A Tidal Tug

Yesterday's gusty winds were finally gone and my plan to paddle-in the new year upon some tidal waters was back on the front burner.  Of course, today being a legal holiday helped greatly to make it happen.

It was my first time launching from the George F. McCabe Marina and Recreation Area in Salem.  This location near the Kernwood Ave bridge provides easy access to the Danvers River, Beverly Harbor, and Salem Harbor.  There's a fee for launching and an honor system is employed requiring deposit of payment by envelope which seems reasonable.

As I was preparing to launch, two duck hunters in full camouflage attire landed their camouflaged kayaks. 

Heading over towards Beverly Harbor I encountered fellow kayaker Jim...

...who was paddling a boat he built himself.  In addition to enjoying today's splendid conditions (for January) we recalled having participated in last year's Blackburn Challenge where we both crossed the finish line at nearly the same time.

Also encountered this lucky sea gull with his "catch"?...

 
Just beyond the Salem Willows I enjoyed this view of Bakers Island which I recalled having seen several times while watching the movie "Manchester by the Sea"...

The unmistakable call of a loon was heard, and directed my attention towards this pair in their winter plumage...

 

 

It was strange to look into Salem Harbor and not see the pair of smokestacks that long dominated the skyline there.  It looks as if a new facility is under construction...

As slack water approached I paddled into the Danvers River...

...for a couple of miles before returning to McCabe Park.

Some trash encountered along the way...