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.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
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
Sunday, November 16, 2008
November Update
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!
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 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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
