Paddle invite...

[turtle]

Hi everyone!
I am prepared and planning to paddle UP the Wading River tomorrow. It is a trip that is best done with the tide since I am doing the middle portion. It usually takes 1.5 - 2 hours to paddle to Beaver Branch with minimal exploring. I plan to leave the dock at Chips Folly Campground at 4 pm. I am bringing a cooler with snacks and favorite beverages to enjoy after the trip.... There is a gorgeous view of the Wading from the high bank picnic area at the campground. I apologize for short notice. I am also aware that weather is 50% chance of thunderstorm. Being one who prefers to see the glass 1/2 full, I am proceeding with my plans. Anyone interested can P.M. me for my cell #. There is a $5 fee to enter the facility......tell them you are with the kayak trip.....they will direct you to the dock.

turtle

 

[woodjin]

That is nice of you to provide an open invitation. I won't be able to make it but have a great trip and let us know how it went.

 

[gipsie]

Wish I could go! If you ever want to do this earlier in the day Terry, please let me know!!!!

 

[gipsie]

No rain...how'd it go?

 

[turtle]

WR Paddle results

It began as a beautiful balmy (hot) day.... perfect for being on the water. At the time, there looked to be no threat of weather. Two of us left the dock at 4:08 ....

One of my favorite reasons to paddle this portion is the total quiet, apparent lack of civilization and the abundance of native rice. The rice does not seem to hinder one's quest to explore little criks and back-of-island-nooks.

While the river remains wide for quite a stretch, the channel remains fairly narrow. There was such a bumper crop of Clethra everywhere that the scent felt dizzying at times. Creeping up into a small shallow stream bed we came across these. I believe that the orchid is Crested Yellow Orchid because of its shorter height (just at 1') and the more deeply fringed lobes. I will wait on orchid fans to weigh in on this. The second little fella was just tip-toing along beside me - up the creek (without a paddle!)

I don't have a great knowledge of shore birds but there seemed to be many. My friend indicated that the sudden appearance of large groups of these birds was a forewarning to bad weather. ? ? ? She stated that the birds would fly away from the incoming storms. We took our time making the 1.5 hour trip upriver to our destination, actually taking 2.5 hours.... We sat as still as manequins, listening to the birds, breathing in the pepper bush, and staring at the marvelous, tiny, secret swamp hidden behind the shrubbery at the river's edge. Just then, our kayaks (ever so slowly) began to turn downstream on their own with the change in tide. As we looked back at yet another flock of gulls heading south there was the noticable change of cloud pattern in the sky.

We quickened our pace back after hearing a few distant rumbles of thunder. Made it back to dock in just an hour, loaded the kayaks, found a place to enjoy our dinner and some refreshments.....Then it was time to take in the last moments of the day. Very pleased and grateful to witness its beauty.

How appropriate.....

Gipsie....yes, I'd love to do this trip again at sunrise.... let's!
Hope to see the rest of you soon.

turtle

 

[bobpbx]

Really, really nice. I wish I were retired to do that kind thing more often. The sunset photo is tops!

Yes, yellow crested, and I am really surprised you saw them downstream that far.

 

[gipsie]

Beautiful pics, Terry!!! Thanks for sharing....

 

[glowordz]

Would LOVE to have come on that trip, Terry! Great scenes and commentary. I really enjoy Clethra, was glad to hear that y'all have them in the barrens too. Clouds-- beautiful. Sunset--fantastic! (What a painting that would make, hmm? hmm?) My favorite though, is the little guy who joined you, "walkin' on water."

Glo

 

[Teegate]

They are all nice, but I have to agree with Glo that the spider one is the best. It is hard to take photo's of them in the water and have it come out well. Great report!


Guy