It was an hour before sunset and the sun hanging behind us created a rainbow arch out to the south sky. As the sun set further the candy daytime colors of sea, cliffs, hills, and cottages melted into a muted palette of lavender, rose, and powdered blue veiled by graying mists. Our hardy band would often take our lunch breaks on one of Elba's wide sandy beaches, such as Cavoli, Procchio, and Biodola. These breaks were as relaxing and fun as kayaking. At the beach front caf s we could get espresso, hot chocolate, gelato, or wine, and use the bathroom.
People watch, take photos, sunbathe, and luxuriate.
Most fun of all we could play in the warm water, swim, learn and practice rolls, braces and rescues with our Greenland-style paddles. We practiced sculling braces and rolling. These practice sessions became more and more lively, reminding me of the fun times I had as a kid playing with girlfriends on an air mattress in the summer water of Lake Michigan. At home, in the San Francisco Bay Area, we always plan our kayaking trips with close attention to the tides and currents, and equal attention to the prevailing winds and swell reports. On Elba, Gaudenzio would look up at the sky in the morning to read the clouds and walk down the block to the sailing club and read the weather report stapled to the bulletin board.