Even though the winter seems to pass by very slow in most instances, its amazing how fast the spring comes upon us. It was now time for the HOW NJ First Outing of 2016 at Lake Denmark on May 1st. What was once 3 months away in planning was merely felt like a week ago. A large scale event was planned with two trailers of kayaks and gear allowing 20 veterans and their familys along with 5 veterans with their own gear.  Yes HOW NJ has a few veterans whom enjoyed the outings so much they decided to purchase their own kayaks and gear.

As the event date approached my reputation for bad weather while coordinating an event was shaping up to hold true. The weather reports were calling Sunday a wash and Saturday to be beautiful. Couldn’t it have been the other way around?!! The thought of cancelling dwindled but holding strong the decision was made not to cancel the first outing of the season as many look forward to the occasion.

A few volunteers Prefished Lake Denmark on the Leap Year which turned out to be a beautiful day. They staged the trailers and gear for the following day. I fished later that night in the Aurthur Kill again to hunt down some big stripers. With no luck that night only snagging bunker while trolling had to call it early in order to be up early for the HOW event.

I awoke around 6 am and upon looking out the window seeing the ground was dry had a bit op hope that the day wouldn’t be as bad as forecasted. Being that the event was rain or shine i didn’t even look at the weather but once i closed my truck door to head out the rain begun right on que. It rained the entire time to the lake and while setting up. Despite the weather volunteers had already started arriving and loading their gear onto their kayaks. CDP was setting up breakfast and everything had begun to take form.

After a bit the second trailer arrived we immediately unloaded it. A few veterans arrived and after breakfast safety briefing and all we launched them. The rain didn’t really quit at all. My Colombia rain shell had become saturated and I had to change it out for a heavier rain coat. That and the bib (rain pants) I was wearing kept me dry and warm all day which is good since it was wet and in the low 40’s all day.

Our guests still enjoyed their time out on the water despite the cold and wet. Just goes to show that the military is a rain or shine job. A little dampness and rain doesn’t bother our Heroes! Around noon a hot lunch consisting of Chorizo Sausage, Burgers and Hot Dogs along with sides was being served. I brought with me a small pro-pain heater which I set up for anyone that was cold to warm up their hands. It was a good way for the people whom were really wet to warm up a little. It continued to rain and a a few of the veterans went back out fishing a lot with many of the fishing coach volunteers.

Pat and I were able to install a stabilizer on one of the Native Commander tandem kayaks which we had complaints were not stable enough. It seemed to do the job with our guest Father and Son fishing team! Jovani and his son had a blast. Jovani Jr. caught a few fish! I think hes now hooked on kayak fishing!

In all the event was a huge success with a higher attendance than expected with the weather as bad as it was. I for one am happy that we didn’t cancel it and we were able to get some of our Heroes out on the water! I’m hoping the HOW NJ First outing of 2016 is an opening to a great season of events!