Blown away in Pt. Judith Pond

The forecast on Sunday hinted at possible danger, but a good crowd showed up at Marina Park to venture out into the Pt. Judith Salt Pond under the steady leadership of Tim Motte. Tim was upbeat about the weather, and correct (mostly) as usual. He predicted that things would stay pretty calm until late in the day.
The group consisted largely of regulars: the Bomes, Carol C., Bill Luther, Rich R., Bill Hahn, Christie, and my better half. There were also two people from the flatwater group that joined us.
After introductions and Tim's speech about being a responsible group member, the plan was laid out. We would beeline up the outside of the Salt Pond to the fishing ramp in Galilee. The hope was to beat the wind. Then take it easy and make our way back to Marina Park protected by the islands. The sun was out and, from the boat ramp, the wind was pretty mellow. Anticipating a beautiful level 2 paddle, we hopped in our boats and set out following the channel.
Upon emerging from the protection of the harbor, we quickly realized that the plan had changed. The wind was blowing straight at us at a steady 15 knots. Even late in the season a strong head wind makes for a slog, but in May it is miserable. A number of the paddlers had also been out on Sat. and were still stiff from that. The group continued to make strong headway and everyone held there own.
Always conscious of the group and committed to ensuring that everyone enjoyed themselves, Tim decided that the best course of action was to slip behind the islands at the earliest opening. Once protected by the islands, the paddling got much easier and we proceeded towards the head of the pond. There was still a fair headwind, but it was much more manageable. At the breaks in the island cover we got a taste of the hurt being offered on the other side. From our protected lunch spot we could also see the water being kicked up by the wind just around the corner.
The conditions were just enough so that you could practice skills without really needing them. I practiced a technique for locking the back of my boat when in the wind. It is interesting to see how the boat reacts to leaning in the wind. One way causes water to pile up and hold the rear of the boat. The other way allows the water to flow right under the back of the boat and makes it weather cock. The tricky part is remembering which is which. I still cannot remember. I also tried out different turning techniques for maneuvering in the wind. A bow rudder does a great job of turning a boat into the wind. And a low brace turn while leaning away from the paddle will spin the boat pretty darn quickly, if you don't fall over...
It was a nice day so there people out in their yards and at one point we had a little crowd as we rested in a little cove. The residents gathered around and started gawking at us. It was hard to tell if they were worrying that we intended to land and pillage their homes; kayakers=pirates.
The way home was quite nice. The wind just pushed us home, but it didn't give us much opportunity to stop and play. There were a few spots on the return journey when the wind reared its ugly head. It was just enough to make us work.
Once back at the dock, Tim took a small group over to a protected cove for some practice. Bob Bomes did four stunning roles. Each one looked more effortless than the one before it. He has come along way in the short time he's been kayaking!! Heather pushed herself to practice her wet exits and practice being rescued-twice. Rich R. did a great job of putting her back into the boat. He also did some rolling practice. Tim, of course, made sculling and rolling look easy. I even managed to get a roll or two in.
After we got the boats on the car and were safely at Java Madness--possibly the best coffee place in RI--the rains came.