November 10, 2006

Cat Point Creek

I received an invite from Ray to come down and paddle the upper section of Cat Point Creek near the City of Tappahannock off the Rappahannock river. Ray runs Heritage Park Resort, which is a year round campground on Menokin Bay.

Campsites run about $23 a night, with electric/water sites only $2 more - a nice investment for winter camping. But if winter camping isn't for you, there are cottages and a local vineyard to keep you warm. Ray also hosts many local events - an art show was held the weekend I visited.

On Friday we paddled the upper reaches of Cat Point Creek. Before launching Ray gave us a very detailed overview of the area and also told us about nearby creeks. We paddled up the creek winding our way through through the bends. The trees shedding the last of their leaves were full of mistletoe. Ducks took flight around every turn.

The intimacy of the creek would provide a sheltered paddle even on the windiest of days. For campsites, Ray recommended #22, and #15 had a nice overlook over the water too. I'll be back again.

On a windy Saturday we paddled Belle Isle State Park. We headed out around Curletts Point where the water got pretty bumpy. But once inside Lancaster Creek things smoothed out nicely. Geese and Bald Eagles kept us entertained as we found our way through the creek before we turned around. Again Curletts Point was bumpy, maybe a bit more than before, but soon enough we were back to the park. So much water in this area yet for me to explore, that I hope to spend more time there next summer. Belle Isle SP will be opening a new campground in the 2007 season.