We've been able to extend the season a little bit with some nice "indian summer" paddles, including a beautiful afternoon on West Neck Creek November 1st. To get the recap, and to see some cool pictures, check out the entries below.
I've scheduled a couple of "fair weather" paddles, for December and January. If we get one of those 70-degree days like we often get in the winter, why not paddle! So reserve Sunday, December 7th and Saturday, January 3rd for a fair weather paddle. If the weather looks to be nice, we will try to head out for a couple hours. If not, continue with your winter non-paddle lives! The water will be cold, so these paddles are not recommened for those with sit-on-top boats.
Until then, think paddling, ski when you can, and keep an eye out for those paddle accessories you have always wanted!
See you on the water!
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Sunday, November 02, 2008
West Neck Creek Paddle
Ten Mice celebrated the last day of daylight saving time by going out on the water for a little paddle. It was a beautiful day, especially for November, with temperatures that hit 70 towards the end of the paddle.
Shorn, Nancy, Juliet, Suzanne, Jerry, Karl, Wes, Sandy, Peggy and Jeff put in at West Neck Marina and paddled up the winding creek to the north. It felt great to be able to squeeze in this late-season paddle.
Shorn, Nancy, Juliet, Suzanne, Jerry, Karl, Wes, Sandy, Peggy and Jeff put in at West Neck Marina and paddled up the winding creek to the north. It felt great to be able to squeeze in this late-season paddle.
Starting Out
West Neck Marina is ideally situated to explore West Neck Creek, and to acess the North Landing River. Parking can be a little limited, so our group of ten was about the maximum. It is a private marina, so there was a $3 charge to park and put-in. Well worth it for the beautiful scenery!
Shorn and Nancy are occasional Mice, and made it to three paddles this season. We're always glad to see them!
Shorn and Nancy are occasional Mice, and made it to three paddles this season. We're always glad to see them!
Heading Home
After the lunch stop, we headed back down the creek towards the take-out. Here, Nancy, Wes, Sandy and Juliet lead the way in four-abreast formation. Note the smooth water ahead of them. There was very little wind.
Getting Acquainted
Mice paddles are a great chance to catch up with friends, or to meet new friends. Juliet, on the right, is one of our "Meetup Mice" who found us through Meetup.com. Here, she and Peggy chat after the group's stop for lunch.
Kayak Wake
For part 2 of the paddle, half the group stayed on the water, and headed southwest on the creek towards the North Landing River. Shorn, Nancy, Jerry, Juliet and Jeff counted down the channel markers from 14 to 1, and hit the river in time to see a parade of large boats heading south.
The water on the creek was so smooth and glassy, even kayaks left wakes. Look closely, and you can see the upside down "V" coming from Juliet's boat as she heads back for take out.
The water on the creek was so smooth and glassy, even kayaks left wakes. Look closely, and you can see the upside down "V" coming from Juliet's boat as she heads back for take out.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Baum Road/Smith Creek, Oct 5th
On a beautiful Sunday morning, nine Mice met at the Baum Road small boat launch in southern Chesapeake. It is a small, well hidden location.
Smith Creek was a treat, and we enjoyed the paddle immensely. Not as much wildlife as some other paddles, but the scenery and sense of isolation was well worth the trip.
Photographer Karl imitated the cameraman in the middle of the marching band. Sandy and Juliet somehow managed to miss him.
Smith Creek was a treat, and we enjoyed the paddle immensely. Not as much wildlife as some other paddles, but the scenery and sense of isolation was well worth the trip.
Photographer Karl imitated the cameraman in the middle of the marching band. Sandy and Juliet somehow managed to miss him.
Enjoying Smith Creek
This was a new put-in and paddle for us, and a very nice one. Smith Creek winds for about a mile before emptying into the Northwest River. We then paddled west on the Northwest River and turned up Indian Creek. The water was very smooth and glassy for most of the paddle.
Here, a new group member, Svetlana takes a short break in the middle of the paddle.
Here, a new group member, Svetlana takes a short break in the middle of the paddle.
The Group at Put-in
It was another great River Mice day! We even got together for a group picture.
Sometimes we hit great weather on these later season paddles. Hopefully we can get a few more paddles like this in before the really cold weather sets in.
Thanks to Karl for the pictures from this paddle!
END BAUM ROAD/SMITH CREEK
Sometimes we hit great weather on these later season paddles. Hopefully we can get a few more paddles like this in before the really cold weather sets in.
Thanks to Karl for the pictures from this paddle!
END BAUM ROAD/SMITH CREEK
Monday, September 29, 2008
October 5th Paddle
Thanks to Wes and Sandy for suggesting our next paddle.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5
BAUM ROAD
10:30am
We will paddle Smith Creek and some of the Northwest River. Bring something for lunch, as well as whatever other subsistence you desire.
The put in is near Northwest River Park in Chesapeake. Baum Road is just off of Indian Creek Road in Southern Chesapeake. You can get there via Gallbush Road from the Chesapeake Expressway, or from Pungo Ferry Road or Blackwater Road. Check the Google Maps link, and scroll down to Baum Road.
See you on the water!
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5
BAUM ROAD
10:30am
We will paddle Smith Creek and some of the Northwest River. Bring something for lunch, as well as whatever other subsistence you desire.
The put in is near Northwest River Park in Chesapeake. Baum Road is just off of Indian Creek Road in Southern Chesapeake. You can get there via Gallbush Road from the Chesapeake Expressway, or from Pungo Ferry Road or Blackwater Road. Check the Google Maps link, and scroll down to Baum Road.
See you on the water!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Kiptopeke '08
In mid September, the River Mice gathered for their eighth annual Kiptopeke Weekend. We camped at Kiptopeke State Park, and paddled on Saturday (and Sunday). It was a beautiful, though hot weekend. Hot enough that we had to forgo a Mogul tradition- no campfire!
Most mice arrived Friday night, but a few showed up Saturday for the day. Twelve mice in all made it across to the Eastern Shore.
Most mice arrived Friday night, but a few showed up Saturday for the day. Twelve mice in all made it across to the Eastern Shore.
Put-in at Oyster
Put-in this year was at Oyster, a few miles east of Cheriton, and opposite Cape Charles. The public boat ramp was perfect for our purposes, and we set off down the channel.
It was a hot day, with the high temperature reaching 91 degrees, but while out on the water, we were able to enjoy a nice breeze. Conditions were near perfect for a paddle, unlike in 2005, where our Oyster paddle was cut short due to a strong wind.
We paddled Ramshorn Channel, and Brockenberry Bay. As is usual at Kiptopeke, we hit some tidal flats, but were able to navigate through the deep portions.
It was a hot day, with the high temperature reaching 91 degrees, but while out on the water, we were able to enjoy a nice breeze. Conditions were near perfect for a paddle, unlike in 2005, where our Oyster paddle was cut short due to a strong wind.
We paddled Ramshorn Channel, and Brockenberry Bay. As is usual at Kiptopeke, we hit some tidal flats, but were able to navigate through the deep portions.
The Paddle Gang
Jim, Jeff, Bobbi, Suzanne, Chris, Nancy and Shorn gather for the obligatory group photo. Photographer John got the wind and current just right to get this picture in the middle of Ramshorn Channel.
Keeping Cool
Did I mention it was hot?
Luckily for the group, Jerry brought his camper, and had the AC turned up. Jeanine, Suzanne, Jim, Alli and Jerry stay cool amidst all of the jocularity.
Luckily for the group, Jerry brought his camper, and had the AC turned up. Jeanine, Suzanne, Jim, Alli and Jerry stay cool amidst all of the jocularity.
Winning Form
Those that ventured outside into the heat entertained themselves with the big football game, (Michigan lost!) or with a game of "Cornhole". Here Nancy shows her winning form, putting another bag on the board, as Shorn looks on.
Another Great Weekend!
Sunday morning, John, Chris, Shorn and Nancy went on another paddle, putting in at the wildlife refuge. They paddled to the bridge and enjoyed lunch on the beach. About the same time, some of the other campers were heading over the bridge, back to the real world.
It was another great weekend at Kiptopeke. Hope you can join us next year! Rumor has it we will find some shadier campsites!
It was another great weekend at Kiptopeke. Hope you can join us next year! Rumor has it we will find some shadier campsites!
END KIPTOPEKE
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Lotus Garden Paddle, 8/23
Eight Mice made it out to Lotus Garden Park on Sandbridge Road for a great paddle. The weather was near perfect, sunny, and moderate temperatures. The group hustled their boats across the busy road, deciding to do the loop in reverse.
Wes, Sandy, Jerry, George, Jeff, Chris, Karl and Juliet did the five mile loop at a relaxed pace. The north part of Ashevile Creek, past Hells Point Golf Course, down the channel to Back Bay, a little bit of open water, and back into Asheville Creek.
The last part of the paddle was a real adventure, as the lotus plants had the last 1/4 mile of the creek choked off. The pace slowed to a crawl as everyone picked their way through the forest of plants and seaweed.
This is always one of our favorite paddles, with a neat variety of scenery, and a good length.
Wes, Sandy, Jerry, George, Jeff, Chris, Karl and Juliet did the five mile loop at a relaxed pace. The north part of Ashevile Creek, past Hells Point Golf Course, down the channel to Back Bay, a little bit of open water, and back into Asheville Creek.
The last part of the paddle was a real adventure, as the lotus plants had the last 1/4 mile of the creek choked off. The pace slowed to a crawl as everyone picked their way through the forest of plants and seaweed.
This is always one of our favorite paddles, with a neat variety of scenery, and a good length.
Upcoming Paddles, Late August into September
TUESDAY, AUGUST 26
WESTERN BRANCH/STERNS CREEK
Portsmouth City Park
Tuesday, August 26th
6:00pm
This will be a relaxed paddle that will last as long as the daylight. Sterns Creek boasts a surprising amount of wildlife. This will be paced for beginners, but the occasional boat wake or the wind in the Western Branch could get tricky.
KIPTOPEKE '08
September 12-14 (NEW DATE)
Kiptopeke State Park, Eastern Shore
This is a different weekend than usual- hopefully it doesn't put a kink in your plans. Kiptopeke is kind of the start of the end of summer, so we are trying to put that off for a couple of weeks.
This is one of the most mellow camping events on the Mogul Schedule. Show up, set up, watch the sunset over the bay, and paddle if you want. We will head out sometime Saturday morning to paddle, and if weather and our otherwise busy schedules cooperate, we will attempt a short paddle Sunday.
Don't feel like you have to paddle, either. Bring your bicycle, head up to Cape Charles or some other scenic locale, or just relax all day!
We usually handle meals on our own this weekend, sharing if you have extra. Otherwise, it is bring your own everything! If you don't feel like camping, come up and join us for the day! Kiptopeke is only 40 miles away, but it feels a lot farther than that. The Kiptopeke Inn is a mile away from the campground for those who prefer motel accommodations.
RIVER MICE PADDLE- PRINCESS ANNE/WEST NECK CREEK
Sunday, September 21
Dozier's Bridge Put-in, Princess Anne Road
10:00am
We will paddle south along the creek, and either return, or if things look good, set a shuttle to enjoy spectacular West Neck Creek. Bring a lunch- we will try to stop somewhere along the way.
WESTERN BRANCH/STERNS CREEK
Portsmouth City Park
Tuesday, August 26th
6:00pm
This will be a relaxed paddle that will last as long as the daylight. Sterns Creek boasts a surprising amount of wildlife. This will be paced for beginners, but the occasional boat wake or the wind in the Western Branch could get tricky.
KIPTOPEKE '08
September 12-14 (NEW DATE)
Kiptopeke State Park, Eastern Shore
This is a different weekend than usual- hopefully it doesn't put a kink in your plans. Kiptopeke is kind of the start of the end of summer, so we are trying to put that off for a couple of weeks.
This is one of the most mellow camping events on the Mogul Schedule. Show up, set up, watch the sunset over the bay, and paddle if you want. We will head out sometime Saturday morning to paddle, and if weather and our otherwise busy schedules cooperate, we will attempt a short paddle Sunday.
Don't feel like you have to paddle, either. Bring your bicycle, head up to Cape Charles or some other scenic locale, or just relax all day!
We usually handle meals on our own this weekend, sharing if you have extra. Otherwise, it is bring your own everything! If you don't feel like camping, come up and join us for the day! Kiptopeke is only 40 miles away, but it feels a lot farther than that. The Kiptopeke Inn is a mile away from the campground for those who prefer motel accommodations.
RIVER MICE PADDLE- PRINCESS ANNE/WEST NECK CREEK
Sunday, September 21
Dozier's Bridge Put-in, Princess Anne Road
10:00am
We will paddle south along the creek, and either return, or if things look good, set a shuttle to enjoy spectacular West Neck Creek. Bring a lunch- we will try to stop somewhere along the way.
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Greenbrier Challenge 2008
On August 2nd, seven Mice took part in the Greenbrier Challenge, a bike ride in West Virginia to benefit the Challenged Athletes of West Virginia. Mogul Member Chris Polinchock puts in a lot of work to make this event go, and it is a lot of fun!
Dennis, Debbie, Chris, Jeff, Barbara, Brad and Jerry all rode at least part of the Greenbrier River trail. Brad, Barbara and Jerry did the entire 52-mile course!
Shown here is the Clover Lick depot, the northernmost point of the ride, and end of the first leg. Volunteers at the tent had refreshments and snacks, and a shuttle was available to take people back to the start.
Dennis, Debbie, Chris, Jeff, Barbara, Brad and Jerry all rode at least part of the Greenbrier River trail. Brad, Barbara and Jerry did the entire 52-mile course!
Shown here is the Clover Lick depot, the northernmost point of the ride, and end of the first leg. Volunteers at the tent had refreshments and snacks, and a shuttle was available to take people back to the start.
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