I love nighttime urban paddling and the way the water reflects and sparkles, like molten gold or quicksilver. There is an intimacy and mystery to it I never feel in the daylight. Here in Pittsburgh we have miles of rivers and bridges with abundant ambient lighting along the shoreline. They’ve outfitted some of the bridges in recent years with the “color wheel” LED lighting that cycles through the spectrum.
The famous Zambelli Fireworks is HQed in this area and their spectacular 45 minute Fourth of July annual display is launched from barges at the major confluence of Ohio River feeders downtown. I usually kayak down with friends and the river cops let us raft up along the breakwater at the Point fountain so we get a front row seat, ahead of the regattas of power boats. Being on the reflecting water beneath the pyrotechnics feels like you are suspended in a constellation of exploding stars.
I get my Hoka’s from a local store with a national reputation - Playmakers. I does look like that color combination was a REI thing though. If you don’t have a good local store you can set up a ‘HomeFit’ session at Playmakers: HomeFit - Playmakers
I’ve started routinely checking Ebay and the online used clothing sellerslike PoshMark to find another pair of these. I wear down walking shoes fast and these Hokas are like pure gold to me. I am taking a two week walking tour of New Zealand (with a p.com friend) this coming Spring and these give me confidence the nagging left foot issue won’t hamper me. I have been able to get back to my regular 2 to 5 mile fitness hikes since getting the Hokas.
Peanut Island in Palm Beach yesterday - went over to the East coast to visit my college roommate after Thanksgiving. Just a short paddle but we saw a manatee, sea turtle, starfish, iguanas and lots of fish and birds.
Brodie, during March 2015 we were down visiting my wife’s nephew in Jupiter. I didn’t have my kayak. That beautuful water brings back memories. I shall return. Thanks for the reminder.
I was impressed by the clear turquoise water. You’re right about the boat traffic. Those pictures were a nice reminder. We then went up to St. Augustine and the water was . . . not the same. A few years ago, I was in Tampa for work. A collegue working there invited us out to race on outrigger canoes. Tampa was nice, but the area around Jupiter and Palm Beach was surreal. I took picture in Palm Beach, but erased them because they could capture the spirit. Got to be there.
