neoprene, or latex neck collars, wristbands and a strip that snugs around your waist. Dry pants have an ankle strip that fits over boots with velcro and another strip at the waist to keep water at bay.  Extreme drysuits offer coverall protection with the same neoprene/latex wrist, neck and integrated latex socks for water resistant durability.  The fabric is waterproof and the garment is made loose enough that layering with other layers for warmth is possible. If you're thinking wild water, then you're really serious and you already have your wetsuit!  Neoprene gloves, or  'pogies',  neoprene head warming hoods dress you  for the cold and misty days on the water.  "Dress for the water" is a recent quote given as advice for kayaking forays.
  I'm looking at the sky, and the sun is shining...some.  The clouds are on the horizen, over the hills, and dark grey, and in the distance low clouds diffuse the patchwork of snow in the mountains.  The wind is picking up, and has a decided chill to it.  The lake in front of me has wind chop, and the stick pile on the shoreline is two feet from the waters edge.  Clothing, as well as experience with weather conditions, and what happens out there on the water, will tell if conditions are up to the readiness of a paddler. 

  I sat in my warm car studying the lake in front of me, dreaming of the day not so cold to go paddling.  I'm yearning for warmth, and for the serenity of gliding across the water.  And with the steady motion of paddling, cut through water as still as a mirror.  I capture the "come-hither/go-away" scene with the camera and hope for warm sunny days ahead...and soon.