After a series of thunderstorms blew through the area, delaying my departure on Quest 22, I finally got started.
It was a beautiful paddle through the channel across from the dock at Janes Island State Park and out around the point.
As I swung to my right, I picked up the docks dead ahead — the beaching spot for a short hike to the dune line, a beautiful view of Tangier Sound and the answer to the Quest puzzle.
Some bozo stole the medallion placed on the signpost, so Questers won't be doing a rubbing.
Nice going, pinhead.
As I slide my kayak toward the dock, I encounter a scene much like Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn acted out in "The African Queen."
Hundreds of deer flies come out to greet me. DEET does not deter them.
I scramble from the kayak, dash up the boardwalk to the signpost--arms flailing wildly to ward off attackers, secure the correct answer and race back to my kayak and the safety of a bite-free zone 50 yards off shore.
The paddle back is silent and uneventful.
And I am a successful participant in the Janes Island Paddle and Dash Biathalon.
Off to Pocomoke River State Park and the penultimate Quest.
Tangier Sound from the dunes on Janes Island