September 25, 1999

Moonlight Paddle

Trip #53

MAP

6.7 miles

Last night was a near perfect night for a moonlight paddle. Joan and Mardie met me at Belle Haven Marina about 7:00 and we got on the water right at dark. Two women launching at the same time we did were heading out to have dinner on the water from their kayaks. After busting open a couple light sticks we were on our way south of the Marina.

The Atlantic kayak tour group was also out on the water, and we could see their lights through the trees of the marsh. We continued south in open water about a mile and then cut back into the marsh. It was high tide and the normally narrow shallow channel was no where to be found.

In the trees were some large white birds. Joan told me several times what they were, but I still forgot. It was really cool how the white from their feathers reflected off them in the moonlight.

We paddled all the way up to the bridge. Proceeding further would have meant a carry over the bridge since I doubt I would have been able to lay over far enough to pass under. We turned around and started out. We tried several times to find the "shortcut" out of the marsh, once almost stumbling on another loan kayaker who had expected she would be out there alone.

We ran into the Atlantic Kayak group who were rafted up changing batteries in their flashlights. A beaver had made his presence known by slapping the water behind them. As we headed back out of the marsh another beaver started slapping his tail in front of us.

Once we were clear of the marsh we headed south past hog island and then turned around. The trip south seemed like we were really moving along as the small wavelets moved towards us giving the feeling of speed. When we turned and headed back north with the wind it seemed as if we had started crawling, barely making any progress. But we were back at the marina all too fast.

A nice little paddle of 6.7 miles.