Kiptopeke 2005

Kiptopeke 2005, originally uploaded by jmharper.

To many of the River Mice, the Kiptopeke weekend is the highlight of the paddling season. To others, it is a sign that summer is nearly over. To all who go, it is a great time.

Kiptopeke State Park is located about three miles north of the toll plaza for the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel on the Eastern Shore. It is only 40 miles from downtown Norfolk, but it seems a world away. It makes for a very mellow weekend, remembered by all.

Of course, the main reason to go was to paddle, and paddle we did. This is one of our few chances to paddle the open water near the ocean. Generally one of the barrier islands along the Atlantic is our destination. In this picture, the group heads out from Oyster to Mockhorn and Ramshorn Bays.