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.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
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
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