The Art of Erosion

It's 9:00 am. The only other car in the parking lot is John's, and I'm sure he is long gone. It will be a short paddle today as my shoulder hurts a bit, but I want to keep the tradition alive by going out on the 1st.

I've now switched over to the new Sirocco as my kayak of choice for the winter. The Explorer is put away until spring. The reason is a simple one - in the dry suit it is difficult for me to look around, so I end up turning the kayak a lot to look behind me. The Sirocco turns on a dime. The shorter trips I take in the winter also has me exploring more narrow passages or traveling near shore navigating between obstacles.

Today would be one such day as I hung near shore to try new settings on the new Optio WPi camera. The first outing was not very impressive, as I had significant issues with focus. A trip through the owners manual found an option called 'Pan Focus' - a setting which is supposed to keep objects both near and far in focus.

The pain in my shoulder is persistent. I hope it works its way out as I paddle toward the point from the beach. There is a slight fog in the distance and the sky is almost dreary. On the water are large mats of decaying hydrilla, which adds a pungent small to the crisp air.

I spend almost all of my time near shore playing with the camera. I probably took over 200 photos in the five and a half miles I will cover today. I danced in through the logs along shore. I loved having the maneuverability of the Sirocco to allow me to thread the kayak through tight spots and sharp turns.

I took quite a few photos of the trees that had fallen into the water. The 'Art of Erosion' is the title that played through my mind. This shore was a museum of sorts. One in which the displays change minute by minute, day by day, year by year.

The camera performed much better. The photos I took that were not in focus was due to shaking. Balancing the camera on the paddle, as I learned from Marek did wonders for holding the camera steady. A carbon fiber paddle makes this an easy task.

I'm not 100% happy with the photos yet, but believe I'm getting close to the type of photos I got with the Sony. When I find the right combination for the 'instamatic' type of shots I got with that camera, I'll document them here for the world to see. In the mean time, if you've found the perfect all around settings for outdoor use - I'd like to here from you!

Pictures

Woody

Help Save Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

Please consider helping the Chesapeake Bay Foundation in its fight against major development adjacent to the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge -- home to one of the east coast's largest migratory wildfowl populations.

Signing the petition on the webpage below only takes a few seconds.

Petition to stop Blackwater Resort

Woody

Where in the World is Woody?

I know - I haven't posted anything in a long time. I did drive out to Mason Neck today, but the wind blowing steady across the water was picking up too much of a chill to convince myself to get on the water. The recent death of experienced kayaker Mitch Magruda on the Potomac is more than enough to drive home the dangers of cold water kayaking.

A Bald Eagle did let me snap his picture while out at Mason Neck. I put the new Hullavator through it's paces - the XT version is hands down more solid than the original version. If you have the first version, take it back to your dealer for a replacement. You can see what has changed here.

The next Big Thing (tm) that I have planned is the annual trek to Assateague Island with my daughter for Spring Break in April. Two weeks later it is time for CPA's SK102 skills workshop and the season will be off and running!

I think Mason Neck is getting a bit old for me, so I hope to do a little more traveling around this season. I'd like to spend more time on the Rappahannock and possibly the lower Potomac.

A few trips I didn't write about, but took a few pictures:

1/28/2006

2/5/2006

Woody

Thinking about becoming a kayaker?

Are you new to, or thinking about getting into kayaking?

Yes, it is like this every time we go out.

Woody

Pentax Optio WPi

I've been putting off writing this review for some time. The camera came highly recommended, but I had noticed focus issues with both the WP and WPi models. But Marek was taking some AWESOME photos with his camera, so I convinced myself the others were flukes.

I should caveat everything I'm about to say by telling you I'm not a photographer. I couldn't tell you the difference between an f stop and a bus stop if my life depended on it. I've also followed the philosophy that if I take a hundred pictures with a digital camera, a few may actually be worth saving. Extra batteries and large memory cards are my first purchases.

My prior digital camera experience was with a Sony Cyber-ShotU, an awesome little water resistant camera that took great pictures. Point, shoot, and tuck back into my PFD. The camera had 2 downsides - It had only a 2 megapixel resolution, and no zoom.

My first pictures with the Optio WPi were very disappointing. Items 3 feet from each other in the same photo would be in and out of focus. Although the view finder would show which item it was selecting to focus on, I wanted _everything_ to be in focus!

Through trial and error I discovered PAN focus, which attempts to get everything focused, but I was having big problems with camera jitter. Marek's idea of using the paddle to steady the camera helped a lot, but I greatly missed the mindless shooting I could do with the Sony.

The second revelation came when I experimented with the sensitivity setting. Using ISO 400 (vice letting the camera decide via AUTO) I found a near match for my Sony's ability to point and shoot. On very overcast days I think the Sony still does a better job, but most of the time the Optio rocks considering I'm snapping pictures from the cockpit of my kayak. Point, shoot, and put it back in the PFD pocket. I still need to take hundreds of photos to get composition good enough to put a few on the web site, but at least now I have many more in focus to choose from.

Be sure to review Marek's suggestions - they are all excellent nuggets of advice - even if you don't use an Optio...

Touching Warmth

It wasn't a typical Monday. By 9:30am I had pretty much caught up with everything that had broken over the weekend so I walked across the hall to have a conversation with a co-worker. As we chatted I walked to the window and looked out at the blue sky. "Touch the glass", I heard him say when he caught me staring out the window.

So I did.

The warmth of the sun radiated into my fingers. On the radio they talked about the weather turning cold again late tonight. Today would be the last day of a unusual 4 day warm spell.

"Screw it - My dry suit is in the car - I'm going kayaking."

I don't think my co-worker understood what I said. I walked back across the hall and and told my office mates I was leaving. By 11:00 I was pushing away from shore.

I had paddled Saturday alone out to the heron rookery. Activity was high as I suspect the warm day was causing the Great Blues to be more active than normal.

On Sunday Doug, his wife and a friend, and Patty got out again for another warm day paddle. So today made the third day in a row I had paddled. My shoulder muscles ached a bit as I started off and after a half mile felt extreamly tight. By a mile the pain had started to slacken a little and I turned around the point and headed for the Potomac.

Although there were whitecaps on the water, the waves were not very large. The warm wind was picking up enough chill from the water to keep me nice and cool. I neared the river as the wind died down and noticed something small floating off in the distance. I decided to paddle out into the river to see what the small floating objects were but after a half mile realized the little objects I thought were only a short distance out, are the channel markers on the other side of the river.

Turning around was a little depressing. But without food I knew I couldn't paddle on forever. Once back at High Point I stopped and let the kayak drift for a while and I watched the birds flow in and out of the rookery. The wind was starting back up so after a bit I decided I better get going.

I paddled past the small bay on my right and noticed the lone house that stands there was having its roof replaced. I spotted an osprey cutting across my path carrying a limb too large to allow it to get fully airborne. The stick bounced and skipped across the water as the bird tried in vain to lift off. It finally gave up and dropped the stick in the water.

The bald eagles and osprey alternated passing by me at low altitudes, sweeping the water looking for fish sunning themselves near the surface. As I turned around the point the wind began to push me back to the launch. But I didn't want to go. I kept trying to slow down and there was more than one moment I wanted to shout "STOP PUSHING!"

Despite my best efforts the paddle had to end. The weekend, the warm spell, it charged my batteries to get me through another few weeks of cold. It's almost here. Spring. And none too soon.

Dedicated Fans

Man, Someone out there is really a dedicated fan of this web site...

Woody

Spring has Sprung

Launch time was 9:30. I left the house around 7:00am on the first day of daylight savings time. I rolled in to the Little Falls boat launch at 8:30, and Greg was already there. From the water treatment plant below Fredericksburg we paddled north. This is one of the small sections of the Rappahannock that Greg had not yet paddled.

The water was surprisingly warmer than I expected. Nice and clear with a bit of a greenish tint, I could see the bottom in water deeper than I could reach with an extended paddle. Greg commented about paddling along looking in the water. We passed over what appeared to be a submerged wooden wall - a bulkhead that was now 10-15 feet offshore.

In Fredericksburg I could tell we were picking up a current but we continued on past Scott's Island to just below the US 1 bridge. Here we could see a bit of whitewater on the other side of the bridge as we paddled over deep pools with fish darting through them. There were fishermen along the banks and wading in the water trying to catch a few.

We drifted downstream, just enjoying the sun and the water. Greg knew of a Tiki bar right along the water so we hauled out onto the low dock and dragged the kayaks up to the upper dock before heading up and having a sandwich on the outside patio. The young waitress enthusiastically asked questions about kayaking in between taking our order and bringing the food. She wanted us to roll when we left, but I wasn't wanting to get wet before driving home.

The paddle back was slow, just easing along. We stopped by and old hydro-power plant to check it out. We passed an old colonial warehouse and I asked Greg to paddle by a tree perched neatly on one of the bridge supports to show some scale in the picture, The underwater bulkheads we passed over on the way north were a few inches above water as we passed back south. And a few had some nasty, bent spikes sticking out.

Pictures

Woody

The Internet Wins

Not that Manassas is camping capital of the world, but Dicks Sporting Goods, Sunny's and Models never have what I need. If you need a cheap quality tent, maybe. But if you are going that route you might was well swing by Wal-Mart and save a few bucks. But today not a North Face or Kelty among the lot.

I hate to skimp when it comes to camping gear. Today I wanted a good tarp. You know, one of those light weight hepa wing things. But without having to drive 20 miles, where can I find one? Not in Manassas. Please God, if you want to give me one thing this year, let it be an REI right down the street. Not one of those tiny ones like in Fairfax - I want a big super store one like at Baileys Crossroads. I promise I'll go there instead of ordering on the Internet. I promise I'll redeem all of my yearly dividend the moment it is available.

Since Katie and I mostly eat rehydrate-in-a-bag foods while camping, I thought I'd try one of those new fangled Jet Boil devices. After all, all we do is boil water for everything we need. Last year's hot seller, everyone should be selling them, yes? Not in Manassas.

I want to spend dollars locally, really I do. But I don't need a screened porch that takes a SUV to haul around. With 3 different zippered walls sold separately. I don't need a kayak paddle that weighs 4 pounds. I don't need a sleeping bag that feels like it is filled with shredded newspaper. I need stuff that will last. Good, quality, stuff.

I even miss Galyans... How pathetic is that?

Woody

Assateague 2006

Katie, Jenny, Greg, and I had a nice couple of days in the Assateage back country. Here are one or two pictures until I can write up the trip report.

SK102 - 2006

Just got back from Lake Anna. I taught wet-exits and beginning strokes in the morning, and self & assisted rescues in the afternoon. As always, it was a BLAST!

Pictures

Woody

Occoquan Water Trail Users

Dear Paddlers,

The Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority in association with dedicated area paddlers is starting a group of water trail users that will ultimately take on a stewardship role for the Bull Run/Occoquan Water Trail. I would like to invite you to meet with me and others on Thursday May 11th at 6:00 P.M at Hopsfrog Grille in Burke Va (directions below) to help create this organization. This will simply be a brief meeting to put forward an official group name and elect a chair/co-chair to begin the formation of the group (e.g. propose/establish bylaws). Everyone is invited to attend, so come out and have a bite to eat with your fellow paddlers and help get this group started with a bang.

Attached below is a memo that outlines some of the considerations in setting up this organization. NVRPA is going to convert all of our annual car-top launch pass holders to members of this group and provide many value added benefits including unlimited car-top launch at all of the NVRPA sites and Mason Neck State Park.

Please pass this message on to anyone you know that you think might be interested in meeting on May 11th, or playing a role in this group of paddlers and other water trail supporters.

Best wishes,

Woody

Hopsfrog Grille is at 5745 Burke Centre Parkway in Burke. Ph # 703 323
7809. Basically it is located in the very first strip mall off 123, in the front of the mall sort of by the Friendly's, if you have passed the Kohl's you have gone too far. Please email me if you plan to attend so I can give the Grille a head count on the number to expect:

Mapquest Link:
Map of 5745 Burke Centre Pkwy
Burke, VA 22015-2204, US

-----------------------

Formation of a “Friends Group” for the Occoquan Water Trail

DATE: April 7, 2006

TO: Supporters of the Water Trail

From: Paul Gilbert, Executive Director,
Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority

Background

The Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority owns over twenty miles of parkland on the north shore of the Bull Run/Occoquan River, as well as parkland on Mason Neck. In addition to NVRPA lands, there are also Prince William County Park Authority lands, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lands and Mason Neck State Park along the forty miles of water from Bull Run Park in Centreville to Pohick Bay Park on Mason Neck.

To promote this wonderful stretch of water and encourage environmentally friendly use of the waterway, NVRPA has initiated a water trail for this area. With grants from the Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network and REI, NVRPA is developing maps and brochures for the area and working with the other public land agencies to promote the concept of this area as a water trail. Our project partners include public land agencies, as well as private organizations, committed to environmental conservation in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.

The “Friends Group”

One of the key elements of making a successful water trail is to create a group of active users who can be advocates and volunteers for this resource. We invite you to become a part of this new group, lending your ideas and energy to promoting long-term stewardship of the Occoquan Water Trail.

Benefits of Membership:
With the acknowledgement that many of our strongest supporters of the water trail are the paddling community, NVRPA is suggesting at least two tiers of membership. For a basic annual membership the fee will be $25 for those who want to be supportive of the water trail but do not regularly do car-top boat launches. The second tier would be the paddlers’ membership for $35 per year that would include unlimited car-top launches from NVRPA parks (including Algonkian, Fountainhead, Occoquan & Pohick Bay), free entrance and launch at Mason Neck State Park and a discounted launch fee at Prince William County’s Lake Ridge Marina. An additional $10 per year key charge would apply for use of Bull Run Marina. The paddlers’ membership would also allow out-of-jurisdiction members to enter Pohick Bay Regional Park without the out-of-jurisdiction fee, when they are launching their boats. We can also offer 10% off canoe and kayak rentals at Pohick Bay and Fountainhead, as well as 10% off any of the guided paddle trips offered by NVRPA. I would not be surprised if we can find additional member benefits as this program develops.

Since the paddlers’ membership would replace NVRPA’s season car-top launch pass and offer additional benefits, 80% of the revenues from all memberships would support NVRPA operations, and 20% of the revenues can be used by the group for any project that benefits any portion of the water trail.

Organizational Considerations:
NVRPA has numerous other “friends of” groups including the Friends of the W&OD, Friends of Bull Run Park, Friends of the Bull Run Shooting Center, Friends of the Carlyle House and Friends of Meadowlark Gardens. These groups are non-incorporated groups that raise funds to support various parks. NVRPA holds the funds for the groups in restricted accounts. The advantage of this model is less administrative overhead for the groups, since they do not need to incorporate, gain non-profit status and do book- keeping. While this is a proven model, it is not the only option available. If the group wanted to do so, they could incorporate and become a non-profit, or a third option would be to become an arm of the newly formed Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority Foundation, which is a 501(c)(3).

Another consideration for the group would be the name. While our other groups all are called “Friends of ….” we do not need to follow that model if there is another name that the group likes. The name “Friends of the Occoquan” and “Occoquan Watershed Coalition” are already taken.

Whichever organizational structure is selected, an initial Board will need to be selected and some means of electing new officers in the future decided. Other considerations are what type of communications would the group like (newsletter, website, etc.), and how often the group would like to meet.

NVRPA will provide passes for all members of the group, and all of our current season car-top launch pass holders will automatically be members of the new group.

As a stakeholder, I appreciate your thoughts on this effort, and hope you can join us in making this water trail a national model of success.

SK102 - The Memories We Keep

Last Monday I called and talked to my Grandma. Grandma Hilda, at 93 years old, still has a mind as sharp as any time I remember her while growing up. But her body is letting her down. Her hearing failing, hunched over as she walks from room to room in her large house.

Grandma Hilda's maiden name is Hines. Hilda Hines is a direct decedent of John Hines, the first child born in the Plymouth Rock settlement. A very independent woman, I remember her being a bit upset when my father moved in to take care of her and my grandfather because my father took over the grass mowing duties when she was in her late 70s. But Grandma Hilda outlived both my father and grand father and now she lives alone 6 days a week. My uncle and aunt bring her supplies on Sunday - or any other day if needed - but mostly on Sunday.

During those 6 days I imagine she is alone with her memories. She tells me about the ones she has kept in her mind and relives some of them with me when I call. We talk about Katie's horse and she tells me about the horses she cared for as a young girl. 'Pop' would bring the work horses in from the field and it was her chore to clean and water them, but she tells me to her it wasn't a chore.

Grandma Hilda tells me about the mayor of the town she was born in inviting her for a town celebration, honoring her as the oldest person born in the town. Another memory she keeps.

It got me thinking about the memories that I keep. The ones that I will recall if I'm fortunate to one day be 93.

I could tell you about the classes I taught this weekend. The new friends I met. The old friends I got to see again. I could tell you about the camaraderie, the cookout, the camp fire, flare exercise, the music, the gear swap and how nice the weather was. But I think the most important thing I can say is "Thank You". Thank you to Laura, Brian, Teresa and David, the instructors, every one of the volunteers and the friendly participants. Thank you my friends for giving me a keeper.

Pictures

Woody

Appomattox Weekend with Nigel Foster

From Tracy Sorensen:

May 20 & 21, 2006

Join us for a half day, full day, or weekend!

Saturday - 20 May

Morning – 9:00am -- ready to get in the water @ Smith Landing

Nigel's "Fun with Foster" (taught in flat water area). The main theme will be fun on the water, skills we'll learn will be useful for paddlers at all skill levels from beginner through advanced. Topics will concentrate on ideas that will facilitate a deeper understanding of boat and paddle control.
After noon – 12:00pm -- ready to get in the water @ Smith Landing

Intermediate "Fun with Foster" (taught in flat water area) Nigel builds on the skills and understanding in his basic course to focus on balance, confidence and greater levels of body, boat and paddle control.

Sunday - 21 May – 9:00 am -- ready to get in the water @ Back Creek A Day trip with Nigel. This course will organize around a trip of ~8miles in varying environments in open and protected water. This will be an all day event with frequent stops to take advantage of "teachable moments." Focus will be on having fun, safety, boat control, navigation and rules of the nautical road. This class will require a Sea kayak (see requirement on equipment list) and basic experience with wind and open water.

Costs

Saturday -- $65.00 per course or $125.00 for both courses. Sunday -- $125

Note:

1. $200 for both course Saturday and the day trip on Sunday

2. Non-ACA members will be required to pay $10.00 for liability insurance

Registration and additional information

For more information or to sign up contact Vic at the Yorktown (Kiln Creek) Appomattox River Company store (757) 890-0500, additional information about cost, cancellation policy, equipment list, Nigel Foster, and the courses are available for handout at the store.

How insignificant the tree

In my outing today I stopped near the point to see the tree. It stood at High Point like it always has. A few years ago I noticed it had died. Usually what draws my attention is a Bald Eagle sitting in the tree watching everything going on below.

But today the tree is empty. A few of its remaining branches have broken off at the ends. The tree stands alone on the point, waiting to fall over like the others around its base.

Today the tree causes me to ponder the fate of trees across the world. From a seedling billions of trees grow up, known only to its immediate neighbors. Maybe someone passing through may take a short interest, or even sometimes a bit longer. But for most individual trees we see them and forget them. Do we care about the life of a single tree?

Trees die every day.

How insignificant the tree. When it dies, only the surrounding trees feel the loss and they must adapt to the gap left by a fallen friend. Others will grow up and take its place and in time, no trace will be left of the solitary tree. Maybe the tree will die from disease. Maybe it will die of old age. High winds may take the tree or a fire. Or maybe it will be cut down or left to stand while all its neighbors are displaced.

Its easy to not care about the tree. There are just too many of them to try and care for them all. While we notice and may actually care for the trees that are close to us, we care not for the single tree a hundred miles away that dies in a forest, unknown to us.

We are each a tree...

Woody

Little Falls on the Rappahannock

A nice little paddle south of the water treatment plant. It was a nice jaunt, but a side trip up a nearly hidden creek turned out to be a little gem. Short, but near the mouth what appeared to be an old WWI era wooden ship. Not as big as the Mallows Bay ships, but still a good size boat.

Pictures

Woody

Point Lookout

Windy yes, but it was cool and the bugs weren't bad. A nice trip at the mouth of the Potomac River.

The sea nettles were out in force, but other than that it was a great weekend.

A few pictures.

Woody

Learning

I stood leaning on the fence rail at Fountainhead yesterday as a boat was backed down to the water. The driver, a young guy full of vim drove the trailer off the side of the ramp, making a horrible scraping sound. I was instantly glad I had placed my kayak on the other side of the ramp.

After getting back up on the ramp he launched the boat off the trailer and his buddy climbed in to take control. As one parked his truck, the other started the motor. The motor leaped to life as the young captain realized the motor was in gear and the boat ran full speed up the concrete boat ramp. Quickly realizing his mistake the temporary captain threw the engine in reverse and I cringed listening to the prop grind its way back down the concrete ramp.

So this got me thinking. Do we learn best through trial and error? Do we need to do something wrong to learn how to do something right? I'm sure this would be a lesson not soon forgotten for the young captain as they finally motored away at a very slow speed.

Last Friday a young guy was landing at Mason Neck as I was pushing away from shore. You could tell he was tired, and he said so as he climbed out of his recreational kayak. I played around a bit as 'Mike' loaded his kayak on his car. I landed again and noticed Mike was taking his kayak back off his car.

After returning from parking his car Mike carried his kayak to the water and mentioned he wanted to try a 'self rescue'. We chatted for a few moments as I learned this new paddler already had flotation in the bow of his kayak and a paddle float. I was quite impressed that Mike was prepared to learn and I volunteered to go out in the water with him to walk him through a self rescue.

I did a quick demo of a self rescue, then Mike gave it a try. He flooded his kayak with water and learned his float bags would float free. We discussed ways to secure them and Mike practiced climbing back aboard. He learned how to flip over the kayak to dump most of the water - a task that worked well when the float bags stayed in place, but floundered when the bags worked free.

Mike did several wet exits with his skirt in place and practiced a reentry several more times. He was getting back in his kayak and I think he felt much more confident when he finished for the day.

I think I prefer Mike's way of learning...

Woody

Rain

The new plastic dock at the Leesylvania car top launch has a great quality: It is so slick you can seal launch off of it with ease.

What appeared to be fog was rolling in quickly up the river. But it wasn't fog. A solid sheet of rain ran over us as we pointed our kayaks toward Farm Creek. The rain ebbed and flowed as we paddled north, but for the most part it left us alone. With the slight wind at our backs it was on the muggy side of comfortable. I had placed my paddling jacket behind my seat. With no apparent wind and a warm rain it felt nicer without it.

Farm Creek was full of water and pleasant sights to enjoy. But the northern end of the creek was filled with tall water lilies and made passage back out to the Potomac through the north entrance impossible. We back tracked through the creek and paddled in to Neabsco Creek, stopping to watch the train rush by on the trestle over the creek. We paddled up a branch of the creek until the current ran so fast we had to stop and turn. Then explored another branch limboing under a dead fall before once again running out of navigable water.

We skirted the shoreline back to Leesylvania, watching momma duck and her little chicks, the Great Blue who seemed extraordinarily agitated at our presence, and paddling around the rock that appears to be sitting on top of the water. At Leesylvania we stopped on the beach to refuel and found a concession open with Ben and Jerry's ice cream.

As lunch came to an end, distant thunder motivated us back on the water for the final leg of our trip. The rain fell hard and beat the waves flat despite the gentle breeze in our faces. It was one of the true Zen moments of kayaking and we were only motivated to keep paddling toward the launch because we knew the rough stuff was getting closer.

We landed on shore as the next round of thunder let us know we had arrived just in time. But the plastic dock would first call me for another launch off the end before the kayak would see the top of my car.

As we strapped down our kayaks lighting hit so close that I instinctively ducked as the loud clap of thunder rang in my ears. But it was too late to drive the smile from our faces. We had enjoyed the rain. It was as much a part of our trip as the eagle or the fragrance of the little pink flowers we enjoyed along the day.

Woody

Cat Point Creek

I've noticed this creek on the Rappahannock maps for years, and when I ran across a short review on Paddle.Net I decided it was time to get beyond the map stage. Jenny, Ellen, and Greg wanted to explore it with me so we made plans to meet at Naylor's Beach Campground at 9:00.

We paddled the half mile to the mouth of the creek as the campers began to stir and stake their claims on picnic tables. The timing was all wrong on my part. We would paddle against the current all the way up the creek. Every once in a while I would catch the water roiling at the surface to remind me it would have been much easier to time the current...

This is a fairly long creek, and exploring the bows and a few smaller side creeks would allow you to spend an entire weekend exploring it.

It was hot and when the wind was at our backs the verbal sighs said it all - 'argh'. But the creek is one switchback after another so every few minutes we had the wind in our face and our spirits would pick up.

One point we rounded in very shallow water and Greg commented that in a few hours we wouldn't be able to paddle across where we were paddling. I only mention this now because it is important later in this trip report.

Around mile 6 we came across an old 50's era swing bridge. It looked to be in good condition but there was no real indication it had moved in many years. After taking a few pictures we continued on looking for a place to have lunch. We tried going up toward the Mt Airy Mill Pond but dead falls blocked our way. Greg and I hopped out to see if the way ahead was navigable. Not knowing for sure Greg helped me drag my kayak over the trees to paddle up for a better look.

Every new turn flushed something new - a large turtle, wood ducks, and a big catfish. I soon ran out of water and even though I could hear the road at the mill pond I still could not see it. I had to paddle backwards for a good bit as the creek was too narrow to turn around. I was gone longer than I expected and as I turned the last corner the rest of the group was hauling kayaks over the trees. I broke the news and we hauled the kayaks back over the trees and continued our search for a beach.

Chestnut Hill Landing is where we stopped. I'm not sure why it was called a landing as it appeared to have no external access. But there was enough beach for lunch and a good stretch before heading back.

Near Side Landing, I heard a boat coming around the shallow point I mentioned earlier and watched as the small boat ran aground at full speed. They tried to use a paddle to push themselves free but didn't manage to budge an inch. Greg told them the good news was that the tide was coming back in.

The boat traffic had picked up a lot. The courteous boaters that would slow to an idle to pass us was replaced by flamboyant speed demons that passed a bit too close without ever touching the throttle. We consoled ourselves with the knowledge our morning had been almost boat free.

We returned to the campground and packed for home. A bit over 15 miles when it was said and done. I explored another bridge further up the creek as a possible launch location for the future as I think this would be a great fall paddle.

Woody

Mathews

Bill, Ron and I arrived at the campground in Mathews County on Thursday. A bit late and threatening weather for a real paddle, but since the wind was up I went out in front of the campground to surf a few waves.

My first run was great, but runs 2 and 3 didn't amount to much so I decided to paddle a good distance north to line me up for a final run right back from where I launched. As I paddled I looked ahead and noticed a wisp of smoke heading into the sky from the ground - maybe 3-4 miles away, but it was difficult to estimate. As I watched the smoke it occurred to me that it was too windy for the smoke to be rising so straight into the sky so I stopped a moment to study this strange oddity. The first, and probably last, characteristic I noticed was that the 'smoke' was funnel shaped.

I immediately turned hard toward the beach and began paddling hard. The tornado darkened a bit then began to lighten. I continued paddling toward shore constantly looking back to check on the tornado and in a matter of seconds it lost its form and undissipated.

As I related this story to a coworker on Monday, he asked me if I was south of the tornado. I was, but I didn't understand the reason for his question. He told me that studies have shown that in general, tornadoes move from southwest to northeast (70%) or northwest to southeast (30%), so at my guesstimated distance and being directly south I was pretty safe. An interesting factoid that had I known I would have likely taken photos rather than trying to paddle back to shore.

We had dinner that evening at an Italian restaurant. I'm not a big fan of pasta, but the food was tasty. We all turned in shortly after dark with plans of an early morning paddle.

We were all up by 6:00 am and Bill cooked Ron and I breakfast. Ron made coffee and I washed dishes before we got on the road in search of our launch location. As we drove out of the campground we passed Mike heading in and Ron and Bill passed on our plans and where to catch up with us after checking in.

We stopped at an outfitter so Ron could buy a new paddle float and possibly launch from their site. But the outfitter was closed and launching there would have meant trudging through a puddle drenched yard full of mosquitoes so we elected instead to try a little farther down the road.

By now Mike had caught up with us so we headed further down the road to Bethel Beach. A potential site, but the numerous tree stumps in the water made us decide to go further north and try again.

We finally found a place to launch into Whites Creek near Rigby Island. Since the wind was out of the northeast we immediately crossed over to Rigby island to help block some of the chop. As we reached 'Hole in the Wall' I mentioned to Mike and Ron that I was going to swing wide to play in the bigger waves while they headed directly to the next point. It quickly got a bit bouncier when I looked behind to find Bill was following me. At 73 years old its difficult to keep Bill from playing too when he gets the chance.

When Bill caught up I told him he didn't need to follow me and his only comment was 'this seems a lot like a waste of effort', then he started paddling again. We crossed a shallow sandbar and the waves on the bay side were approaching 2 feet as we bounced our way up to the point where Ron and Mike were now exploring the shore on foot.

Washington's Grist Mill

It's been years since I've paddled to the grist mill from Pohick regional park. I was pleasantly surprised after seeing it in various stages of construction over the years, it is finally operational and a reproduction of Washington's distillery is going up beside the mill.

While on the $1 tour a heavy downpour came through and we waited it out in the gift shop. The humidity all day was very oppressing except for a few minutes after the rain. The grist mill is about 5.5 miles from Pohick and our timing couldn't have been more lucky in getting there just before the storm.

Photos

Woody

Drizzle

A hundred days have made me older,
since the last time that I saw your pretty face
A thousand lies have made me colder
and I don't think I can look at this the same
But all the miles that separate
They disappear now when I'm dreaming of your face

I'm here without you baby, but you're still on my lonely mind
I think about you baby, and I dream about you all the time
I'm here without you baby, but you're still with me in my dreams
And tonight, there's only you and me

(Here Without You - 3 Doors Down)

I miss my iPod. It's around here somewhere, but I've temporarily misplaced it somewhere in the Mathews County chaos. So today my solo paddle around Mason Neck kept me focused on my paddling. The on again - off again drizzle and slight breeze were encouraging as I hoped to not work up too much of a sweat.

I was reflecting on a method of course correction I've been playing with lately. It seems to work very well, but is a bit awkward to get accustomed to. Instead of sweep strokes I simply leave my paddle in the water a fraction of a second too long. To turn a bit left I leave the paddle in on the left side just long enough to feel a slight 'bump' of resistance to the water and not long enough to be construed as a stern rudder. Just a slight hesitation in bringing the paddle out of the water. To the observer there probably isn't a noticeable pause.

It seems quite effective but I still need to try it in bumpy water. No loss of speed to speak of. It just feels a bit awkward for a micro second as the paddle begins to grab water. A slight 'bump' on the left before initiating a sweep on the right seems to make the sweep much more effective.

I was paddling against a slight current - almost unnoticeable as the drizzle caused me to reflect on a near tragedy on a recent outing. We always wonder what we could have done different.

As I entered Great Marsh the Hydrilla choked the shallow bay and I found it difficult to paddle against the current running across the top of the aquatic plants. Once in the marsh each turn brought out the red-winged black birds and wood ducks took flight. The red-wings were on the wild rice and making a good bit of racket.

I couldn't go far. The marsh is heavily overgrown this time of year. I turned and enjoyed the push of the current back out to the Potomac.

About 300-400 yards offshore - I wanted to avoid the jetsam and flotsam I paddled through as I headed toward the marsh. I enjoyed the end of the ebb current and made it around High Point in no time at all. I passed another paddler heading in the other direction, and we chatted for a moment before continuing.

The breeze was nice. I zoned out for the remainder of my paddle...

I let these hard days get me down
And all the things I hate got in my way
I could of screamed without a sound
I found myself silenced by those things they say

But I woke up to real life
And I realized it's not worth running from anymore
When there was nowhere left to hide I found out
That nothings real here but I wont stop now
until I find a better part of me...

...thats out there somewhere
And it can't be that far away
That's where I'll find myself
And I'll find my way out
Thats where I'll find out

(The Real Life - 3 Doors Down)

Woody

Blackwater

For the Monday web browsers, here are the pictures from this weekend. Great weather and good company. Trip report in a few days...

Taylors Island

Blackwater NWR

Woody

Blackwater NWR Part 1 Taylors Island

I often wonder who reads these trip reports. I love to read trip reports of other people and I hope folks sometimes enjoy reading mine.

Recently Wes Boyd announced to Paddlewise his web site would be going down at the end of August. I can't tell you the number of people I have referred to Wes' site of the years for a solution to paddling leg pain or for reviews of boats for big people. I hated to see that content go away, so I offered to post some of it on kayaktrips.net and was happy when Wes agreed.

So over the next few months you'll see some new (old?) stories by Wes and others as I cut and paste some great content into the kayaktrips format. I'm excited about it.

Oh yeah, this is a trip report about Blackwater NWR...

I arrived early afternoon at Taylors Family Campground and checked in. The woman told me to set up behind the store, so I drove around to find a grass lawn that was really the backyard of the store sandwiched between the building and the water. I uneasily started setting up the tent and a few minutes later Patty arrived. Although there was a nice breeze, there wasn't a lick of shade and I was soon very hot. Patty and I decided to check and see if they had any wooded campsites. They did, and were a bit more buggy but I had a screen canopy along and the shade made it totally worth putting up with the mosquitoes.

After putting up our tents we set up the screen canopy. At 13'x13' it easily went over the picnic table and left plenty of room for coolers and chairs.

First point of order was to paddle from the campground. Dan had mentioned to me to paddle north to 3 islands where there was a nice sandy beach. The water was just a little bumpy, which I know Patty enjoys, but an opposing wind and current had me feeling like I was paddling in mud.

Eagles occasionally took flight as we neared the islands. I wondered out loud why the immature eagles appear larger than their adult counterparts. My imagination? Try looking here and here.

At the third island there was a narrow slot through a thin strip of land to the other side. We paddled through and back though another opening before continuing our trip around this last island.

The tail wind and waves pushed us back toward the campground at a decent pace. The waves weren't big enough to surf even though I tried several times. A light dinner and I was done for the day.

Pictures

Woody

Blackwater NWR Part 2

I closed my eyes in the night to think about my life and when I opened them the light told me it was dawn. The day was fresh and new and by tonight it too would be what I thought about when I closed my eyes.

After a quick breakfast we headed off for the park headquarters. The sign on the gate said they didn't open for another 45 minutes. For some reason they open later on the weekend than during the week. We continued on down the road to a bridge we hoped we could launch from, but finding no good place checked the map for an 'official' launch.

It was only a few minutes more to get to the parking area. A small group was heading out and we asked for advice from the outfitters that were seeing off the small group.

"How experienced are you?"

"Very"

I think this caught him by surprise despite the well worn Romany and Explorer on our cars, but he recovered and told us about the purple trail. We asked about the marsh about 9 miles away and the woman said she preferred the area near where we were for its variety so we decided to take her advice and head East into the guts of Blackwater. To our West is the Green trail -a destination for tomorrow.

The purple trail is marked with signs on Osprey stands and orange floating markers. Although well marked, the trail often zig-zagged in an attempt to stay in a channel. After following this trail a bit we caught on and began to plot more direct courses between distant markers. We occasionally ran aground but easily picked our way through to more interesting sites by being careful. A darkened but friendly sky kept the sun off us for most of the day.

The water was a deep tannin color and gave no visual warning when running aground. On one such grounding I reached over the side and pulled up a handful of the boggy material on the bottom to have a closer look.

The map came out numerous times as the orange markers seemed to lead in several different directions at once. We finally poked in some GPS coordinates and paddled directly to Harpers Marsh before turning North to find a spot we hoped would give us the opportunity for lunch.

At the mouth of Little Blackwater River we found an overlook and a place to haul out the kayaks for a bite to eat. After lunch we lounged on the deck over the water not wanting to move, but finally we did, heading only a short distance into the river before turning about.

We headed straight across the refuge near Cattail pond and then up the shoreline past Sunken island and the mouth of Meekins Creek. Both this creek and Little Blackwater River appears worthy of further explorations on repeat trips.

From Bull Point we started taking a more direct route back to the launch, trying to second guess our route to keep us in water and off the bottom. Most of the time we succeeded. By the time we returned we had paddled a bit over 12 miles - a respectable distance over such shallow water.

A shower to remove the brackish water back at the campground and dinner at a cafe on Taylors island finished the day off well prepared to be filed away in my thoughts.

Again at dawn we broke camp and headed for the previous day's launch site. We paddled west this time on the Green trail. The beginning was good exercise in finding our way into Blackwater River. The expansive mouth did not give immediate clues.

We saw more eagles as we made our way along. But the more I paddled the more I saw to explore. This would be a short paddle day so exploring off the trail would have to wait for future trips. In fact the area all around Taylors Island left me wanting to come back to explore more of it. At about 4 miles we hit the end. Not the end of the river, but the end of the trail marked well by a green sign that simply said 'End". We paddled to the next bend I believe before turning.

Although the GPS showed us cruising along about 4MPH, Patty mentioned that something was slowing us down. I tried to pick up the pace but found I just couldn't go above 4MPH without exerting significantly more effort. Eventually whatever it was holding us back released us, and we were back in less time than it took us to paddle out.

A pleasant trip I hope to repeat next year!

Pictures

Woody

Dave Kruger

The first major installment from the kayakplace.com web site is now online. Dave Kruger's stories are well known on paddlewise, and a good many of his stories (54!) were captured by Wes Boyd and placed online at kayakplace.com. You can navigate to Dave's (and a few of Wes') stories through the 'Paddle Tales' link in the side bar, or click the link below:

Dave Kruger's Paddle Tales

Woody

Ernesto

The first thing I noticed about the launch was the damage to the steps leading down to the beach. I looked around and saw all the debris stacked up on the wooden walkway. Wow. The water had obviously been up over the walkway and likely almost up to the asphalt pad.

After a storm we pick up the damage. Clean things up to try and make them as they were before. But things can't be the same. Changes forced by the storm, no matter how much we want things to be the same, they never will. So we clean up and do the best with what we have.

I didn't plan to paddle far today as I wasn't very prepared. A few bottles of water and no lunch. Paddle out to Conrad Island and see the damage there and paddle back.

I covered the 1.1 miles to Conrad on glassy water. The hydrilla so thick I could feel it affect my speed the entire way out across this shallow bay.

The smaller 2 island parts were entirely under water. A glance at my watch showed me it was low tide. The water was high, even for a low tide, but it told me the lower 2/3s of this island were finally finished. Only the northern chunk remained above water.

After taking a few pictures I decided to head up the Occoquan. The hydrilla was everywhere so I stuck to the channel that headed off to Giles Run then stayed close to the lily pads until well inside the river.

Before I knew it I was passing under the walkway for the pumping station. No place left to go so I turned using the current from the water washing down the spillway. As I headed back out a few boats began leaving their berth in one of the harbors. Stuck at 'no wake' speed for some time, I easily kept pace with them, even pulling a bit ahead when the water was deep enough to allow my speed to increase.

The miles slipped by and I returned to Mason Neck feeling good. Sorry I had not brought any lunch as I think I could have put a few more miles in before calling it a day.

Pictures

Woody

Bumpy Blues

Strange how you know inside me
I measure the time and I stand amazed
Strange how I know inside you
My hand is outstretched toward the damp of the haze

And of course I forgive
I've seen how you live
Like a phoenix you rise from the ashes
You pick up the pieces
And the ghosts in the attic
They never quite leave
And of course I forgive
You've seen how I live
I've got darkness and fears to appease
My voices and analogies
Ambitions like ribbons
Worn bright on my sleeve

Strange how we know each other

Strange how I fit into you
There's a distance erased with the greatest of ease
Strange how you fit into me
A gentle warmth filling the deepest of needs

And with each passing day
The stories we say
Draw us tighter into our addiction
Confirm our conviction
That some kind of miracle
Passed on our heads
And how I am sure
Like never before
Of my reasons for defying reason
Embracing the seasons
We dance through the colors
Both followed and led

Strange how we fit each other

Strange how certain the journey
Time unfolds the petals
For our eyes to see
Strange how this journey's hurting
In ways we accept as part of fate's decree

So we just hold on fast
Acknowledge the past
As lessons exquisitely crafted
Painstakingly drafted
To carve ourselves instruments
That play the music of life
For we don't realize
Our faith in the prize
Unless it's been somehow elusive
How swiftly we choose it
The sacred simplicity
Of you at my side

Eric's Song by Vienna Teng

Vienna Teng is one of my new found favorites. After listening to a few of her songs I went out and bought all 3 of her albums and have yet to find a song I don't like. In the hour and a half drive to Sandy Point I listened to a good number of of her songs. But as I pulled in to the small craft launch the iPod was switched off and put away.

George was already here and had his kayak down on the beach and mine soon sat beside it. Patty arrived as I put the last of my gear in the kayak and a few minutes later Doug arrived. In a few moments Doug announced he had forgotten a paddle, but there were plenty of spares to choose from and he took Katie's Orca paddle over any of the other 'high end' paddles.

We paddled north up the Magothy, and Patty immediately announced her pleasure in paddling the bumpy waters off of Sandy Point. George settled in to find his comfort zone while I discovered muscles that I didn't stretch out beforehand.

The paddle was a mixture of regular wind driven wave sets and a little bit of power boat chop. I paddled in closer to shore to enjoy some of the clapotis created by waves reflecting off the bulkheads and rip rap. It was interesting to note the clapotis was not as strong along the rip rap, but quite pronounced along the very vertical bulkheads.

When we arrived at Magothy Creek I was a bit in the lead as I ducked into the protected waters, surfing in the swells into the calm. I think everyone may have wondered where I went for a moment, so I waited near the mouth as they filed in one by one.

Together again we headed for the back of the creek; maybe 3/4 of a mile or so from the choppy waters we had been paddling in. Near the back we turned to head out and decided to head a bit further up the Magothy before stopping for lunch.

But as we paddled up the Magothy, the wind and waves were blocked by Gibson Island, taking the fun out of the water. It wasn't far before we decided to turn back and have lunch on the beach near Magothy Creek.

After lunch Patty produced huge brownies for everyone. She tried to stick a candle on one and light it in recognition of my birthday. It was a team effort to try and produce fire, but the wind snuffed out every attempt so we faked it.

The trip back was fast and we were soon packed and ready to leave the park, giving up our parking spaces to others not car top launching.

feather moon
scarlet sky
living clouds
my blinded eye
waters black
wood in snow
dead of night
how bright you glow

breathe in breathe out
exhale and inhale

seven sins
god of stone
all is true
down to the bone
feather moon
scarlet sky
I love you endlessly
not knowing why

Feather Moon by Vienna Teng

Ocean City Inlet

George put out a call looking for folks wanting to go play in the shoals off of of the Ocean City inlet and a few of us jumped at the chance to go play. Low tide was supposed to be around 3:00 Saturday, the optimum time for the swells to be breaking across the bottom offshore.

Hurricane Helene was forecast to bring in some bigger swells in the 5-7 foot range which is bigger than I wanted to play in, but with assurances there were milder places to play if the waves were too large I committed to go. Chris B was our local eyes and he kept us up to date on the sea state as time grew near.

I went down and camped at Assateague State Park the day before. Cyndi J also did the same but would arrive later in the evening. I managed to get out of work early and was checked in and ready to paddle by 3:00 pm. I did a quick survey of the marina were we were to meet the next morning, then headed back to the park boat launch.

It was windy. Very windy. I surfed downwind at about 5MPH with almost no effort at all. It it hadn't been so late I would probably have paddled all the way down to Ocean City. But since the launch closed at dark, I know I couldn't make it back.

After a few miles I crossed the back bay and headed toward the launch, slogging against the wind. My speed only averaged about 3MPH, but the few miles still slipped by quickly.

Back at the camp site I took a few moments to put 303 on the kayak. Sun has taken its toll on my poor explorer giving it a pink chalky appearance at times.

A quick stroll along the beach to look at the waves. Dumping hard on the beach I kept thinking 'ouch' when big waves crashed hard on the shore.

I fixed dinner and squared away gear for the next day and then as the sun disappeared and it grew dark I watched the late arrivals hauling camper trailers come in and try to park them on the small asphalt pads. Some were able to park them the first try, while others struggled over and over again to back them in.

Cyndi arrived a little after 9:30 and after setting up her tent and making plans for breakfast we called it a night, but not before I learned from her that George was sick and couldn't make it!

The temperature overnight was perfect. Cool, but not cold. The wind kept up all night but not to the point it ever woke me from flapping the tents.

In the morning I walked out to the beach to look at the waves again. Breaking on the shore I knew I didn't want to launch from the beach. Cyndi came out and we eye'd a few spots we thought we could sneak through in a pinch.

We stopped for breakfast in a small restaurant. A little expensive, and Cyndi mentioned later she thought we were served decaf. I have to agree. After 3 cups of coffee it didn't seem as there was any caffeine helping to get me motivated.

At the dock Cyndi and I got our kayaks ready and swapped stories while waiting for Nelson L and Chris B. They arrived within moments of each other and we carried the kayaks over to the boat ramps and launched.

We paddled out through the narrow harbor and into the bay behind Assateague and Ocean City. Across the bay we landed part way up the inlet and walked across to take a look at the ocean. The waves were breaking on the shoal already but didn't look too bad on the beach. Going out of the inlet looked nasty though.

From the inlet we headed back into the bay behind Ocean City. The shoaling here caused waves to break in a few different places, but totally at random so it was hit and miss. We would start near the inlet and paddle toward the bridge to our north trying to guess where the waves would rise up and break. We caught a few rides, but I think we were looking for it to get better as we neared low tide.

It had been a very long time since I had been in any breaking waves. These weren't breaking hard at all and small, and I found I quickly picked things back up. On one run I thought I might capsize, recovered with a high brace and quickly rolled it into a low brace as I got control over the kayak, then leaned back in a stern rudder to straighten the kayak back out. Sweet.

Cyndi had taught me a stern rudder pry that helped protect the shoulder, so I used that a lot and survived the day without injuring my arm. I'd often plant it too far back, but would immediately catch myself before prying and move it in close to my body.

The wind was relentless and always seemed to peak after I surfed north and made the turn to paddle back. Slow and deliberate got me back to the top of the run to turn and go again.

While we played a ship kept coming in and out of the inlet. It came by 3 or 4 times while we played. It looked as if maybe we weren't the only ones playing in the currents and waves.

I noticed Chris B head off to shore. At the time I assumed he had gone off to call Mitch, but later learned Chris' day hatch had flooded and he went to shore to dump it. When he returned Chris mentioned a strong rip near shore, but I didn't really pay much attention. I should have...

Mitch and Chris S were spotted so we paddled up to meet with them. From a green buoy we headed over near shore. Right into the rip that Chris B had mentioned earlier. I didn't notice anything strange until I looked up and saw that I was slipping backwards past the dock at a high rate of speed back into the mouth of the inlet. "Oh crap", I thought. I dug in and ferried closer to shore and eventually made it in to the eddy near a dock.

Mitch led the way cutting under the dock and going back out to the rip to circle around back into the eddy. We each did this a few times before someone mentioned sneaking out to the inlet to take a peek.

Back across the inlet and easing up the south breakwater Chris S hauled his Tempest out on the rocks to look at the breakers on the other side. Once back in the water we eased further and further toward the mouth back paddling to keep from moving out too fast. Mitch and Chris S were starting to play when I noticed I was unable to stop my forward progress by back paddling. I needed to turn around....and quick!

I tried to turn, but in the current the Explorer was slow to respond. I needed a big arc to turn which took me out into the strong current and hastened my push toward the sea. It finally did turn just as I felt the incoming swells staring to push on my stern. A slight boost to get back in close to the rocks and out of the fast current.

But the work wasn't over. As I paddled back into the inlet I would occasionally drift too far from the rocks and get pushed backwards. I had to dig in to pass the boats anchored along the break wall fishing and by the time I made it up to a nice eddy I was beat.

We beached in an opening in the break wall for a snack. We stood around looking at the waves breaking hard out on the shoals then headed back in to play in a rip near the bay side of the inlet. That water was MOVING. A few eddy turns and then I ferried across the current following Mitch, then back to take a few pictures of others playing in the rip. I could feel that I had over stretched the muscle in my right shoulder with all this hard paddling, but a half our later everything seemed back to normal.

Once we were all sufficiently tired we ferried across the current and the bay and back in to the small harbor. After hauling out our boats Chris S decided to seal launch off the high dock. Here's the YouTube Video shot by Chris B: Seal Launch

Pictures

Chris B's Pictures

A few crude videos by me:

Turning out of the rip

Seal Launch

Woody

Lightweight Storm Cag and Shelter

I picked up a few things to add into the kit bag for this winter. One thing I've wanted for some time is an emergency shelter that I can pack away in the recesses of the kayak for the unlikely event I come across someone shivering along the shore. The Expedition Essentials Emergency Shelter is extreamely lightweight, packs up small, and can fit over 4 people in a pinch.

Although I have an awesome paddling rain coat, it often goes along as an overkill garment for 'just in case' situations. It fits easily over my PFD but takes up significant room in my day hatch. The Expedition Essentials Storm Cag packs small and looks to be the ideal garment to throw over my dry suit when stopping for lunch or in the event someone gets chilled while paddling.

Both items are from a new line of gear being sold locally by CKAPCO. Give Mike a call if you're interested in adding another layer of protection to the kit!

The longest kayak journey in history - KAYAK 4 AIDS

Email update from Werner Stoltz

Just a short email to update all the folk out there about what I have been up to, where I am and what lies ahead for the next few months.

Well, I have finished Europe and I am now in Gibraltar where I am waiting for my Moroccan visa to open. On the 22nd of October I will be making the 30 km crossing from Gibraltar to Ceuto, providing the wind plays along. The next 12 000 km will not be easy as I am sure you are all well aware, so please remember me in your prayers. We are still trying to sort out a Satellite phone for Africa ,but until then communication will be limited and I am not sure how often the website will be updated, but please keep logging on as I will try my best to keep everyone updated.

Brandon is also working on some new and interesting ideas for www.k4a.co.za and we will let you all know when that happens. So until then keep emailing me, I will try my best to get back to each of you individually when you mail.

If you have any ideas for the website, charity or information that can help us please don’t hesitate to contact any of the K4A team...

I would like to ask that if you should feel to support us, you can do so by either donating on http://www.k4a.co.za/content.php, making a financial contribution or becoming a financial sponsor for food, visas and lodging expenses, prayer support or simply just telling people about what we do and hope to achieve.

If you get this news letter and wish to be taken off the news list, please just send me an email and I will be happy to do so.

Thank you for your support

Werner Stoltz

KAYAK 4 AIDS
Website:www.k4a.co.za
Email:kayak4aids@yahoo.co.uk or werner@k4a.co.za
Spanish cell:0034-619426982

"The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid,but he who concurs that fear"

Clearing the fog

I launched from the rocky side of the Roosevelt Island put in. Being a bit lazy I didn't want to carry my kayak over the bridge to the small beach on the other side. I paddled across the narrow channel and met Amigh as she put her kayak in the water.

We paddled upstream from D.C. in a thick fog, spying what we could in the way of wildlife. It amazes me still to this day that you can find wild animals this close to Washington D.C. A few geese, a giant turtle we thought was a branch sticking out of the water, a few wood ducks that let us get close to name but a few.

The sound of water cascading down through the rocks caused us to stop now and then to find the waterfalls hidden behind the trees. From time to time we would catch sight of a rowing shell silently cutting through the fog as it zipped by us.

At Fletcher's Boathouse we walked over to the restrooms on the other side of the C&O canal, and on returning found the fog gone. Like someone wiping the moisture off a window the sun was out and the trees sharply in focus.

We paddled further up to Chain Bridge and Amigh explored near shore while I went up to play in the currents near Little Falls. On returning we let the currents carry us along for a bit before putting our paddles back to work.

All too quickly we were back at Roosevelt Island. What seemed like an instant had consumed all of the morning and a bit of the afternoon. We chose to take out both boats across the rocks. A bit precarious for glass boats, but managed without incident before loading our cars and heading for home.

Pictures

Woody

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.

Wrapping up

The season isn't quite over for me, but before I get wrapped up in the holiday season I wanted to crank out one last slide show. This is set to Vienna Teng's "Soon Love Soon" and is a hefty 7MB download. So click the link, kick back and see this season through my eyes and enjoy a great, somewhat unknown artist.

2006 - Windows Media Format (wmv)

Woody

The Marsh

The water was out, but on a calm, clear morning we headed off for Great Marsh. Paddling past downed trees and crumbling sandy cliffs we inspected how the break walls were filling in and making a beach.

A lone Bald Eagle flew overhead carring something long and stingy. I thought it might be a snake. He landed on the shore and I forgot about him until he took flight again. He carried his prize out over the water and let it go. It wasn't as if he accidently dropped it - he simply tossed it into the water and flew away.

The object hit the water hard, and I paddled over to inspect it. Half a catfish with a clean cut through its mid section and entrails dangling behind it. We wondered if it had been hit by a boat and gone bad, so the eagle had thrown it back.

We paddled by the Heron Rookery. No birds in sight, but lots of nests. Around the point and up the eastern side of the neck. We entered the mouth of Great Marsh and watched as several hundred Tundra Swans took flight. The heavy beating of their wings against the water testified to the size of these large birds.

John paddled up through where the swans had been. We exchanged quick hellos then headed back toward the marsh, only to find it without much water, so we turned and looked for a place to have lunch.

Along the shore we spotted a place where sedimentation had left obvious layers in the soil. We inspected the layers and found a pile of shiny, very fine, dark sand in a small pile next to the layers. We wondered what could cause such an accumulation.

After lunch we paddled back to Mason Neck. The paddle back going too quickly.