Our first evening paddle of the season was a good one. Twelve mice met at Bennetts Creek Park in Sufolk to put in for a nice relaxing paddle. Debbie and Dennis (pictured), Shorn and Nancy, Wes and Sandy, Jerry, Jeanine, John, Gita, Sean and Jeff all got into the water at about 6:15 pm.
Our evening paddles are relaxed, "social" paddles, with plenty of chances to catch up with friends or meet new friends. The pace is a little slower, the water a little calmer. A perfect way to unwind after a day at work.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Wes Shows Off His New Ride
New to Mogul this year, Wes and Sandy immediately went out and bought kayaks to join the Mice on the water. They both got sit-on-top boats, perfect for just about anything we will tackle this year. Wes looks like his boat fits like a glove, doesn't he?
At the Harborside
Dennis, Debbie, Jerry, jeanine and Sean enjoy a cold beverage at the Harborside Restaurant, located near the route 17 bridge. After paddling out to the Nansemond River, the group turned around and pulled into the boat ramp next to the restaurant and proceeded to overwhelm the bartender/greeter/bus person with twelve orders, all on separate checks!
Being able to stop somewhere for a break is always a plus on a paddle, and when you can enjoy a cold beverage, that makes it that much better!
Being able to stop somewhere for a break is always a plus on a paddle, and when you can enjoy a cold beverage, that makes it that much better!
Teabag Award Nominee
If you go for a dunk, you get nominated for the Teabag Award, named after "Teabag" Jim of the old River Rats. Here, Debbie completes a "graceful" recovery with the help of Gita and John, and despite Dennis.
Sunset on Bennetts Creek
We returned to take-out just before sunset. it was a great day to paddle, and it ended on a beautiful note.
END BENNETTS CREEK
END BENNETTS CREEK
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Mid-June- Upcoming Paddles
EVENING PADDLE- BENNETTS CREEK
Tuesday, June 24th
Bennetts Creek Park, Suffolk
6:00pm put-in
We will paddle Bennetts Creek up to the Nansemond river, then stop at the Harborside Restaurant on the way back for a refereshing beverage. This is an easy, relaxed paddle, and a great way to unwind after a day at work.
RIVER MICE PADDLE- DRUM POINT
Saturday, June 28th
Drum Point Boat Ramp, Virginia Beach
Put in 10:30am
Our paddle up Nanney's Creek last year was a hit, so we will try it again this year. Put in is in open water, but we hit the creek about 100 yards away, and explore as far as we want. If things are really calm, we will explore along the shores of Back Bay. This is a beginner/ intermediate paddle, with no real place to get out and stretch your legs along the way. It is more intermediate if we head into open water.
MOGUL 4th OF JULY PARTY
Friday, July 4th
John Schonk's House, 1004 Covington Lane, Norfolk
2:pm 'til ???
Bring your boat to the party and paddle the Lafayette River. Bring a dish to share, a chair, your favorite beverage.
This paddle is beginner-intermediate. If there is a lot of powerboat traffic, the river can get quite choppy. Strong winds will also have an effect.
EVENING PADDLE- OWLS CREEK
Thursday, July 10th
6:30pm, Owl's Creek Boat Ramp
We will put-in and paddle around Lake Rudee and Lake Holly in the evening and for sunset. This is always a popular paddle. Bring a flashlight or other light to fasten to your boat for when it gets dark.
Beginners can paddle safely in Owl's Creek, as it is a no-wake zone. Paddling under the Rudee Inlet bridge can be tricky.
MICE PADDLE- BACK RIVER
Saturday, July 19th
11:00am
Gosnold’s Hope Park, Hampton
We tried to do this in April, but got rained out. Put in will be at the boat ramp at the park. We will paddle along the Back River, either towards Air Power Park, or along Langley Air Force Base towards the York River. Bring lunch, water and sunscreen!
Take Mercury Boulevard east to King Street North. Turn right on onto Little Back River Road. Turn in park entrance across from Willow Oaks Blvd. Boat ramp is on the on right.
Don't forget to check the links to the left- the Google map, and the postcards!
Tuesday, June 24th
Bennetts Creek Park, Suffolk
6:00pm put-in
We will paddle Bennetts Creek up to the Nansemond river, then stop at the Harborside Restaurant on the way back for a refereshing beverage. This is an easy, relaxed paddle, and a great way to unwind after a day at work.
RIVER MICE PADDLE- DRUM POINT
Saturday, June 28th
Drum Point Boat Ramp, Virginia Beach
Put in 10:30am
Our paddle up Nanney's Creek last year was a hit, so we will try it again this year. Put in is in open water, but we hit the creek about 100 yards away, and explore as far as we want. If things are really calm, we will explore along the shores of Back Bay. This is a beginner/ intermediate paddle, with no real place to get out and stretch your legs along the way. It is more intermediate if we head into open water.
MOGUL 4th OF JULY PARTY
Friday, July 4th
John Schonk's House, 1004 Covington Lane, Norfolk
2:pm 'til ???
Bring your boat to the party and paddle the Lafayette River. Bring a dish to share, a chair, your favorite beverage.
This paddle is beginner-intermediate. If there is a lot of powerboat traffic, the river can get quite choppy. Strong winds will also have an effect.
EVENING PADDLE- OWLS CREEK
Thursday, July 10th
6:30pm, Owl's Creek Boat Ramp
We will put-in and paddle around Lake Rudee and Lake Holly in the evening and for sunset. This is always a popular paddle. Bring a flashlight or other light to fasten to your boat for when it gets dark.
Beginners can paddle safely in Owl's Creek, as it is a no-wake zone. Paddling under the Rudee Inlet bridge can be tricky.
MICE PADDLE- BACK RIVER
Saturday, July 19th
11:00am
Gosnold’s Hope Park, Hampton
We tried to do this in April, but got rained out. Put in will be at the boat ramp at the park. We will paddle along the Back River, either towards Air Power Park, or along Langley Air Force Base towards the York River. Bring lunch, water and sunscreen!
Take Mercury Boulevard east to King Street North. Turn right on onto Little Back River Road. Turn in park entrance across from Willow Oaks Blvd. Boat ramp is on the on right.
Don't forget to check the links to the left- the Google map, and the postcards!
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Paddle for the Border
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.
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
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
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
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
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
May Paddles
Hello fellow Mice!
It's about that time! Dust the cobwebs off your boats and get out to enjoy the water! Here's what's coming up:
May 3
PADDLE FOR THE BORDER
There are a few mice going on this paddle. Unfortunately, there is no room for any more paddlers! Keep it in mind for next year. 7.5 miles along the dismal swamp canal, with shuttle, lunch, and a t-shirt included!
May 9-11
NORTH LANDING CAMP/PADDLE
Check your newsletter for more info on this event. Day paddlers are always welcome!
May 17th- Saturday
WILD RIVER OUTFITTERS DEMO DAY
64th Street Narrows, Seashore State Park
If you are thinking of buying a kayak, or just want to paddle a bunch of different boats for next to nothing, you need to be here! Details are at the following link:
http://www.wildriveroutfitters.com/local/demo_paddlefest.asp
LYNNHAVEN RIVER PADDLE
Saturday, June 1st
Lynnhaven Inlet- Lesner Bridge boat ramp
10am put-in
We will paddle around the inlet and up the various creeks before heading over to Bubbas for a beverage and snack. This is a beginner/intermediate paddle. Beginners can paddle around the river area and get back to the put-in whenever they want. Paddling across the inlet, or in and out of Bubbas is VERY tricky with the strong currents. NEVER try it alone.
ALL PADDLES
As always, try to email if you will be paddling. If we know you are coming, we will wait for you.
PFD's are required on your boat or on you. Drinking water and sunscreen are highly recommended.
When we don't stop somewhere like Bubba's, we often bring our lunches along and try to stop somewhere scenic to eat it.
There are usually some extra boats around, as several mice have more than one. Just give the group a little advance notice, and we will try to help you out.
If you have any ideas for a future paddle, let me know, and we will try to get it scheduled. We try to do two weekend paddles and a weekday evening paddle each month.
RIVER MICE EMAILS
The River Mice group runs on email. All paddles will be announced by email, and on the blog. Most planned paddles will also be in the Mogul newsletter. Any changes or updates on paddles will be done by email. If you want to get on the email list, or be removed from it, let me know.
See you on the water!
Jeff
It's about that time! Dust the cobwebs off your boats and get out to enjoy the water! Here's what's coming up:
May 3
PADDLE FOR THE BORDER
There are a few mice going on this paddle. Unfortunately, there is no room for any more paddlers! Keep it in mind for next year. 7.5 miles along the dismal swamp canal, with shuttle, lunch, and a t-shirt included!
May 9-11
NORTH LANDING CAMP/PADDLE
Check your newsletter for more info on this event. Day paddlers are always welcome!
May 17th- Saturday
WILD RIVER OUTFITTERS DEMO DAY
64th Street Narrows, Seashore State Park
If you are thinking of buying a kayak, or just want to paddle a bunch of different boats for next to nothing, you need to be here! Details are at the following link:
http://www.wildriveroutfitters.com/local/demo_paddlefest.asp
LYNNHAVEN RIVER PADDLE
Saturday, June 1st
Lynnhaven Inlet- Lesner Bridge boat ramp
10am put-in
We will paddle around the inlet and up the various creeks before heading over to Bubbas for a beverage and snack. This is a beginner/intermediate paddle. Beginners can paddle around the river area and get back to the put-in whenever they want. Paddling across the inlet, or in and out of Bubbas is VERY tricky with the strong currents. NEVER try it alone.
ALL PADDLES
As always, try to email if you will be paddling. If we know you are coming, we will wait for you.
PFD's are required on your boat or on you. Drinking water and sunscreen are highly recommended.
When we don't stop somewhere like Bubba's, we often bring our lunches along and try to stop somewhere scenic to eat it.
There are usually some extra boats around, as several mice have more than one. Just give the group a little advance notice, and we will try to help you out.
If you have any ideas for a future paddle, let me know, and we will try to get it scheduled. We try to do two weekend paddles and a weekday evening paddle each month.
RIVER MICE EMAILS
The River Mice group runs on email. All paddles will be announced by email, and on the blog. Most planned paddles will also be in the Mogul newsletter. Any changes or updates on paddles will be done by email. If you want to get on the email list, or be removed from it, let me know.
See you on the water!
Jeff
Monday, April 21, 2008
Check Out the Google Map!
Click on the link on the left side of the page and take a look at the River Mice map! Each of the markers is a put-in or other place of interest. There is a list of the markers on the left side of the map. Click on the name to zoom in on the location.
You can take a look at possible paddle routes, or get directions to the put-in location.
More locations will be added as time goes on, as well as some links for each location.
Give it a try, and see you on the water!
You can take a look at possible paddle routes, or get directions to the put-in location.
More locations will be added as time goes on, as well as some links for each location.
Give it a try, and see you on the water!
Sunday, March 16, 2008
2008 Paddle Season
Hello Mice (and those who want to paddle with us)
Spring is almost here, time to pull yourself out of the weeds and get into the water!
Here is the first look at the Mice schedule:
March 29-30
MERCHANT'S MILLPOND OVERNIGHT
Cancelled. Maybe we will try again later in the season.
BACK RIVER PADDLE
Saturday, April 5, 2008
11:00am
Gosnold’s Hope Park, Hampton
This is an early season paddle in conjunction with a camping event. Put in will be at the boat ramp at the park. We will paddle along the Back River, either towards Air Power Park, or along Langley Air Force Base towards the York River. Bring lunch, and dress for the weather!
Take Mercury Boulevard east to King Street North. Turn right on onto Little Back River Road. Turn in park entrance across from Willow Oaks Blvd. Boat ramp is on the on right.
A few mice will be camping at the park all weekend. Trailers only!
May 3
PADDLE FOR THE BORDER
The City of Chesapeake puts this paddle on. It is a 7.5 mile one way trip up the Dismal Swamp canal. Check out the website at http://www.chesapeake.va.us/services/depart/park-rec/paddlefortheborder.shtml
There is a fee to participate, and the event will sell out, so sign up early. Note also that Mogul is planning a Kentucky Derby Party later the same day.
May 9-11
NORTH LANDING CAMP/PADDLE
Details to follow.
September 12-14
KIPTOPEKE (tentative)
Many more paddles to come. We try to do two weekend paddles and an evening paddle a month from May-September, and will do a couple of camping trips. We will do some long paddles, and some shorter, "social" paddles. We will hit some old favorites, plus a coupe of new put-ins and waterways.
Hope you can join us!
Spring is almost here, time to pull yourself out of the weeds and get into the water!
Here is the first look at the Mice schedule:
March 29-30
MERCHANT'S MILLPOND OVERNIGHT
Cancelled. Maybe we will try again later in the season.
BACK RIVER PADDLE
Saturday, April 5, 2008
11:00am
Gosnold’s Hope Park, Hampton
This is an early season paddle in conjunction with a camping event. Put in will be at the boat ramp at the park. We will paddle along the Back River, either towards Air Power Park, or along Langley Air Force Base towards the York River. Bring lunch, and dress for the weather!
Take Mercury Boulevard east to King Street North. Turn right on onto Little Back River Road. Turn in park entrance across from Willow Oaks Blvd. Boat ramp is on the on right.
A few mice will be camping at the park all weekend. Trailers only!
May 3
PADDLE FOR THE BORDER
The City of Chesapeake puts this paddle on. It is a 7.5 mile one way trip up the Dismal Swamp canal. Check out the website at http://www.chesapeake.va.us/services/depart/park-rec/paddlefortheborder.shtml
There is a fee to participate, and the event will sell out, so sign up early. Note also that Mogul is planning a Kentucky Derby Party later the same day.
May 9-11
NORTH LANDING CAMP/PADDLE
Details to follow.
September 12-14
KIPTOPEKE (tentative)
Many more paddles to come. We try to do two weekend paddles and an evening paddle a month from May-September, and will do a couple of camping trips. We will do some long paddles, and some shorter, "social" paddles. We will hit some old favorites, plus a coupe of new put-ins and waterways.
Hope you can join us!
Paddle for the Border 2008
This is the view from the water on the 2006 Paddle For the Border, looking down the Dismal Swamp Canal. This paddle is put on the the City of Chesapeake Parks and Recreation Department. It is quite well run, and covers 7.5 miles from North Carolina to the Dismal Swamp Canal Boat Ramp in Chesapeake.
So mark your calendars for May 3rd, 2008 and visit this link to get sign-up information.
http://www.chesapeake.va.us/services/depart/park-rec/paddlefortheborder.shtml
Cost is $30, and slots are limited, so be sure to sign up early!
So mark your calendars for May 3rd, 2008 and visit this link to get sign-up information.
http://www.chesapeake.va.us/services/depart/park-rec/paddlefortheborder.shtml
Cost is $30, and slots are limited, so be sure to sign up early!
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Autumn Paddle- Lake Bradford
In early November, the River Mice tried something new. Our paddle season generally ends in early October, but why not extend the season a bit and paddle in November? Perhaps celebrate the last day of Daylight Savings Time. We met at Debbie P's place on Lake Bradford for a paddle and a dinner afterwards.
George, Jeanine, Debbie H, Mike, Jerry, Jeff and Teresa posed for a picture before heading out on to the lake. Jim arrived later and went out with Mike and Jeff a little later in the afternoon.
George, Jeanine, Debbie H, Mike, Jerry, Jeff and Teresa posed for a picture before heading out on to the lake. Jim arrived later and went out with Mike and Jeff a little later in the afternoon.
A Little Push and He's In!
Put in was in Debbie's backyard. Jerry cut a path down to the lake, and we each took turns getting into the water. Each of us got a good-luck push from Debbie on the way out, and a smoky welcome on our return. Something about a bad starter log, and an obstructed chimney...
Here Jerry enters the lake in his big gray beast, a 16-foot Carolina.
Here Jerry enters the lake in his big gray beast, a 16-foot Carolina.
George Fights the Wind
George didn't want to take a sit-on-top boat out onto the chilly water, so he brought his canoe. Perfect for staying dry, but not for a windy day. The effects of hurricane Noel continued from Friday night into Saturday. they were diminished, but in certain spots on the lake, the wind was howling, turning George's canoe into a sailboat without a rudder. He pulled out every paddling trick he knew of, but in the end, George worked his way to the edge of the lake, where he got a little protection. The kayaks, with less freeboard, fared a little better against the wind, but still had to work at it.
Catching Up on the Water
Above all, this paddle is what we call a "social" paddle. Nothing hard core, just a chance to get out on the water and hang out with your friends. Debbie and Jeanine spent a good part of the paddle catching up on things, and floating back towards the take out courtesy of the wind.
In the end, it was another great day on the water, a fitting end to the 2007 River Mice paddling season. See you on the water next year!
END LAKE BRADFORD
In the end, it was another great day on the water, a fitting end to the 2007 River Mice paddling season. See you on the water next year!
END LAKE BRADFORD
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Kiptopeke Weekend, 2007
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.
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.
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.
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