Dismal Swamp/Lake Drummond Paddle 9/4/2012

The day was sunny and the temperature was perfect for a paddle on the dismal swamp canal to Lake Drummond. And although there were only 4 of us (Bob M, John, Dottie, and Sandy B), it turned out to be a great day. We started out a little before 10 AM at a nice leisurely paddle as we passed under a bridge, which I’ve never seen extended, but is apparently used during harvest time for trucks to haul corn across the canal. As we continued our paddle we observed a few birds, lily pads with blooms, and some interesting grape vines, which Dottie decided to take a few pictures of (something Bill would do). The canopy of trees along the canal made it seem like a different time and place as we paddled our way to the Lake. We were glad when we reached the Crop of Engineers area as we needed a break from the very strenuous paddling. We ate our lunch at a picnic table that was surprisingly enclosed by a screen (which I didn’t remember), so we were able eat in comfort and in the shade, without the smell of Bill’s sardines. After our wonderful lunch we lugged our kayaks to the put-in on the other side of the picnic area, which I forgot is not exactly an easy put-in, and made for the Lake. As usual the view was like a picture post card, smooth waters and tall cypress tress in the water and around the Lake. We could see on the other side where last year’s fires had done a lot damage, in some places there was just bare trees standing with little vegetation, guess everything will grow back sooner or later. I was smart enough to tie something red on a tree to find our way back, like dropping bread crumbs, but it didn’t turn out to be necessary. As we paddled back on the canal we came across 2 other paddlers going to the lake. Dottie said “the Lake is dry” but don’t think they believed her because they passed us on by. We seemed to be disturbing a blue heron every few yards, and heard a hawk (coopers hawk I think) before we got back. As we arrived back, we were welcomed by a ton of butterflies, which we took as a good sign for the Tuesday outing.

Bob M

View Dottie's pictures: https://picasaweb.google.com/105914828772447442006/DismalSwampCanalKayakAdventure?feat=email#