We had a long day of paddling planned today (18 miles!) so we got an early start. (We also were probably eager to escape the vicious mosquitoes.) We hit the water by 8:05 - a personal best record to date. Stupid me, though, I paddled out with Laura's (my wife's) car keys in my pocket. She came to see us last night with our three sons (Brandon, 12; Rowan, 10; Colter, 8) to make a food drop and to visit with us overnight. I had just rounded a point a few hundred yards out when yells came from behind us, "Wait! John!" Phew! Good thing they caught us as she did not have an extra key.
My paddling partner for today was Brandon (right). My sons had the day off because of school conferences and we had an empty seat because Kurt Anderson had to leave for the weekend to go to a wedding. The other two boys and Laura went ahead by car to North Beach in Burlington where they would meet us and spend another night. Up to this point my paddling partner had been Jenn McLemore. She had been great on the Creek and through thick and thin on the Lake (Thanks, Jenn!) I was surprised at what a strong and skillful paddler she was. We had a very welcome break in the weather compared to the stormy start we got yesterday. Speaking for myself it was a real treat to be with Brandon for the day. He paddled nonstop and served as my long distance eyes as I have been without my glasses on this trip. 
 
 

We made very good time and had lunch at Quenaska Island (left). This is where the world's best skipping stones can be found. Originally I was planning on paddling to the inside of the Burlington breakwater but it was so far away and it was reasonably calm so once we were about half-way across Shelburne Bay's mouth we turned north and headed straight for the pyramid shaped roof at North Beach.
 
 
 

On the way there a large Coast Guard boat came by to check us over and see if we were all wearing our PFDs. (Of course, we were - this was a basic rule for the entire trip.)
The wind picked up just as we were getting close to North Beach. Rowan paddled out in a kayak to meet us and raced me and Brandon in to shore. He beat us quite handily. Laura and the boys stayed overnight with us again - that was a treat for me. Supper was potato cheese soup with fried Spam chunks for those who wanted them. It was good but the cooks had put in too much water so it was a little thin.