In early November, the River Mice tried something new. Our paddle season generally ends in early October, but why not extend the season a bit and paddle in November? Perhaps celebrate the last day of Daylight Savings Time. We met at Debbie P's place on Lake Bradford for a paddle and a dinner afterwards.
George, Jeanine, Debbie H, Mike, Jerry, Jeff and Teresa posed for a picture before heading out on to the lake. Jim arrived later and went out with Mike and Jeff a little later in the afternoon.
Sunday, November 04, 2007
A Little Push and He's In!
Put in was in Debbie's backyard. Jerry cut a path down to the lake, and we each took turns getting into the water. Each of us got a good-luck push from Debbie on the way out, and a smoky welcome on our return. Something about a bad starter log, and an obstructed chimney...
Here Jerry enters the lake in his big gray beast, a 16-foot Carolina.
Here Jerry enters the lake in his big gray beast, a 16-foot Carolina.
George Fights the Wind
George didn't want to take a sit-on-top boat out onto the chilly water, so he brought his canoe. Perfect for staying dry, but not for a windy day. The effects of hurricane Noel continued from Friday night into Saturday. they were diminished, but in certain spots on the lake, the wind was howling, turning George's canoe into a sailboat without a rudder. He pulled out every paddling trick he knew of, but in the end, George worked his way to the edge of the lake, where he got a little protection. The kayaks, with less freeboard, fared a little better against the wind, but still had to work at it.
Catching Up on the Water
Above all, this paddle is what we call a "social" paddle. Nothing hard core, just a chance to get out on the water and hang out with your friends. Debbie and Jeanine spent a good part of the paddle catching up on things, and floating back towards the take out courtesy of the wind.
In the end, it was another great day on the water, a fitting end to the 2007 River Mice paddling season. See you on the water next year!
END LAKE BRADFORD
In the end, it was another great day on the water, a fitting end to the 2007 River Mice paddling season. See you on the water next year!
END LAKE BRADFORD
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Kiptopeke Weekend, 2007
It is an annual rite signifying the beginning of the end of summer for the River Mice. Kiptopeke is always one of the most mellow camping events of the Mogul calendar. The brilliant sunsets are one reason.
Thirteen mice in all camped at the spacious campsites of Kiptopeke State Park on the Eastern Shore. They were joined by two others who paddled for the day, and took advantage of the discounted 24-hour round-trip toll on the bridge tunnel.
Tropical storm Gabrielle popped up off of the Outer Banks, and loomed over the weekend. Where Sunday morning is very relaxed, everyone packed up quickly to get across the bridge-tunnel before any wind restrictions started. Gabrielle was slower than expected, and turned out to sea earlier than feared, so the haste wasn't needed. But Friday night and Saturday were wonderful, and Jerry's campfire provided a nice gathering spot that wasn't too warm.
Thirteen mice in all camped at the spacious campsites of Kiptopeke State Park on the Eastern Shore. They were joined by two others who paddled for the day, and took advantage of the discounted 24-hour round-trip toll on the bridge tunnel.
Tropical storm Gabrielle popped up off of the Outer Banks, and loomed over the weekend. Where Sunday morning is very relaxed, everyone packed up quickly to get across the bridge-tunnel before any wind restrictions started. Gabrielle was slower than expected, and turned out to sea earlier than feared, so the haste wasn't needed. But Friday night and Saturday were wonderful, and Jerry's campfire provided a nice gathering spot that wasn't too warm.
Hiking to the Put-in?
Saturday's paddle got off to a very slow start. We hit the lowest of low tides, and wound up walking through up to knee deep mud and muck for a couple hundred yards. Jerry, Chris and Terri slog their way through in this picture.
There is some good news for future Kiptopeke trips- the commercial ramp and dock facility nearby will be open to the public next month.
Once we got into deeper water, it was easy. A light breeze and a slack tide helped everyone get through the five-mile paddle around Raccoon Island.
There is some good news for future Kiptopeke trips- the commercial ramp and dock facility nearby will be open to the public next month.
Once we got into deeper water, it was easy. A light breeze and a slack tide helped everyone get through the five-mile paddle around Raccoon Island.
Walking Around Raccoon Island
Once we got past the first couple hunderd yards, it was a great paddle, but not the end of the walking. between the large sandbar on the far end of Raccoon Island, and the shallow water along the beach on the east side of the island, there were plenty of opportunities to hike. Bill and Cheri wanted to give their shoulders a rest and walked along the beach, with their pet kayaks on leashes. A few others paddled away from the beach behind them.
A Betsy Sighting
You remember Betsy. She has been on a few paddles with us this year, and made it up for the whole weekend. Now that her family business has gotten established, she has more time to join Mice and Mogul events. She paddled like she had been doing so all along!
You Call This Camping??
Compliments of Chris P:
Crab Cakes
Steamed Clams
Linguini with Clam Sauce
and a Vegetable Chutney
Not your usual camping fare, but fitting after a day on the water!
The Seventh Annual Kiptopeke outing was a success, food and all.
Come join us next year!
END KIPTOPEKE
Crab Cakes
Steamed Clams
Linguini with Clam Sauce
and a Vegetable Chutney
Not your usual camping fare, but fitting after a day on the water!
The Seventh Annual Kiptopeke outing was a success, food and all.
Come join us next year!
END KIPTOPEKE
Scotts Creek Paddle, 8/16/2007
Seven Mice met on a Sunday afternoon to paddle the backyards of Portsmouth, putting in across from IC Norcom High School. Jeanine, Jim, Peggy, Chris, Jeff, and a pair of Jerrys headed down three branches of Scotts Creek, and even got out into the Elizabeth River for a little while. This finger of the creek goes between the Shea terrace and Sugar Hill neighborhoods.
In the Shadow of the Big Ships
While Scouus Creek has its pastoral spots, and plenty of wildlife, it is an urban paddle, and a good look at the "port" in Portsmouth. Here, Chris and Peggy are along the back side of the Naval Hospital, and are dwarfed by a couple ships docked at onr of the private repair yards in the area.
Chris and Jerry Catch Up
As much as Mice paddles are a chance to get some exercise and see some great sights from a unique vantage point, our paddles are very much a social event. There are plenty of chances to have some long conversations with your friends. Here, Chris and Jerry share home improvement stories.
Aloha!
That's Jim lending a little aloha spirit to the paddle. Usually the bright colors are on the boats!
We paddled for about two hours and about five miles, and enjoyed the varied backyards that Portsmouth had to offer.
END SCOTTS CREEK
We paddled for about two hours and about five miles, and enjoyed the varied backyards that Portsmouth had to offer.
END SCOTTS CREEK
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Bennett's Creek Evening Paddle- July 26
The second evening paddle of the summer was on Bennetts Creek in Suffolk. Five Mice made the trip west- Jim, Jerry, Jeanine, Jeff and Wayne, Jim's co-worker.
Put in was at the city boat ramp in Bennett's Creek Park, located a half-mile off Shoulders Hill Road. there was a small "Boater's Beach" that we used next to the concrete ramp.
Bennetts Creek is a wide, meandering waterway that ends when it meets the Nansemond River and the James River. There are a lot of large farmhouses along the creek, as well as some empty land. The sprawling subdivisions of Suffolk haven't reached the banks of the creek yet.
Here, from left, are Jerry, Wayne, Jeanine and Jim.
Put in was at the city boat ramp in Bennett's Creek Park, located a half-mile off Shoulders Hill Road. there was a small "Boater's Beach" that we used next to the concrete ramp.
Bennetts Creek is a wide, meandering waterway that ends when it meets the Nansemond River and the James River. There are a lot of large farmhouses along the creek, as well as some empty land. The sprawling subdivisions of Suffolk haven't reached the banks of the creek yet.
Here, from left, are Jerry, Wayne, Jeanine and Jim.
Jeanine is Ready to Go
We stopped at the Creekside Restaurant near the route 17 bridge for a little break and a cold beverage. It was a beautiful evening, and we were able to sit on the deck. Things were a little rushed, though, as the restaurant was swamped with business, and we could see the sun getting lower and lower.
Put in after our break happened very quickly, about two minutes from walking back to our boats to being on the creek again. Then it was a sprint back to Bennetts Creek Park for takeout.
Put in after our break happened very quickly, about two minutes from walking back to our boats to being on the creek again. Then it was a sprint back to Bennetts Creek Park for takeout.
They Aren't Going Anywhere!
We got back to the put-in a little late, and consequently had to load up in the dark. This was not a night paddle, but an evening paddle!
Here, Jim checks out the tie-downs for two kayaks in the bed of Wayne's truck. Jerry pitches in with some advice.
Here, Jim checks out the tie-downs for two kayaks in the bed of Wayne's truck. Jerry pitches in with some advice.
Moonrise Over Bennetts Creek
Bennett's Creek is a great place to paddle after work, and seems far from the suburbia you have to drive through to get there. You get some great views, and some great paddling down the wide meandering creek. The quiet of early evening only adds to the pleasure.
END BENNETTS CREEK
END BENNETTS CREEK
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Drum Point, July 21
The River Mice tried out a new put-in on Saturday the 21st. The Drum Point city boat ramp is located on Back Bay, at the end of Mill Landing Road.
The group had a choice Saturday morning- paddle in the Back bay, or head up nearby Nanney's Creek. Since the winds werepretty strong from the north, and a few whitecaps were seen on the bay, the creek won out.
Jim and Jerry show off their new acquisitions- sleek blue boats!
The group had a choice Saturday morning- paddle in the Back bay, or head up nearby Nanney's Creek. Since the winds werepretty strong from the north, and a few whitecaps were seen on the bay, the creek won out.
Jim and Jerry show off their new acquisitions- sleek blue boats!
Through the Cypress Trees
The group paddled through some great scenery, including this small stand of cypress trees.
A Boat She Can Afford
Chris eyes the first boat she would consider swapping her green Scrambler sit-on-top for. This little piece of art was near the half-way point of the creek.
It's Karl!
Yes, Karl. He has joined us on a few paddles so far, and adds to the friendly banter that takes place during every Mice paddle. His kayak is somewhere in between the smaller cockpit touring boats and the sit-on tops. It has a very large cockpit opening, and is perfect for paddling the creeks of our area.
Rough Take Out
Jim rides the waves into the Drum Point ramp at the end of our paddle. With the wind out of the north, conditions were quite choppy for the first and last 200 yards of the paddle.
The sailboat on the right of the picture was attempting to put in as we were attempting to take out, and flipped over in the process, delaying the trip into the ramp for half the group.
The group covered 4.6 miles in about 2-1/2 hours, a nice relaxed paddle through some great scenery.
END DRUM POINT
The sailboat on the right of the picture was attempting to put in as we were attempting to take out, and flipped over in the process, delaying the trip into the ramp for half the group.
The group covered 4.6 miles in about 2-1/2 hours, a nice relaxed paddle through some great scenery.
END DRUM POINT
Mogul Invades Deep Creek!
The River Mice started July in Chesapeake, paddling the waterways around the Deep Creek locks. Jerry set things up with the Ruritan Club, and twelve paddlers met in the back parking lot in the late morning.
Jerry, George, Bev, Jeanine, Jim, Brad, Barb, Jeff, Chris, Betsy, Connie and Ed put in for a fun midday Sunday event.
Not only is paddling a great physical activity, and a chance to see some of the best nature has to offer in our area, it is a chance to chat with friends, and even catch up with people who have been away for a while.
Jerry, George, Bev, Jeanine, Jim, Brad, Barb, Jeff, Chris, Betsy, Connie and Ed put in for a fun midday Sunday event.
Not only is paddling a great physical activity, and a chance to see some of the best nature has to offer in our area, it is a chance to chat with friends, and even catch up with people who have been away for a while.
Father Jerry Leads the Way
Well, it was a Sunday...
Jerry showed off his new headgear as the group headed west from the locks, under the route 17 bridge, and through the backyards of the Deep Creek neighborhood.
The Mice have been blessed with some great weather so far this season, save a couple of rainouts. Perhaps the "Padre's" influence helped us this day. Warm and sunny, with a slight breeze.
It was another successful paddle, about 2-12 hours long.
END DEEP CREEK LOCKS
Jerry showed off his new headgear as the group headed west from the locks, under the route 17 bridge, and through the backyards of the Deep Creek neighborhood.
The Mice have been blessed with some great weather so far this season, save a couple of rainouts. Perhaps the "Padre's" influence helped us this day. Warm and sunny, with a slight breeze.
It was another successful paddle, about 2-12 hours long.
END DEEP CREEK LOCKS
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Upcoming Paddles- June 26, 2007
It is a busy time for the River Mice- three paddling opportunities in the next week.
The next paddle will be on Thursday, June 28th, the Owl's Creek Evening Paddle
7:00pm
Meet at the Owl's Creek boatramp on General Booth Boulevard at 7 for this relaxing, fun paddle. Both High Tide and Monnrise are predicted for 7:16pm this day. We will paddle around lake Rudee and among the backyards of Croatan. Once it gets dark we will check out one of the isolated creeks, and see what we can see. If you remember the fireflies from past paddles, it is something you won't forget!
Bring a flashlight that can be attached to your boat. This paddle is beginner/intermediate. Owl's Creek is a nice place to paddle around. It is a no-wake zone, and is protected from wind and waves. The trip over to Croatan can get a little choppy as we pass under the Rudee Inlet bridge, and paddling in the dark may not be your cup of tea.
Keep an eye on the weather. Hopefully any pop-up storms will go through well before our put-in time. We will go if possible, but will stay away from any lightning.
Next up is the Deep Creek Locks this Sunday, July 1st, at 10:30am. We will meet at Deep Creek Locks Park. Take highway 17 south from the Deep Creek exit of I-64. Turn left onto Luray Street and enter the park. If you do the "S" curve over the canal, you have gone too far.
We will head over towards the Southern Branch and the High Rise Bridge, and will explore whatever side creeks we find. Bring along some lunch, and we will try to find a beach to pull up on for a picnic.
This is probably an intermediate paddle, though a secure beginner will do okay. There may be some powerboats, which mean wakes to avoid and turn into.
Finally, don't forget the Mogul July 4th party at John Schonk's house. It runs from 2pm until who knows when. last year at John's, we had sixteen boats in the water, putting in from John's backyard. We will paddle the Lafayette River, and some of the creeks that flow into it.
This paddle can be whatever you want, for as long (or short) as you want. The river is quite wide, so it resembles an open water paddle a little bit. Powerboat wakes make for some interesting chop. Beginners will have plenty of support.
John lives at 1004 Covington Lane in the Larchmont section of Norfolk. Check out this link for details and directions.
http://johnschonk.com/mogul
As always, email if you are joining us, and we will wait for you. If not, we will charge ahead. Spare boats are available if you give enough notice, and are willing to do a little hauling.
Hope to see you on the water!
Jeff
The next paddle will be on Thursday, June 28th, the Owl's Creek Evening Paddle
7:00pm
Meet at the Owl's Creek boatramp on General Booth Boulevard at 7 for this relaxing, fun paddle. Both High Tide and Monnrise are predicted for 7:16pm this day. We will paddle around lake Rudee and among the backyards of Croatan. Once it gets dark we will check out one of the isolated creeks, and see what we can see. If you remember the fireflies from past paddles, it is something you won't forget!
Bring a flashlight that can be attached to your boat. This paddle is beginner/intermediate. Owl's Creek is a nice place to paddle around. It is a no-wake zone, and is protected from wind and waves. The trip over to Croatan can get a little choppy as we pass under the Rudee Inlet bridge, and paddling in the dark may not be your cup of tea.
Keep an eye on the weather. Hopefully any pop-up storms will go through well before our put-in time. We will go if possible, but will stay away from any lightning.
Next up is the Deep Creek Locks this Sunday, July 1st, at 10:30am. We will meet at Deep Creek Locks Park. Take highway 17 south from the Deep Creek exit of I-64. Turn left onto Luray Street and enter the park. If you do the "S" curve over the canal, you have gone too far.
We will head over towards the Southern Branch and the High Rise Bridge, and will explore whatever side creeks we find. Bring along some lunch, and we will try to find a beach to pull up on for a picnic.
This is probably an intermediate paddle, though a secure beginner will do okay. There may be some powerboats, which mean wakes to avoid and turn into.
Finally, don't forget the Mogul July 4th party at John Schonk's house. It runs from 2pm until who knows when. last year at John's, we had sixteen boats in the water, putting in from John's backyard. We will paddle the Lafayette River, and some of the creeks that flow into it.
This paddle can be whatever you want, for as long (or short) as you want. The river is quite wide, so it resembles an open water paddle a little bit. Powerboat wakes make for some interesting chop. Beginners will have plenty of support.
John lives at 1004 Covington Lane in the Larchmont section of Norfolk. Check out this link for details and directions.
http://johnschonk.com/mogul
As always, email if you are joining us, and we will wait for you. If not, we will charge ahead. Spare boats are available if you give enough notice, and are willing to do a little hauling.
Hope to see you on the water!
Jeff
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Lynnhaven Inlet Paddle 6/16/07
Six Moguls and a guest met at the Virginia Beach City boat ramp at the Lesner Bridge, and put in for a great paddle. Jeanine, Chris, Jeff, Jim, Bobbie, Dennis and Debbie paddled towards the Bayville Country Club, then headed out among the islands just south of the bridge, before winding up at Bubbas for lunch and some refreshments on the deck.
From Bubbas it was a short but eventful paddle back to the put-in. The group got a lesson in tidal current, having to work hard to avoid being swept towards the bridge and Chesapeake Bay. Jim was so distracted by the current that he paddled into a piling fifteen feet from Bubbas ramp, flipping over and earning a teabag award nomination!
It was a perfect day for a paddle- warm, but not too hot, with a slight breeze, and plenty of sun! Come join us for the next perfect paddle!
From Bubbas it was a short but eventful paddle back to the put-in. The group got a lesson in tidal current, having to work hard to avoid being swept towards the bridge and Chesapeake Bay. Jim was so distracted by the current that he paddled into a piling fifteen feet from Bubbas ramp, flipping over and earning a teabag award nomination!
It was a perfect day for a paddle- warm, but not too hot, with a slight breeze, and plenty of sun! Come join us for the next perfect paddle!
Monday, May 14, 2007
Virginia Beach Scenic Waterway
This is a map of the Virginia Beach Scenic Waterway. Did you know that you can paddle from Munden Point and south all the way to the bay at Lynnhaven Inlet? The River Mice did it over four different days. Look at earlier entries in this blog for the story.
The West neck Creek paddle on June 3rd will go from Princess Anne Road south to the West Neck Marina, or possibly longer.
The West neck Creek paddle on June 3rd will go from Princess Anne Road south to the West Neck Marina, or possibly longer.
June Paddles
These are the upcoming paddles:
Saturday, May 19th
Wild River Outfitters Demo Day
Seashore State Park 64th Street Narrows
9am-4pm
For those who are looking for a kayak of their own, a great way to start is to check out some boats here. A $5 fee (plus the state park parking fee) lets you try any of over a hundred different kayaks and canoes. It is always good to "test paddle" a boat, whether you buy it that weekend from Wild River or somewhere else. More info at this link:
http://www.wildriveroutfitters.com/usage/demoday.htm
Sunday, June 3rd
West Neck Creek
We have tried this one a couple of times, but our enjoyment of this beautiful paddle always seems to be dampened by rain, so we will try again. It starts with a narrow channel, then gradually widens into a winding creek with lots of wildlife.
Meet at 10am at the Princess Anne Road put-in between Holland Road and Sandbridge Road (pictured). If the weather looks good, we will set a shuttle and paddle between 4 and 7 miles. If not, we will figure something out to get some paddling in.
This is an intermediate paddle- the water is calm, but the distance could be on the long side, and there are limited places to pull over and rest. There may be some obstacles to get around in the water.
Saturday, June 16th
Deep Creek Locks
Jerry Found this put-in during his travels, and secured permission for us to access a new stretch of water in the Deep Creek Section of Chesapeake. Depending on the wind, and our mood, we can paddle east, towards the southern Branch of the Elizabeth River, or west, up a winding creek. More info to come on this paddle.
Thursday, June 28th
Owl's Creek Evening Paddle
7:00pm
Meet at the Owl's Creek boatramp on General Booth Boulevard at 7 for this relaxing, fun paddle. Both High Tide and Monnrise are predicted for 7:16pm this day. We will paddle around lake Rudee and among the backyards of Croatan. Once it gets dark we will check out one of the isolated creeks, and see what we can see. If you remember the fireflies from past paddles, it is something you won't forget!
Bring a flashlight that can be attached to your boat. This paddle is beginner/intermediate. Owl's Creek is a nice place to paddle around. It is a no-wake zone, and is protected from wind and waves. The trip over to Croatan can get a little choppy as we pass under the Rudee Inlet bridge, and paddling in the dark may not be your cup of tea.
See you on the water!
Saturday, May 19th
Wild River Outfitters Demo Day
Seashore State Park 64th Street Narrows
9am-4pm
For those who are looking for a kayak of their own, a great way to start is to check out some boats here. A $5 fee (plus the state park parking fee) lets you try any of over a hundred different kayaks and canoes. It is always good to "test paddle" a boat, whether you buy it that weekend from Wild River or somewhere else. More info at this link:
http://www.wildriveroutfitters.com/usage/demoday.htm
Sunday, June 3rd
West Neck Creek
We have tried this one a couple of times, but our enjoyment of this beautiful paddle always seems to be dampened by rain, so we will try again. It starts with a narrow channel, then gradually widens into a winding creek with lots of wildlife.
Meet at 10am at the Princess Anne Road put-in between Holland Road and Sandbridge Road (pictured). If the weather looks good, we will set a shuttle and paddle between 4 and 7 miles. If not, we will figure something out to get some paddling in.
This is an intermediate paddle- the water is calm, but the distance could be on the long side, and there are limited places to pull over and rest. There may be some obstacles to get around in the water.
Saturday, June 16th
Deep Creek Locks
Jerry Found this put-in during his travels, and secured permission for us to access a new stretch of water in the Deep Creek Section of Chesapeake. Depending on the wind, and our mood, we can paddle east, towards the southern Branch of the Elizabeth River, or west, up a winding creek. More info to come on this paddle.
Thursday, June 28th
Owl's Creek Evening Paddle
7:00pm
Meet at the Owl's Creek boatramp on General Booth Boulevard at 7 for this relaxing, fun paddle. Both High Tide and Monnrise are predicted for 7:16pm this day. We will paddle around lake Rudee and among the backyards of Croatan. Once it gets dark we will check out one of the isolated creeks, and see what we can see. If you remember the fireflies from past paddles, it is something you won't forget!
Bring a flashlight that can be attached to your boat. This paddle is beginner/intermediate. Owl's Creek is a nice place to paddle around. It is a no-wake zone, and is protected from wind and waves. The trip over to Croatan can get a little choppy as we pass under the Rudee Inlet bridge, and paddling in the dark may not be your cup of tea.
See you on the water!
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