Saturday 11:30 - 15:00
Wind NW@18 Air:33 Wind Chill:24 Wtr:47
Low Tide 12:41 Distance 8.6 miles
Map of trip
by Steve Rohrs
Bradley, Steve and Julio took advantage of the unexpected snowstorm and took to the water like a flock of ducks. Water levels were at an all time low due to a new spring moon and the build up of silt from the run off from the melting record snowfalls this winter. W could not make it up the Gunpowder as originally planned so we paddled the Bird River instead.
|
The weather varied from snow to sleet to rain and back again. As I left my house it was snowing with a forecast of 3" to 6". |
|
The heavy run off and soggy weather were apparent as we entered into Mariner Point Park to begin our trip. |
|
Cold water temperatures demand proper preparation and dress. With the air temperatures also very cold, we were careful to not only protect ourselves for cold water immersion, but also for cold and wind exposure. Here my son Bradley shows his determination to stay warm ( or maybe rob a bank). |
|
His accomplice was nearby. |
|
We started up the "Channel" of the Gunpowder river, but soon ran aground and were unable to find any way to proceed. Even the marker buoys lying on their sides did not have enough water
|
|
The low water exposed this fish trap, the first time we have seen them here. Some fish made it part way out of the trap before getting their gills caught in the wire mesh. The seagulls were having a field day with those. Sort of like shooting fish in a barrel. |
|
After running aground again in the Bird River we decided to head back. That is Brad paddling ahead after a snack break. The Amtrak bridge is just visible in the distance just in front of Brad's kayak. |
|
Julio decided that there was more water in the puddles next to the parking lot than there was in the river. |
|