July 25, 2004

Green Paint

The Cheapeake Bay Program has been reporting a 40% reduction in nitrogen and phosphorus since 1985. Actual measurements by the U.S. Geological Survey shows that there has been no decrease at all over the years, and in some cases there has been an increase. Today emphasizes just how wrong the Chesapeake Bay Program has been.

The weather was a misty fog, but not very thick. It rained lightly from time to time as I paddled across Powells Creek and headed toward Cockpit Point. A stiff wind is blowing out of the north so I paddle out a few hundred yards from shore to let the wind carry me south.

The tide is rising, causing the waves to steepen and give me a few good rides every now and then. The Explorer behaves well in following seas and I enjoy racing with the wind toward the high tension power lines that stretch across the river from Virginia to Maryland.

I kept some distance from shore as I passed the Possum Point power station, but quickly turned in to Quantico Creek. It had been a quick ride and I thought about exploring the creek, but the current would be changing in the next hour and a half and I didn't want to fight against the wind and the current all the way back. The Explorer handled the following seas very well and although I'm not yet totally comfortable in the boat, I'm getting there.

I floated a bit while eating some trail mix. It will be a tough fight back. I spun the kayak around to head out of the creek. I paddled wide around the power plant. The waves have grown to 2 - 2 1/2 feet and the going is slow as I head directly into the wind and waves.

Once I clear the power plant I head toward the lee shore to take advantage of the lighter wind there. The going is easier, but I'm also back in the thick algae slinging green in exchange for being out of the wind.

There are a lot of dead fish in the slime. Most appear to be catfish. I paddle briefly back into the wind as I round Possum Nose and then again as I round Cockpit Point.

The shore line is interesting as I paddle toward Cherry Hill. I feel the full force of the wind but I'm paddling at right angles to it so it isn't slowing me down. Trees stand out in the water through here and parts of the shoreline is made up of solid rock. The green water splashes up on the rocks as if someone is throwing buckets of paint on them.

There are a lot of bass boats in the mouth of the creek and it makes me wonder what they could be catching. With this much algae the water is probably all but dead.

Near the railroad bridge I cut across the creek to head back to the launch. I land in the green water and pull the kayak up on shore. After getting the car I strap the kayak down and head off to the power boat ramp parking lot to eat my lunch.

Woody