April might be the cruelest month of spring.  I think many boaters along the Southern Outer Banks would vote with me on that.  The air temperature feels like we should be out on the water. The beautiful blues of the water are tempting.

Unfortunately, the water seems to stay calm only for brief moments like this early morning picture. Then sometimes, as it has done in the last few days, the water just disappears, and you wonder what happened to all those predictions of rising sea levels.  High tide looks a lot like low tide.  About the time my thoughts wander to my kayak which could easily handle the low water levels, the wind starts blowing.

While boating on the coast is often a grab the moment kind of endeavor,  it is much worse in April.  While one trip in March helped a little with erasing the memories of the cold boat rides that I had this winter, I really would like to go out and just enjoy the warm Carolina sun on my back.

I would love to catch a fish or two while soaking up the sun, but I am reconciled to taking this spring one step at a time.  In 2009 we waited until April 24 before we got a real day on the water.  The weather was even cooler in 2010, and it was June 1 before we got a really nice day on the water.

Since March teased us with an hour or so on the water during the great spell of mid-March weather, we have seen a frost and lots of wind including even some small waves driven into our very protected cove.

I guess until our water returns and the winds slack off,  the great beach walks I've been getting in will just have to do with help from the occasional sneak trip out into the river in the kayak or skiff.

It is spring, and after this past winter, I am going to be thankful for any warmth and any break in the winds.