Diascund Creek/Chickahominy River 11-16-10

It pays to live right. Despite the threats of the weatherman, five stalwarts ventured down Diascind Creek and the Chickahominy River. The weatherman was persistent. First the forecast was for 30% chance of rain. Then 50%, 70%, and when we persisted, the desperate weatherman predicted 100% chance of rain. So we five (Don R, Bob H, Bill B, Bob A, and Brian) bonded with the pledge to paddle unless it was a hard rain. So the sun came out and warmed us for most of the day. Cheryl Shortell helped with shuttling the cars to start the day. It was a treat to see Bob Hosang slide out of the backseat of a VW Golf. If only Bill B had his camera poised and on video, we would have had a video for YouTube that would have gone viral. Then Bob had a little trouble getting his paddling pants on--a video that would have shut down YouTube. After three tries, we were off. We had planned for high tide so we could go with the flow. It worked. The sun was warm and the temperature hit 71 degrees on a Nov 16. Only a gentle breeze and both the creek and the river were like glass. We were admiring the fall colors that remained--and they were vibrant. It was a casual paddle on a day where more than once we were heard to say how lucky we were to be out on this water. We observed at least seven Bald Eagles, a large woodpecker, eagles, heron, and others. No Osprey, but many Osprey nests--they must have already migrated. We were able to compare beaver lodges and muskrat huts along the route. We heard much gunfire at mid trip and since it isn't duck season yet and the area was close to residential areas, it must have been open season on the Shillicoot. We didn't participate since Phyllis warned us it is not nice to mess with the ol Coot.

The Chickahominy had a number of us worried since the gray skies had finally come out. But the water remained smooth and the wind was then at our back as well as the tide. We could have paddled forever. But we had to go to the bathroom, so we stopped at Rivers Rest Marina. We were not sure if they appreciated us pulling out our pack lunches outside the restaurant and then using their facilities. But those who stopped to talk with us were very friendly and at least one dog tried to con Bob Adkisson into giving up a cookie. Bob A is tough though. The do went empty-pawed on that one. The clouds finally started to threaten so we paddled back to brickyard landing and our take out. We did get a mist for about two minutes along the way. But We Beat The Weatherman today.

As Bob H says: good company, good weather, good color--a good day. Bob A was the only one who came for ice cream. Since Cheryl gives it away to the neighbors so Brian won't eat it later, Bob and Brian pigged out. A good topping for a great day.

BS

To see Bill B's pictures click on the link: http://picasaweb.google.com/b.billings/DiascundCreekJPEG?authkey=Gv1sRgCM_8_tjXqeX8pwE&feat=email#