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Demon Weed
John Rybczyk
06/17/17 #21541
No, not the now-legal kind. The “demon weed” to which I believe Reivers is referring is Sargassum muticum, an invasive seaweed, common name, Japanese wireweed. It is in the same Genus as the Sargassum of the famed Sargassum Sea, and seems to have the same effect on our boats, but it is not the same species. It's been around here (the waters of our state) for at least sixty years, but it does appear to be expanding, as invasives are wont to do. I'm none to happy about it.
johnr
From: whatcompaddlers@… [whatcompaddlers@…]
Sent: Saturday, June 17, 2017 5:08 PM
To: whatcompaddlers@…
Subject: [whatcompaddlers] 6/17/17 Sat run report
I'm sure all y'all will be shocked to hear that this morning's crowd was completely disorganized and rowdy. I showed up on time, except forgot my paddle pants. Had to go back and get some because I didn't want to freak everyone out with my 'chicken-stick' legs hangin out. Then Dean shows up late. And Mark. Kirk and Eric W seemed to think it was a good day to wander off around Chuckanut Isl. Heather put in late, but avoided the rowdies and did a normal regular Whisky Rock run. Or maybe longer. Since I was the last ducky chasing the front runners I didn't see where everyone was.
Sure enough once we turned around at Whisky David started cranking as if he was going to get back to coffee first and eat all the cookies. When he realized everyone was clinging to his wake he started up with all these jukemoves and went on the rampage. For a second I thought a hockey game was going to break out. We were bashing boats and paddles and scaring all the fish. Duncan slid up on us during the mess, but before anyone could do a breakaway the clown possee started up again. Here's how messy: even MG moved off and gave the crazy's lots of room. I guess this is what happens if there's no waves and we get bored.
Lots of seaweed today. Even saw some of that demon weed from an alternate universe. Water is feeling a little warmer and with sunshine the weeds think they have a right to exist. I noticed a couple of open canoes out there this morning. You know it's a flat day.
rd
