A great time was had by 16 paddlers on this new paddle from the Great Bridge Lock Park. The
day was perfect with sunny skies, low humidity, a nice breeze with temperatures in the mid
70’s. We took off from the Park passing the boat entrance to the lock from the Elizabeth River,
but not much boat action yet. We paddled over to a creek off the River and saw an eagle
perched on a large Pine tree just to the left of the entrance, a real treat! We paddled on to a
small lake where calm waters invited us to paddle around it, enjoying ourselves in the quietness
of the moment. We then continued to the next creek off the river, Bells Mill Creek, where we
saw many birds (great egrets, blue herons, and yellow crown night herons, to name a few). This
is where we split up into 2 groups, one group went to the end of the creek, past 2 bridges and
many houses until there was no more water, and had to come back, the other group turned
around much earlier and took more of a leisurely paddle back toward the River. It didn’t
matter, both groups enjoyed themselves. On the way back we were delighted to see a place
where they were making concrete tunnel sections for the new Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel
and the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel. Very interesting, which Bill Billings made a video of,
who knew? As paddled back to the Park, we passed by some beautiful boats that had just come
through the locks, fun to see! As we arrived back at the dock, Bill said we had gone 8.6 miles.
However he was with the group that went farther, so I would say some of us did around 6-7
Miles. All in all a great new paddle where everybody enjoyed themselves!~Bob M.
View Bob's photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZfRabrCP5B2y29cR9
Bob put together a new trip for us that was wonderful! It was amazing that we could paddle in such beautiful water in the middle of the city! Perfect weather too! I was delighted to see where they are making the concrete tunnel sections for the new Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel and the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel. Don't miss the animation I included of the tunnel boring machine.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/nC99mTnSaZRktP2T7
Bill