4th of July paddle to see fireworks

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Arrive by 7 please and in the boat by 7:15 PM. The "Put In" is almost under the bridge, you can slide your boat down the grassy slope across from Riverside Pub. Park in the paved fisherman parking area. There is no bathroom. This is a night paddle so you will need lights and glow sticks and a head lamp. I want a big crowd so invite everybody. Kayaks, canoe, row boats, paddle boards, all welcome. We will first paddle up the Westfield River, if there is enough water, then come back close to the put in and our cars then travel up the CT river and raft up. If you have an anchor please bring it.

At dusk we will put on our glow sticks and a head lamps. We keep the head lamps off but at the ready in case we need to use them. If you keep the head lamp on it is hard to look and talk with others, We will stay on the Agawam/West Springfield side of the river, in the shallows close to shore, this is the best way to avoid power boat traffic. We are all responsible for ourselves. I will try to keep the group together but if you wander off, oh well.

You will have one of the best seats for the fireworks as they reflect off the water, you will be able to hear the music and see the ground display. There will be little traffic as well because we will arrive before the others and leave just after they do. The fireworks start around 9 PM so you will want to bring some water and maybe a snack. Sometimes the bugs will be active just at dusk so bring some bug spray, in the past a slight breeze keeps them off you while on the water. You might want a sweat shirt as the temperature will drop after dark. You will want to wear some water shoes at the put in because it is a fishing area and the sand may have hooks or glass. Please do not smoke up wind of others, most of the group doesn't smoke and even though we are outdoors is still smells bad. Also please don't get drunk while paddling.

We might stop for a drink after we load our boats up, so bring some cash if you want to come out with us. The "take out" is the paved foot ramp to the same parking lot. If you have wheels for your boat might want to bring them, we should all help each other load in and out. Double check for your gear after the paddle, people have lost things in the past. Please keep your RSVP current. Here is a video of past years paddle, https://www.instagram.com/p/BHgFt-_BjkE/

Thanks Good Ole Tom
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