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All seven of us were thrilled with this Epic 15 mile paddle down the Nottoway River! Our only problems occurred days before we started paddling. Originally, 15 paddlers signed up, but then all sorts of things went wrong. We had people cancelling for everything from sick dogs to sore shoulders and even broken bones! Some even changed their minds when common sense told them they might not be ready for a 15 mile paddle. Experienced paddlers Bill, Bruce, Margaret, Richard, Steve L, Steve C, and Cindi did show up ready to take on the wilderness. I was thrilled Tuesday morning when Jim arrived right on time because he was the key to the entire adventure. He drove the Village at Woods Edge Shuttle Bus that made it possible to park our vehicles at Dockside, at the take out. Jim used the bus to bring all the drivers from Dockside to Hercules where we had left our six boats. Thanks to Volunteer Vivian, plus Margaret and Cindi for looking after the boats during the hour shuttle of vehicles.
The weather on the Nottoway was perfect with a high of 89 degrees and low humidity. There was almost no wind, just a light cooling breeze. We even had almost a knot of current to help us along the way. There was not another boat on the river all day and we made the 15 scenic miles in seven hours including a special lunch. The paddling on the river was wonderful! When we paddled up to the Bronco Rod and Gun Club for lunch we were greeted by cheering residents of the Village at Woods Edge who had invited us to eat lunch with them at their picnic outing. They were waving signs to congratulate us as we paddled in. What fun! Bobby Turner was there to greet us too. He is the one who shuttled us on the three Epic Blackwater River Tuesday paddles. The Village’s executive chef was there and he really put on a culinary show! It was no ordinary picnic. “Grilled Hotdogs at the riverfront by The Village’s Executive Chef, chips, Homemade from Director of Life Enrichment’s Pasta Salad and Strawberry Pretzel Salad, Homemade from Wellness Coordinator’s Potato Salad, and Homemade from Executive Director’s Fruit Trifle. Fresh lemonade and, bananas and peanuts to complete the kayaking journey.” It was mind boggling! See the pictures. After lunch we left our new friends and started paddling the last 6 ½ miles to Dockside at Battle Beach. It was still very quiet on the river and wilderness paddling was most pleasant. We did see a big snake but he had eaten so much he was totally into digesting! We also saw three bald eagles but they were too fast for me to shoot (with my camera)! We made it to Dockside and our vehicles at 4 PM with a wonderful sense of satisfaction. It was a beautiful trip with some nice people. I want to thank Bruce for helping put this all together. And a special thanks to Billie Turner CEO of the Village at Woods Edge* for the shuttle and the awesome lunch.
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https://www.villageatwoodsedge.com/
Bill Billings
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