Kayaking Town Lake by the Light of the Full Moon
By Sharon Miller

November 2004

The full moon glistened on the dark water as we silently glided across Town Lake.  We could see the flickering red lights of other patrons ahead of us as the occasional bat, silhouetted by the night, sky swooped near our heads .  We had joined the members and crew of Texas Rowing Center for their monthly moonlight kayak, and as the night wore on, we were increasingly glad we did.  Only a few hours before, the torrential downpour that blanketed Austin made me believe that the moonlight kayak was not going to happen.  Nevertheless, as I drove home from work, the clouds parted and provided us with a perfect night for a self-propelled cruise through the water.

Every month, Texas Rowing Center hosts their Full Moon Kayak and invites anyone and everyone to attend.  For only ten dollars per person, for non-members, you get a kayak, a small red strobe light, a life jacket and quick instructions on the rules of kayaking.  You can choose to go solo, or pair up with your friends in a two or three-man boat.  For first timers, I would suggest having at least one partner.

The night starts at about 7:00 p.m., with a potluck “dinner.”  I say dinner, but it consisted of mostly snack items and desserts, veggies and dip, chips and salsa, and an abundance of cookies.  As everyone mingles and picks at the food, you have a chance to sign the waiver and gather your equipment.  Alvin, the General Manager of Texas Rowing Center, is extremely helpful and will make sure you are all set up with a paddle, kayak and life jacket.  No matter how hard you try, you will get wet, even if you do not fall in, so it is best to wear something that is easily washable.

At approximately 7:30 p.m., the boats push off and everyone is on their own in the dark waters.  The beauty and serenity that envelopes you is breathtaking.  As you paddle all the way down the river to Congress Street Bridge, you have the opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of Town Lake, against the backdrop of the Austin skyline.  The full moon provides you with just enough light to see, without disturbing the solitude.

Let me tell you, kayaking is exhausting.  Quite often, I had to stop paddling in order to rest my arms, and after a while, Congress Bridge seemed to be a very far way off.  Nevertheless, we persevered, mainly due to Tara’s unfailing ability to continue paddling.  After a while, we could tell we were getting close, because the overpowering smell of bat guano filled the air.  You could hear the high-pitched screech of the bats hanging underneath the bridge, which gave you the distinctive impression that you did not want to be under the bridge for long.  With one last burst of energy, we were able to propel ourselves underneath the bridge, coming to rest on the east side, where we had a few moments to relax in the lights of huge hotels.

Unfortunately, our time to rest did not last long, as the night was slowly wearing on.  With our backs to the moon and the city lights, the way back up the river seemed extremely dark. At one point, thinking we were rowing into a patch of seaweed, Tara and I unwittingly found ourselves in a flock of ducks, which were desperately trying to get out of our path.

 The way back did not seem as difficult as the way down, and as we were nearing the dock, we glanced over our shoulders to get one final look at the moon, only to find it partially covered in the beginning of a total lunar eclipse.  The perfect ending to a perfect night.

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