Tom Tucker took this picture at the Merchant's Millpond paddle on November 7, 2009
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday, November 08, 2009
Merchant's Millpond, November 7th
For what is probably the last paddle of the season, eleven mice ventured down to Merchant's Millpond State Park on Gates County, NC for a day on the water. Especially for November, it was a beautiful day, with highs in the mid 60's.
The millpond is a spectacular location, with cypress trees, spanish moss, and plenty of wildlife.
In order from left to right are Ali, Sandy, Dolores, Karl, Carol, Suzanne, Jerry, Maryann, Peggy and Tom. Jeff is behind the lens.
The millpond is a spectacular location, with cypress trees, spanish moss, and plenty of wildlife.
In order from left to right are Ali, Sandy, Dolores, Karl, Carol, Suzanne, Jerry, Maryann, Peggy and Tom. Jeff is behind the lens.
Stuck??
Much of the pond was covered in a thick coat of green duckweed, or algae. It stuck to everything, and slowed us down. We were constantly knocking the weeds off of our paddles. If you stopped for any amount of time, the green stuff seemed to close in on you. Adding to the navigational challenges were lilies, floating wood, and cypress roots hiding just below the surface!
Through the Pea Soup
Maryann makes her way through an algae covered passage, leaving an interesting pattern in her wake. This was her first padle with the Mice, and one she won't forget!
Reflections
There was very little wind, so if you were first in line, there were some nice views above the waterline, and reflected on the glassy surface. If you were in the green muck, you felt like you were in the middle of a golf course!
Follow the Ta-ta's!
It is easy to get lost in Merchant's Millpond. To help people find their way to the canoe/kayak campgrounds, or back to the launch, there are orange and yellow floats to mark the way. As one member (who shall remain nameless) put it, you had to follow the ta-ta's!
Overnight Camping
Three mice decided to spend the night, and loaded their boats with tents, sleeping bags, food, and in Jerry's case, firewood!
This campout worked out much better than the last one, because the weather was great! Clear skies, and a night that didn't get too cold. For those that wonder, kayak camping is just like Fall Follies, except for the air mattresses, bicycles, cooking tents, crock pots, and well... You have friends sitting around a fire in a beautiful location, enjoying a nice beverage. What more do you need?
This campout worked out much better than the last one, because the weather was great! Clear skies, and a night that didn't get too cold. For those that wonder, kayak camping is just like Fall Follies, except for the air mattresses, bicycles, cooking tents, crock pots, and well... You have friends sitting around a fire in a beautiful location, enjoying a nice beverage. What more do you need?
Yes it all Fits!
Sunday morning, Ali, Jerry and Jeff broke camp and took all of their stuff back to the boats at the group campground. Here, Ali poses with all of the supplies that three people need to spend a night on an island. Of course, they could have been like the group called the "Friends of Jay" in the next site over, and used a couple of john-boats to haul all of their gear!
Another World
I think all of us got the sense that we were in another world. The scenery is just so different from what we are used to. The gang, daytrippers and overnighters, had a great time, and it was definitely worth the trip!
Unless we put something together spur of the moment, it is "See you on the water", NEXT YEAR!
END Merchant's Milpond
Unless we put something together spur of the moment, it is "See you on the water", NEXT YEAR!
END Merchant's Milpond
Monday, October 26, 2009
Merchant's Millpond Coming Up
Merchant's Millpond is about 30 miles from Suffolk in North Carolina. A bit of a trip, but worth it! Plan on most of the day for this one, as we will spend around 4-5 hours at the park.
We will put in at about 10am from the boat ramp at the park, and paddle to our heart's content. The scenery will be some of the most unique and spectacular that we will paddle. Cypress trees are everywhere, so much so that there are colored floats in the water to help you find your way.
This paddle is a prime candidate for a little carpool action, if we can fit the boats, as it is a good distance away. Bring a picnic lunch, as we will stop at one of the paddle-in campgrounds to eat and stretch our legs. Bring your camera, as you will want to take plenty of pictures!
We will paddle if it is cold, but not in the rain. Those with sit-on-tops will need to think about this one, and keep your eye on the forecast, as we are pretty late in the season.
Let Jeff know if you are coming, and we will wait for you at the put-in.
And if you are interested in spending the night, let Jeff know. A few of us may pack our boats to camp at one of the paddle-in campsites, weather permitting, of course.
Hope to see you there! It will be a great way to end the season.
We will put in at about 10am from the boat ramp at the park, and paddle to our heart's content. The scenery will be some of the most unique and spectacular that we will paddle. Cypress trees are everywhere, so much so that there are colored floats in the water to help you find your way.
This paddle is a prime candidate for a little carpool action, if we can fit the boats, as it is a good distance away. Bring a picnic lunch, as we will stop at one of the paddle-in campgrounds to eat and stretch our legs. Bring your camera, as you will want to take plenty of pictures!
We will paddle if it is cold, but not in the rain. Those with sit-on-tops will need to think about this one, and keep your eye on the forecast, as we are pretty late in the season.
Let Jeff know if you are coming, and we will wait for you at the put-in.
And if you are interested in spending the night, let Jeff know. A few of us may pack our boats to camp at one of the paddle-in campsites, weather permitting, of course.
Hope to see you there! It will be a great way to end the season.
Lotus Garden Paddle- June 6th
The mice made a now annual trip to Lotus Garden Park on Sandbridge Road to paddle the Lotus garden Loop. The paddle runs about 5-1/2 miles. We crossed the road and put in to the north, taking out upon completing the loop.
Jeanine, Tom and Carol round one of the last bends before takeout in this picture.
Jeanine, Tom and Carol round one of the last bends before takeout in this picture.
Stretching Our Legs
The gang stopped at the new Horn Point launch on back bay for a pit stop and to stretch our legs. Horn Point is just off of our loop trail, with access to Asheville Creek and the Back Bay.
Single File
A few parts of this paddle take us through a narrow creek, with overhanging trees. Beautiful stuff, but we have to go single file.
Lotus garden is one of our favorite paddles, with narrow creeks, winding rivers, and a little bit of open water. it is a loop, so we do everything just once. We even saw a bald eagle one year!
END LOTUS GARDEN
Lotus garden is one of our favorite paddles, with narrow creeks, winding rivers, and a little bit of open water. it is a loop, so we do everything just once. We even saw a bald eagle one year!
END LOTUS GARDEN
Unless You Are The Lead Mouse...
Ricky the Rat (who wants to be a mouse) has joined us on a few of our paddles. He is usually perched on the front of Jeff's kayak. Sometimes he would just rather stay in his perch on Jeff's dashboard. Either way, he is happy to be part of the group.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Owl's Creek Evening Paddle- July 21st
About ten mice made it to the second evening paddle of the season, meeting at the Owl's Creek Boat Ramp near the Virginia Aquarium. The paddle took us through Rudee Inlet, under the bridge, and back into the backyards of Croatan.
Once the sun sets, we turn on our "running lights" and explore some of the side creeks off of Lake Rudee.
Once the sun sets, we turn on our "running lights" and explore some of the side creeks off of Lake Rudee.
Rudee Inlet at Night
This view is towards Rockefellers just after sunset. All of our lights are turned on so other boaters can see us.
After dark, we paddled up a few isolated creeks in search of fireflies, but apparently they were out of season. We pulled back in at around 9:15 after about an hour of night paddling.
END OWLS CREEK
After dark, we paddled up a few isolated creeks in search of fireflies, but apparently they were out of season. We pulled back in at around 9:15 after about an hour of night paddling.
END OWLS CREEK
Lynnhaven Inlet Paddle, August 8th
This is always one of our more popular paddles. There is no set route, except for the stop at Bubba's. We just pick a place and go, then pick another place and go. Put in at the public boat ramp is simple, as there is a small beach located away from the powerboat ramp.
Lunch at Bubba's
Our Lynnhaven Inlet paddles always include a lunch stop at Buba's on Shore Drive. We use their boat ramp, pulling our boats quickly out of the way, and order sandwiches and beverages at the restaurant.
Once we are done, we put in, and sprint across the channel avoiding the boats and strong current, and head back across to take out at the public boat ramp.
Once we are done, we put in, and sprint across the channel avoiding the boats and strong current, and head back across to take out at the public boat ramp.
Vonnie on the Water
Vonnie says hi. This was her first trip with the Mice. Hope to see you on the water again!
A Relaxed Paddle
Mark shows off some very relaxed paddling form, while Karl can't bear to watch. We paddled down a few creeks and among the islands in the middle of the inlet area
END LYNNHAVEN INLET
Virginia Beach Urban Loop Paddle
Eight Mice paddled the Virginia Beach Urban Loop on Sunday, October 25th, 2009. We roughly made a circle around the Lynnhaven Mall, paddling those waterways you always see and cross over in that area.
It was a departure from our usual paddles, as we went through the backyards of the industrial park and some older neighborhoods of the area.
It was cool (60 degrees) and windy, so most of us had jackets on (thanks Carol!), but it wasn't bad at all for a late season paddle!
Here, Tom and Jeanine paddle towards Lynnhaven Parkway. This spot is between Potters/Lynnhaven Road and Viking Drive, just south of the interstate.
It was a departure from our usual paddles, as we went through the backyards of the industrial park and some older neighborhoods of the area.
It was cool (60 degrees) and windy, so most of us had jackets on (thanks Carol!), but it wasn't bad at all for a late season paddle!
Here, Tom and Jeanine paddle towards Lynnhaven Parkway. This spot is between Potters/Lynnhaven Road and Viking Drive, just south of the interstate.
Alternate Put-in
We put in a the Hutton Circle dock, located behind the Pep Boys on Virginia Beach Boulevard, east of Lynnhaven. The dock is a bit strange, and rocks alot, depending on how you stand on it. Seems like the floats are only in the center of the dock!
Most of us, including Karl, found it easier to put in through the grass next to the dock.
Most of us, including Karl, found it easier to put in through the grass next to the dock.
Karl's Alternate Ride
Karl shows off his "other" kayak, a lighter, shorter boat for those solo trips. Being shorter has it's drawbacks, though, as Karl had trouble going straight for any length of time!
On London Bridge Creek
After a wind assisted trip south down the large drainage channel behind Stihl and Lillian Vernon, we turned up London Bridge Creek, a quieter meander through the backyards near the Lynnhaven Mall. Trees are just starting to turn colors, as Ali, Jeanine and Karl lead the way.
Pit Stop
Horst considers using the facilities in this unique backyard. Four commodes sit on the banks of London Bridge Creek, along with several fishing rod holders. You can sit and fish and drink beer, and never have to get up!
Bridges
We passed under more bridges on this paddle than any other we have done. Nine bridges, four of them twice. Here, Jeanine paddles under Lynnhaven Parkway.
END URBAN LOOP
END URBAN LOOP
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Hutton Circle Paddle 5/31/2009
Twelve Mice gathered at the Hutton Circle dock for a paddle on a beautiful, sunny Sunday. The group chose to go north, up the Eastern Branch of the Lynnhaven River. We paddled up past Wolfsnare point, exploring a few of the side creeks. We then headed south down the Pinetree Branch before returning to the dock. We had a nice 2-1/2 hours out on the water
Here, Jan, Dagmar, Wes and Sandy make their way along the route.
Here, Jan, Dagmar, Wes and Sandy make their way along the route.
Cactus?
An unnamed rodent on the bow of Jeff's kayak is gazing at- well if you look carefully, you can see- cactus! Growing in one of the backyards along our paddle route. One of the more interesting sights along the way!
END HUTTON CIRCLE
END HUTTON CIRCLE
Saturday, May 30, 2009
June Mice Paddles
Here's what's on the schedule for June:
May 31st 2:00 pm Hutton Circle (VB)
May 31st 2:00 pm Hutton Circle (VB)
June 7th 10:00 am Lotus Garden Park (VB)
June 17th 6:00 pm Bennetts Creek Park (Suf)
June 20 10:00 am Pedal and Paddle (VB)
Check out mogulskiclub.com for more details.
See you on the water!
Jeff
Sunday, May 17, 2009
2009 Paddle for the Border
The first real paddle of the new season was the Paddle for the Border, put on by the City of Chesapeake on May 2nd. 17 Mice joined about 200 other paddlers on a 7.5 mile trip up the Dismal Swamp Canal from North carolina to Virginia. This event is very well run, and a lot of fun.
This is a very straight paddle, with only one turn about 5 miles in. The canal is part of the intracoastal waterway, and when not filled with kayaks, will see everything from speedboats to tugs and barges.
The powerboat in the foreground is part of the safety patrol on the water for this event, to make sure that everyone makes it to the other end in one piece.
This is a very straight paddle, with only one turn about 5 miles in. The canal is part of the intracoastal waterway, and when not filled with kayaks, will see everything from speedboats to tugs and barges.
The powerboat in the foreground is part of the safety patrol on the water for this event, to make sure that everyone makes it to the other end in one piece.
Guarding the Boats
Chris stands guard over several mice kayaks while the drivers are riding the shuttle. The Paddle for the Border is a point to point paddle, which requires a shuttle. In this case, we took our boats down to the North Carolina welcome center on US-17, offloaded them, and left our passengers there to check in and keep an eye on things. The drivers went back up to the take-out to leave their vehicles and ride a shuttle bus back to the put-in.
Chris's boat is the green one, a "sit-on-top" kayak, stable, easy to get in and out of, and fun to paddle.
Chris's boat is the green one, a "sit-on-top" kayak, stable, easy to get in and out of, and fun to paddle.
Ready to Put In
Jerry and Jeff carry a boat to the put-in spot. There is a good bit of preparation that goes into a paddle. Loading and unloading the boats, collecting and setting up the gear, carrying the boats to the put-in, and more. But the effort is certainly worth it!
Smile!
Jerry, George and Bev take a break from paddling (and conversation) to smile for the camera. Mice paddles are a great chance to catch up with your friends, or to make new friends.
After the Paddle
After take out, and a chance to stretch those stiff legs, we were treated to a nice lunch. Chicken and barbecue, with all the trimmings! Many of the 17 Mice that paddled are in this picture. Thanks to Tom Tucker for sharing it!
If you want to get into the fun next year, you need to get signed up early. The event is usually announced in January or February, and participation is capped at around 225 people. Once the announcement is made, it will be forwarded to the River Mice by the email list.
END PADDLE FOR THE BORDER
If you want to get into the fun next year, you need to get signed up early. The event is usually announced in January or February, and participation is capped at around 225 people. Once the announcement is made, it will be forwarded to the River Mice by the email list.
END PADDLE FOR THE BORDER
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