March
16, 2004
Pushing
The Frontier
Think of it. Heading to an ancient Cradle of Kayaking to paddle
with the Inuits of Northern Greenland. Weaving in and out of
bergs large and small, watching friendly seals fish and play
in the frigid water, exploring a barren coast while the midnight
sun dances on the horizon.
This is the stuff fireside dreams are made of.
But it's not all dreamy. According to an article in Sea Kayaker
magazine, the seals are there, but they're mainly hiding from
polar bears. And those polar bears apparently regard human beings
as 'seals with legs'. And those ice floes? When they converge,
you might well have to portage. Or worse, watch your plastic
boat be ground in to its original polymer-chains.
Portaging
not in Pamlico. |
Here is
a better idea.
The paddle trails of Pamlico County offer comparable adventure
without the annoyances of the frozen north. Granted, you may
have to get out and carry over a sand bar, and mullet have been
known to land in a paddler’s lap due to a poorly-planned
leap. But the payoff is great.
Waterfowl, wading birds, dolphins, and land creatures all use
our waters for feeding. The kayak or canoe can sneak close enough
without interrupting their feast.
If, by
chance, you have explored all 200 miles of trails in the three
existing Paddle Guides to Pamlico County, be of good cheer.
The forth and final guide will, Lord willing, be out next month.
And like the others, it is free!
This
latest guide is to the Southern and Southwestern parts of Pamlico
County . It will take you up the Neuse from Oriental and in
to some stunning venues.
For instance,
Dawson’s Creek, the site of the next Pamlico Paddle on
May 1st, has surprises upstream. (I can’t thank Dawson
protector, Ben Casey enough for warning me that snags in Tarkiln
tributary could “mess up the propeller” on my kayak
as it did his skiff.)
Paddling upstream on Beard’s Creek may invoke recollections
of the midnight ride of Ichabod Crane. Then there is Goose Creek.
It's a true gem, bounded by an extensive swamp with a truly
remote feel.
Paddling on Goose Creek. |
Finally,
Upper Broad Creek, the longest in Pamlico County, forms the
boundary between us and those "Craven folks". Up there
you'll find the Grand-daddy cypress of Pamlico County. Heading
upstream as far as you can paddle from Lee’s Landing will
astound you.
Watch for the new guide sometime in April at the county visitors’
center, the county extension office, and local shops.
Mark your calendar - the Pamlico Paddle is coming Saturday
May 1 at Dawsons Creek. See pamlicopaddle.com.
Previous
Song Of The Paddle Columns:
February
2004 ~ The Manatee
