Though I didn't know it at the time, I created the perfect schedule for being an OAR member: class on Mondays and Fridays didn't start until 11:45. Most of the paddling trips I have been on in the past two years have been spontaneously put together at the absolute last minute. After one of the OAR meetings, a group of us, led by Michael and Carolanne, decided to go on a late night paddle, meeting at the Gear Shed around 9 PM. This worked out perfectly for me, since I had Mock Trial practice until 8:30 every Thursday of that semester. I sprinted over to meet everyone and we decided to paddle on Newnans Lake. There were six of us, but rather than taking two canoes, we decided to pack in like sardines in one. I strategically picked a spot in the middle so I wouldn't have to paddle as much. The moon was especially bright that night so we had no need to for headlamps, though we brought them just in case. There were other people on the lake, some chasing alligators and others throwing bonfire parties off the shore. We decided to crash this bonfire party and showed up via canoe, much to the surprise of the drunk college students throwing a party in what they thought was a private spot. They were very friendly though and our group laughed amongst ourselves at the situation: a bunch of random kids crashing a party by canoe. We didn't stay long, spending just enough time to be amused by the partiers' reactions. Headed back toward the middle of the lake, we got somewhat lost but eventually we found our way back to where we had put the canoe in, the first of many late night paddle sessions.
Events occurred: October 13, 2011
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