Tuesday, 25 October 2011 Poropotank paddle:
It was a cool crisp morning registering 50 degrees at Tanyard Landing on the Poropotank River where we launched our kayaks--no canoes on this trip. Bill B had started out at 6:15 from the city of Franklin to get to our landing north of the York River. He had some energy left so he must of had a good breakfast. Jeanette C, Jean Br, Sandy R, and Brian rounded out the small group for this trip. Most Tuesday Groupers were preoccupied with other activities but today they paid a price--the temperature rose rapidly to perfection with the full sun. A cool breeze to start turned into a warm breeze at our backs. Not a cloud in the sky, and leaves just starting to tempt with color greeted the paddlers as they paddled five miles up the river. Birds were active: Kingfisher, Blue Heron, and Bald Eagles were sighted. Heard as well was the sound of a woodpecker on one of many possible homes in the old forest lining the river. As the group paddled up the river, the temperature became perfect for the days activity (this is Brian being subtle saying you guys should have showed up!). With the "perfect" weather, the spirits of the group rose to such a level that at the end of the paddle, the bridge on route 14, the group said to hell with it and paddled under the bridge and kept going. This was a first. It helped that we had high tide to our advantage. Finally a fallen tree blocked our path and reminded us we really were hungry for lunch. So we turned around. When we reached "Shoe Suck Point" we embarked for lunch. We learned from one of our earlier outings that we should plan for a higher tide when eating lunch at this spot. Otherwise you will lose a shoe in the mud at low tide. We had no problem this trip. Some did not want to leave the spot--it was a real treat to be so warm at this time of year. (Subtle hint: eat your heart out the rest of you). We gently launched the boats (come back, Lettis) We then paddled back to the take out, buttoned up our equipment, and took a chance that Short Lane Ice Creamery would be open. It was! It is open for four more days. We gorged on really good ice cream on this warm gorgeous day. Good weather, good friends, and good ice cream. We were in heaven.
B.S.
Link to Bill B's picture album: https://picasaweb.google.com/117475145040031402609/October26201102?authkey=Gv1sRgCIbLv9nFoO3cRQ&feat=email