My car is annoyed with me. It's been hunkered down under the dubious shelter of two kayaks for a week now, waiting for the rain to abate. The car simply does not understand the irresistable power of a Yak Attack. It does not fully realize that they can strike at any time, without cause or warning.

I try to be prepared. The paddles are chucked behind the back seat, sunscreen in the center console, spare bottles of water roll around on the floorboards, and yes, there are two yaks strapped to the roof...just in case. Because you never know.

I was last struck by a Yak Attack around 2:00 in the afternoon, while working busily away at my desk. Weather.com threatened scattered thunderstorms. The window in front of me confirmed. It was a tense afternoon, as my attention flitted fitfully between work and window, window and work.

Five o'clock finally arrived, with a clear sky and a warm breeze. My friend Jen and I slid a couple of yaks into College Creek, and headed out for the first paddle of the year. It was beautiful. My favorite part of the trip was Shady Lake, that little cove off to the right as you come into Annapolis on the Naval Academy Bridge. I've always wanted to see what was back there, and I wasn't disappointed. What a great spot, with a heron, an egret, the standard handful of ducks, and some lovely houses. I would've stayed had it not been for the setting sun...and the fact that Jen had already made it back to the bridge.