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.
Sunday, September 09, 2007
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
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