Paddle for the Border

Paddle for the Border
Originally uploaded by jmharper.

The first Saturday in May has become a must-paddle. The Paddle for the Border is put on by the City of Chesapeake, in conjunction with the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge and the Dismal Swamp State Park in North Carolina.

The paddle goes up the Dismal Swamp canal from the welcome center in North Carolina to the Ballahack Road boat ramp in Chesapeake. Breakfast, lunch, shuttle, safety, and loading and unloading assistance are provided.

Eight mice participated. Cheri, Chris and Bill are pictured. Also along for the trip were John S. Jeanine, Jerry, Jeff, and Betsy.

The paddle is also unique because it is virtually straight. The canal makes one turn in the 7-1/2 miles of the paddle, otherwise it is dead straight. The scenery doesn't vary much, but it is still quite fun.

At The Take Out

At Take Out
Originally uploaded by jmharper.

Part of what makes this paddle unique is the assistance you receive at the start and end of the paddle. Here, volunteers help Chris move her boat out of the water after take out. They also helped to load and unload the boats from your cars.

Lunch after the Paddle

Lunch after the Paddle
Originally uploaded by jmharper.

After the paddle, the organizers gave us lunch. Chicken, beans, cole slaw, barbecue, and other delicacies served in an attractive and functional styrofoam container. Then it was time to find our vehicles, load the boats, and head home.

Paddle for the border is a well run event, well worth the $30 fee. The only real complaint? 7.5 miles without a place to stop and stretch your legs is a long way to go on what is probably the first paddle of the year. Several mice plan to make it an annual outing.

Signups usually start for this event in March. It fills up quickly, as participation is limited to 200 boats.

END PADDLE FOR THE BORDER