Knott's Island Paddle 7/7/15

Today July 7, was a special Tuesday Group for me. It was my Birthday, and I spent it with my wife and 23 other Tuesday Groupers. As we all met there at the put-in on Knott’s Island for a 6 mile paddle over to Carova, which is on the northern end of the outer banks of North Carolina, the wind was calm. For as long as a trip to this spot was, everyone was on time and we all left by 9:45. Heading north for a short time we then turned towards the east and after a short stop for everyone to catch up we paddled up into one of the many canals to our destination, a small park next to the Fire House. The group, all 24, hiked over to the beach and as some stood and enjoyed the cool breezes and cool water, others flew kites and a few even went swimming. After about 45 minutes the group headed back to the boats and each picked up their lunch and we all headed down Ocean Pearl Rd. to Ernie Bowden's House where we had our lunch. Ernie turned 90 this year and has lived in this area all of his life working as a House Mover, had a Dredging Company, a Farmer where he had cattle and buffalo, a Fisherman, ran one of the many Duck Hunting Clubs that once sprung up around the late 1800’s and worked as commissioner for this area for many years. We sat and ate our lunch as he began to talk about the times and places that he had lived through for the past 90 years. Here is where Phyllis pulls out a Birthday Cake that she had brought over in her kayak for me and for all to enjoy. Phyllis, sorry for asking, why are you bringing so much gear for a short paddle? From now on you bring as much cake as you want. Leaving Carova around 2:00 P.M. we headed back down the canal and out into Knotts Island Bay with a little more wind than we had on the way over. It was coming from the south and I could see some of the boats being pushed a little to the north but everyone over powered the wind and made it back to the put-in. Here we loaded our boats and said our good-by’s and a few headed to Pungo Pizza & Ice Cream Parlor for their evening meal and to let the traffic die down some. Thanks for all that paddled today and sang Happy Birthday to me, you all sounded great. Phyllis thanks again for the cake. Bruce

Check out Bill's pictures: https://picasaweb.google.com/117475145040031402609/TuesKnottsIslandCarovaJuly720156MilesBruce?authkey=Gv1sRgCKfK5-uiw6LFWA&feat=email