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
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