121st Sunset Race – 12/13/2018

This is the 121st Sunset Race. I’m surprised to say this, but I wasn’t looking forward to this one. I’m a fair weather paddler. Sort of, I’ll go out an heat and cold, and I really love snow paddling. What I don’t like is getting wet. Seems crazy to say and admit, but its true. Today, it was raining all day.

Before I left the house, I put my Kokatat dry suit on. This piece of gear would make the day much better. I loaded the boat in the rain, but only my hands and head got wet. Once loaded, I headed out to the river.

Its interesting how many people showed up for this paddle. We were here to paddle, so we took off for our race!

The photo above is where things got interesting. There was a light fog across the whole river. Not the kind that is dangerous and prevents visibility, but just a small amount. As we came downstream back to the put in, we paddled near the VFW post. They have a large LED security light over the whole area. This light created a laser light show effect across the whole river. As we passed the different size trees and their assorted branches, we would eclipse the light momentarily. This light show happened repeatedly for about 5 minutes as we floated by in awe!

I wish I had words that could begin to describe this. I almost wish for a photo that could capture it. But I do have a memory in my head that forms one of many reasons that I paddle the river every month. The surprises seem endless. Everybody should come out and make an adventure of their own!

Hogan Haake