A passel of boaters assembled at Fetchers late afternoon for the traditional CCA 4th of July picnic and fireworks paddle. Being a covid event everyone brought their own food, and spaced the required social distance. After the eating and socializing it was time to get down to the serious business of floating downstream to Roosevelt Island.
A total of 35 paddlers, including Barb B., Kathleen S., Fern A. and friend, Miki and crew, Elyse O., Alan G. and Pete, Michelle and crew, Toni B. and David, Scott A. and Leslie, Dave N., Gordy L., and Ginny and Gary from team Q. formed an armada of long boats, short boats, inflatables, and canoes. As we floated downstream we were treated to a beautiful sunset. Once at the bottom of Roosevelt Island we enjoyed a near full moon rise, followed soon after by a spectacular 35 minute display of fireworks.
For the return trip we paddled the channel on the Virginia side of the island. Alan and Pete took an early lead paddling his handmade tandem stripper. Eventually they were caught and passed by team Q, who were in mad dash to get home before midnight. The rest of the group wisely saw no reason to rush.