July 31, 2004

Galesville

Creepy.

Once on the water we headed toward the Rhode River, with plans to paddle down the creek overseen by the Smithsonian (Muddy Creek?).

It was a cloudy, hot day with a nice breeze at our backs. When the sun was out it was too hot, but when the clouds gave us relief it was quite pleasant. It was early so the boat chop was minimal.

We turned in to the Rhode after passing Cheston Point, and paddled past Big Island and in to Muddy Creek. We passed a canoe with 3 women paddling about on our way in.

It had been a few years since being back here so it took us a few moments to find the gated entrance to the creek because a catamaran platform was in front of the gate. The gate was open so we squeezed through between the gate and the catamaran.

After entering the gate Joan and I were reminiscing to Caroline about a very territorial swan that chased Brian once back in here. Almost on cue 2 adult swans appeared with little ones in tow. They squawked a bit but left us alone.

The creek quickly narrowed and on rounding a corner I was treated to a mature Bald Eagle taking flight just feet from my kayak. It had been sitting on a log in the creek and didn't hear us approach. Other than seeing them in cages, this was the closest I had ever been to one, as they are very skittish animals.

On the way back out of the Rhode we stopped off on Flat Island with some boaters and jet skiers to have lunch. A family nearby of all ages were skiing and enjoying the sun while we watched.

Back on the water we headed back out to the West River. Because the wind had picked up we kept closer to shore to angle slightly off the wind.

At one point I paddled through a lot of clapotis which allowed me to compare the Explorer to the Sirocco in this type of water. The Explorer went through smoothly but it felt like I was mired in mud. In the Sirocco, I've often felt it could gain speed in clapotis.

As we neared the marinas it felt like our speed picked up. The one thing about paddling open areas is the scenery changes slowly, so it was nice to get close in to the boats where distance seems to slip by faster. We landed on shore and carried the boats to the car.

Caroline said good by after we chatted for a while in the parking lot. Joan and I continued to drip dry as we watch a catamaran capsize and the operator try to right the boat. It took a while but he finally did get it back upright.

Pictures

Woody