The Last Blackberry Adventure

1230 ZULU—It was a grey overcast morning. I wanted to take one more look at my secret blackberry patch to confirm the season was over. I checked the weather on the computer and examined the radar to assure myself that no storms were imminent. All looked good.

I loaded the kayak on the CRV and headed out to the little beach. I made sure no one was following me. I mustn’t reveal the secret location. Before launching the boat I once more checked the sky. There were some ominous clouds to the North but they were being blow away by the prevalent breeze.

1255 ZULU—I set out to the secret destination unobserved by any enemy agents. The wind was at my back and I made good time, reaching the end of the bayou in 20 minutes. My kayak training was paying off. My shoulders did not tire as easily and my thumbs were doing fine.

1315 ZULU—I once again checked that I wasn’t followed and then started upstream to the secret patch location. I entered through a different branch of the stream than normal—once again to throw off any enemy agents from my trail. The stream was strange today. It was not flowing. I quickly deduced that it must be high tide. As I drifted upstream I surprised a small egret (I think, the agency’s training program didn’t include identifying birds). He didn’t hear me coming and panicked as I floated by only 5 feet away. At least I knew no one else was around. My location remained a secret.



1330 ZULU—I drifted by brown dried-out blackberry bushes. Nothing left to pick. As I reached the last bend in the stream I stopped short. Blocking my path was what appeared to be a water moccasin (once again my agency training fails me). I took it as a sign I should head back to the bayou. I had determined the blackberry season was over and Mr. Snake was enough incentive to make me head back.


1340 ZULU—As I approached the mouth of the stream I heard a deep rumble in the distance. I hoped that it was an F-15 taking-off. Another rumble followed and I knew I was hearing thunder. That was not good. It is not smart to be out paddling a kayak in the middle of a thunderstorm but that’s where I was headed. My agency training immediately kicked in. I knew I must not be the highest object around. I also knew I didn’t want to be under the highest object around. The storm was not upon me yet but it was coming fast. I zipped up my lifejacket and headed out hugging the shoreline and letting all the trees provide a taller lightning target. It finally started to rain. I could see heavier rain walking its way across the bayou towards me. The wind was beginning to pick up and now I saw the first lightning stroke. Thunder followed about 7 seconds later meaning the lightning was over a mile away. The distance was not comforting. I decided to find a shore location far enough from high trees but cluttered enough to not make me a target.

1350 ZULU—I pulled up into some exposed tree roots with the growing wind at my broadside holding me against the shore. I was already soaked. Then the storm hit in full force with lightning and thunder, strong wind and waves. I just sat there, arms in my lap, rocking with the frequent waves and taking in the show. Fortunately none of the lightning came any closer than a mile away. The wind and rain were strong. I sat there about 10 minutes until things began to let up. Then I waited until all the dark clouds left and there was no more lightning, about 5 more minutes.

1410 ZULU—I headed out across the open water in a b-line toward the little beach. Once again I made it in record time. I didn’t want to expose myself any more than necessary.

1425 ZULU—I hit the beach, jumped out and dragged the kayak to the CRV. I then called headquarters (Penny) to let her know my mission was accomplished and I was coming back in.

1440 ZULU—I arrived at headquarters soaking wet, stowed my gear and boat and went inside to make my report to the boss.

I DO NOT recommend kayaking in thunderstorms. Thus ends the last blackberry adventure .