Kayak through the Thimble Islands

A wonderful chance to kayak throughout the Thimble Islands and explore Outer Island. This is Not a beginner kayak; you should feel comfortable navigating and controlling your boat and be comfortable with waves, wind and surf and know basic self-rescue. If you need to get up to speed, please join a few of our kayaks BEFORE this one - this is NOT the kayak to learn on. We will meet at the Stony Creek, Branford launch site and prep our boats for launch. This is partly open water, so there may be some wind or chop. We will paddle out and around the islands, finally landing at Outer Island (a McKinney Natural Preserve), where we will land our boats for a while and wander the island. A docent will meet us and give us some basic information about the island and the flora/fauna there. Bring a snack to relax on the island and spend a bit of time wandering. We'll then re-launch our boats and may re-land at Horse Island (a private island) with special permission, for those interested. Others can paddle about the island or harbor. For our return, we will hug the islands and then the shoreline - viewing the beauty and interest along the way. The entire trip should take about 3-4 hours, depending on the strength of our paddling group. We paddle as a group - we will leave together and return together. If you prefer to paddle on your own, please do NOT join this particular outing - WE WILL Start and end together - for both safety AND fun. Once we land at the launch, we can grab a bite to eat at a local eatery and relax and enjoy the location. *Warning: parking is limited, largely on-street and strictly enforced. Please plan to unload your boat quickly onto the launch area, moving it to the beach section of the launch and park your vehicle.* *Life Preservers are Mandatory for this outing. Two quarts of water and a snack VERY strongly recommended* Your RSVP to this event denotes you are physically fit and able to safely participate in this event and that you have read and agree to our legal statement found on the top page bar at More to Files to scroll down to Legal Statement. == Legal Statement === By clicking on "Count Me In" or "Yes" for this event you agree, warrant, and covenant as follows: In consideration for accepting this entry, I, the registrant, intending to be legally bound, hereby, for myself, my heirs, my executors and administrators, do waive and release any and all rights for damages I may have against any parties or persons connected with the South Eastern CT Adventures Meetup group for and related to the above listed event. I attest and verify that I am physically fit to participate in any portion of this above listed event. I grant South Eastern CT Adventures permission to use any photographs, film or videotapes of this event for any purpose. Bring or wear a silly hat (or tiara or costume or outfit) to celebrate Carolyn's Birthday with this trip. **I am now tracking no-shows. If you need to change your rsvp, please do so as soon as you know. Stuff can happen and I do provide day-of contact info, so please be considerate of your leader(s) and co-adventurers, and don't leave us hanging out in the parking lot wondering if you are coming. It'll put you on my poop list. **