Merchants Mill Pond 10-23-12

We had 25 paddlers on a mission to adventure. Many had never been to Merchants Mill Pond State Park. The paddlers who had been to the Park had not been in at least several years. What we found made an impression on us all. The towering Cypress and Tulip trees rising a hundred feet above the lake into beautiful clear skies took our breath away. We did find Duck Weed thick at the start and various points along the way. It can be described as paddling in pea soup. However, with a little effort we all made it to open water.

Our goal was to paddle the lake into Lassiter Swamp to a boat landing where we all could get out and have lunch on the edge of a field. We missed getting to the lunch spot by about 100 yards due to logs blocking our way. Our only option at that point was to put ashore eating lunch mostly standing up among the Cypress Knees and mud. After our lunch stop we paddled back towards the lake taking the winding creek through the trees. We paddled 8.76 miles. On this day the alligators were hiding. Maybe next time we will catch a glimpse?

Bill B has sent us a wonderful photo album which catches the essence of our paddle. Click on the link to view: https://picasaweb.google.com/b.billings/TuesdayOctober232012MerchantsMillPond?authkey=Gv1sRgCM_9uJyK5o6IQQ&feat=email

Ellis