2007-05-29
2007-05-28 Drum Inlet
Here is our proposed paddle trail. We did it going out pretty well but coming home we became blown off course by the wind and tides. In retrospect we could have paddled to Cedar Island very easily and three times as fast! This was a ten mile trip.
What a day we had today! It was supposed to be calm. And it was not bad
starting out as the early pictures will show. When we got up to Halls
Point the wind had come up. This is when we should have had presence of
mind enough to change our paddle plans. Right there we should have
turned and gone up Thorofare Bay.But we did not.
We then headed across the open water to Core Banks. I was hard paddling
angling into the wind somewhat.We went past Dump Island into a twisting,
winding natural channel across the delta nature has formed at the Core
Sound side of this, the Old Drum Inlet. We had lunch here and then
walked to to the ocean side beach.
Several RVs were there on the wide beach. Many were fishing. It is a
lovely spot.
After lunch we continued along the same natural channel. There were
several natural channels off of it. The one we took ended up too thin
with water and we got out three times. Our boats would float but not
with us in them. High tide would be a good time to explore this area.
At one point a deep hole existed and large fish were congregated in it.
We all wish we had our fishing poles with us.
Here is the picture story of the trip. Very little trash this trip. A
few cans and bottles and three pieces of Styrofoam at the inlet.
Jeannie Kraus, left, Jack Cleaves, center and Fern Winborne, right. Fern wanted to go with us but she had her grand child with here on this private beach where we launched in Atlantic.
Jeannie Kraus, left, Jack Cleaves, center and Fern Winborne, right. Fern wanted to go with us but she had her grand child with here on this private beach where we launched in Atlantic.
Fern and her grand child and Jack Cleaves with is hand made kayak he made himself. Notice how calm the water is.
This is Al Morris in his tandem kayak.
We headed across to Core Banks as planned. We shortly came upon fishing
nets strung out on poles which guided the fish into holding areas.
hundreds of pelicans found this to be a bread basket. They were lined up
on the nets balancing themselves on the top of the line supporting the
nets. They left now and then to dive into the water for a fish. It made
a sight to behold.
Taking pictures of them was very difficult. If we stopped paddling we
would immediately be blown into the nets. One man alone paddling could
not keep our canoe off them.
Hundreds of pelicans
We then headed across the open water to Core Banks. It was hard paddling
angling into the wind somewhat.We went past Dump Island into a twisting,
winding natural channel across the delta nature has formed at the Core
Sound side of this, the Old Drum Inlet. We had lunch here and then
walked over to the ocean side beach.
Several RVs were there on the wide beach. Many were fishing. It is a
lovely spot. David Roach with his sit-on-top kayak.
Jeannie Kraus in the shade and out of the wind under Al Morris's beach umbrella staked down. with Jack Cleves and Elmer Eddy on the right.
Looking North into infinity over a broad flat beach.
Looking South toward the new Drum Inlet. Looking at motor boats in the Old Channels give you the appearance that they are motor boating across the sandy beach. You don't see any water.
A Redwinged Blackbird on Core Banks our National Seashore.
Cottage on Dump Island. We had a good view as we walked our boats past the island. Th history of this building would be interesting. Its future is not very promising!
Another view.
After lunch we continued along the same natural channel. There were
several natural channels off of it. The one we took ended up too thin
with water and we got out three times. Our boats would float but not
with us in them. High tide would be a good time to explore this area.
At one point a deep hole existed and large fish were congregated in it.
We all wish we had our fishing poles with us. That's us looking into the deep hole with the big fish in it. I wish I had jumped in. It would have scared the fish out to where we could catch them in the shallow water.
Maneuvering over low water at low tide in the delta inside Core Banks at
Old Drum Inlet.
We finally got off the shallow delta and into deeper water. The wind was
stronger than ever and not conducive to getting back to Atlantic. We had
agreed to stick together and head directly into the wind and then turn
toward Atlantic. This worked for the kayaks but Ed and I found ourselves
being blown up Core Sound as we inched our way toward the western shore.
We ended up on shore just below Halls Point. The regular tide and the
wind tide and the wind itself made a very strong current along the shore
line.
David Roach, fortunately for us, stuck with us. We walked along the
shore around a point to a sandy cove. It was here David had discovered
the huge bear tracks.
We rested and then tide a tow rope to Dave's kayak. He did to not have
to actually tow us. This just kept our prow headed into the wind. We
made it to a restaurant with ramp at the north end of Atlantic. David
went on and Ed and it pulled out here. A young man drove me to my truck.
No one else was there and no one was in sight out on the water.
I was soon back for Ed and the canoe. And when we got back all were
there safe and sound, but two hours later than planned.
Fresh bear tracks we found while walking our boats near Halls Point. We put the Dr.Pepper can there for comparison.
It was a lot of tough paddling but well worth it. As you see it was relatively calm starting out. We know now when we are to paddle to Core Banks to set up a shuttle at the put in and paddle with the prevailing wind to it and also have our take
out further along the Sound so we can paddle with the wind to it too in coming back to the mainland.
In short, always design paddle trips to go with the wind!
Next Saturday, June 2, we will join the Neuse River Days activities at Union Point in New Bern, NC.
It was a lot of tough paddling but well worth it. As you see it was relatively calm starting out. We know now when we are to paddle to Core Banks to set up a shuttle at the put in and paddle with the prevailing wind to it and also have our take
out further along the Sound so we can paddle with the wind to it too in coming back to the mainland.
In short, always design paddle trips to go with the wind!
Next Saturday, June 2, we will join the Neuse River Days activities at Union Point in New Bern, NC.
Elmer Eddy
Elmer, The White Oak River Trashman
Stewards of The White Oak River Basin
101 River Reach Drive West,
Swansboro, NC. 28584
910-389-4588 e-mail: elmer@whiteoakstewards.org
Please visit our website: http://www.whiteoakstewards.org/
"If no one litters, there will be no litter!”
Elmer, The White Oak River Trashman
Stewards of The White Oak River Basin
101 River Reach Drive West,
Swansboro, NC. 28584
910-389-4588 e-mail: elmer@whiteoakstewards.org
Please visit our website: http://www.whiteoakstewards.org/
"If no one litters, there will be no litter!”
2007-05-28
Catfish Lake
2007-05-26
2007-05-28, Atlantic to Core Banks
Memorial Day weather predicted for slick calm to low and variable winds. We are taken advantage of this fine weather to explore the Last Frontier of America, North Carolina's Outer Banks. Al Morris of Smyrna has arrange this trip for us. Here is what he says:
"Paddle trip from Atlantic to Core Banks, North of Drum Inlet. Good
chance to pick up some clams. We will meet at 09:00, Nature Center in
Smyrna. The Nature Center is located 13 miles East on Hwy 70 from
"Paddle trip from Atlantic to Core Banks, North of Drum Inlet. Good
chance to pick up some clams. We will meet at 09:00, Nature Center in
Smyrna. The Nature Center is located 13 miles East on Hwy 70 from
Beaufort. From the stop sign in Smyrna, The Nature Center
will be across the road. We will travel as a group to Atlantic and launch
if front of the home of Harry Michael and Ann Fulcher. From there we
will follow the shore line to Halls Point before crossing Core Sound.
At this point it is around three miles but you can walk most of it. Paddlers
should bring spray skirts, approved PFDs, sun screen, bug repellent, food
and plenty of water. If you want to clam, bring rakes and buckets (or sacks).
Skill level should be Intermediate or Experienced due to paddling in open waters.
Difficulty is expected to be Easy, however due to winds and tide, that could change.
If for some reason, an alternate paddle could be from Sea Level to Long Bay and
back".We expect to be off the water by 3:00. Please join us if you can. If anyone would like to ride and/or paddle
with me I would welcome their company. Elmer
_____
2007-05-25
2007-05-23 Bogue Sound, North Carolina, Sugarloaf Island to Hoop Pole Creek
We paddled out to Sugarloaf and picked up trash at the West end of the island.There was a strong NE wind so we paddled back to the 11th Street put in and set up a shuttle to Hoop Pole Creek. WE had planned to paddle around Sugarloaf and Brandt Islands. This is a view from the sand spit at the west end of Sugarloaf looking back at Morehead City. This sandy point seems to be growing rapidly.
Left to right: Elmer Eddy from Swansboro, Al Morris from Smyrna, and Jack Cleaves from Cedar Point.
We paddled out to Sugarloaf and picked up trash at the West end of the island.There was a strong NE wind so we paddled back to the 11th Street put in and set up a shuttle to Hoop Pole Creek. WE had planned to paddle around Sugarloaf and Brandt Islands. This is a view from the sand spit at the west end of Sugarloaf looking back at Morehead City. This sandy point seems to be growing rapidly.
Left to right: Elmer Eddy from Swansboro, Al Morris from Smyrna, and Jack Cleaves from Cedar Point.
There was plenty of broken glass and other trash on the sand on Sugarloaf.
These are some of the broken glass pieces we picked up on the sand bar
at the western end of Sugarloaf Island.
We could not remove this lumber!
It is full of dangerous nails!
En-route to Hoop Pole.This is the bridge to Atlantic beach.Check the waves from the wind at our back.
We easily maintained a 4mph paddle rate.
We easily maintained a 4mph paddle rate.
Al Morris entering the marina area at the West end of the bridge. There is a public ramp at the end of this canal
but very little parking space.
but very little parking space.
Jack Cleaves in his beautiful wooden kayak that he made.
A clutch of Mallard duck eggs at the Crows Nest Marina.
The ladies at the Crows Nest Marina fuel dock were very kind to allow us to take out at their ramp and have lunch at the New York Deli. The shrimp salad and hamburger and a cold beer! AHHHH! A far cry from our usual lunches.
Note the Crow's Nest Marina flags in the wind.
It was only 4 miles to Hoop Pole. It is a pretty creek and it was very inviting to get in out of the wind. We arrived just after 2PM. We turned too early into the marshes but it was fun exploring them. There are a myriad of canals west of The Crows Nest Marina that we did not explore. We will do them another day.
Sunday or Monday a slick calm is predicted. We hope Al Morris will have a down east trip planned for us. If Al can't make it we plan to put in and take out at the new Wildlife Ramp on Oyster Creek and paddle across Core Sound to Horse Island and Great Island and Core Banks. More later. Elmer
Sunday or Monday a slick calm is predicted. We hope Al Morris will have a down east trip planned for us. If Al can't make it we plan to put in and take out at the new Wildlife Ramp on Oyster Creek and paddle across Core Sound to Horse Island and Great Island and Core Banks. More later. Elmer
Elmer Eddy
Elmer, The White Oak River Trashman
Stewards of The White Oak River Basin
101 River Reach Drive West,
Swansboro, NC. 28584
910-389-4588 e-mail: elmer@whiteoakstewards.org
Please visit our website: http://www.whiteoakstewards.org/
"If no one litters, there will be no litter!”
Elmer, The White Oak River Trashman
Stewards of The White Oak River Basin
101 River Reach Drive West,
Swansboro, NC. 28584
910-389-4588 e-mail: elmer@whiteoakstewards.org
Please visit our website: http://www.whiteoakstewards.org/
"If no one litters, there will be no litter!”
2007-05-23, Sugarloaf Island to Hoop Hole Creek, Around Bogue Sound
2007-05-19
2007-05-16 Bogue Sound
Spooners Creek to 11th Street Morehead City
8 miles is what we paddled today. This is where we started out in the sheltered waters of Spooners Creek off
Harbor Drive. Notice how calm the water is inside this creek.
Big home. Big boat too! That is Julia Miner in her kayak for comparison.
Another big boat. This one is in Peletier Creek.
This is our lunch stop on a sandy beach at the mouth of Peletier Creek
Here are today's participants. L/R, Jim Morris from Morehead City, Julia Minor from Arapahoe,
Elmer Eddy from Swansboro, Gary Scruggs from Newport and Ed Gruca, our photographer from
Emerald Isle. As you can see from the trash bags this nice sandy beach also collects trash and
litter. Our Big Boat friends need to secure their trash.
Elmer at the take out at 11th Street in Morehead City. Notice the white caps and breaking waves.
The wind was south, southwest and strong. We were sailing along at near 4 miles per hour past the
Morehead City shore line.
Gary went ashore at a sandy beach at the end of Mansfield Parkway and along Shore Drive. We
understand the Access Committee has recommended that a Canoe & Kayak Access to Bogue Sound be
designated here. We sure hope his does materialize.
We went by the college and the Wildlife Ramp and under the high rise bridge. We arrived early at
11th Street after a most enjoyable and fruitful day on the water.
All are invited to join us on these trips. Elmer
Harbor Drive. Notice how calm the water is inside this creek.
This is another of the beautiful homes along the shores of Spooners Creek
Here is another one.
These are the new condominiums being built in place of the ages of and famous
Spooners Creek Marina where boats from all over the world used to spend the night.
Spooners Creek Marina where boats from all over the world used to spend the night.
These pretty maidens were cleaning this lovely boat in Peletier Creek
This is the Ditch Dawg returning home to Peletier Creek where we had lunch after exploring all four prongs of Peletier Creek.
Here are today's participants. L/R, Jim Morris from Morehead City, Julia Minor from Arapahoe,
Elmer Eddy from Swansboro, Gary Scruggs from Newport and Ed Gruca, our photographer from
Emerald Isle. As you can see from the trash bags this nice sandy beach also collects trash and
litter. Our Big Boat friends need to secure their trash.
That gentleman across the creek from our lunch stop invited us to clean up over there too.
Another shot of the clean up efforts. That is Elmer and Gary. Gary is also the Newport River Trashman!.
Elmer and Jim picking up litter. Jim will be cruising Alaskan waters next week.
The wind was south, southwest and strong. We were sailing along at near 4 miles per hour past the
Morehead City shore line.
Gary went ashore at a sandy beach at the end of Mansfield Parkway and along Shore Drive. We
understand the Access Committee has recommended that a Canoe & Kayak Access to Bogue Sound be
designated here. We sure hope his does materialize.
We went by the college and the Wildlife Ramp and under the high rise bridge. We arrived early at
11th Street after a most enjoyable and fruitful day on the water.
Elmer Eddy
Elmer, The White Oak River Trashman
Stewards of The White Oak River Basin
101 River Reach Drive West,
Swansboro, NC. 28584
910-389-4588 e-mail: elmer@whiteoakstewards.org
Please visit our website: http://www.whiteoakstewards.org/
"If no one litters, there will be no litter!”
Elmer, The White Oak River Trashman
Stewards of The White Oak River Basin
101 River Reach Drive West,
Swansboro, NC. 28584
910-389-4588 e-mail: elmer@whiteoakstewards.org
Please visit our website: http://www.whiteoakstewards.org/
"If no one litters, there will be no litter!”
2007-05-17
Spooners Creek to 11th Street Morehead City
8 miles is what we paddled today. This is where we started out in the sheltered waters of Spooners Creek off
Harbor Drive. We picked up a little trash here on both sides of the road. Notice the calm protected water.
Harbor Drive. We picked up a little trash here on both sides of the road. Notice the calm protected water.
2007-05-14
2007-05-16, Spooners Creek to Morehead City, NC, Around Bogue Sound
2007-05-16, this Wednesday, we will continue our tour, Around Bogue
Sound. This will finish up the northern shore. We will meet at 9:00 am
and put in at Harbor Drive on Spooners Creek where we put in last week
to go west. This time we will go east to 10th or 11th Street (your
choice) in Morehead City. We anticipate a southwest wind. We will circle
Sugar loaf Island if time permits.
Along the way we will explore all four prongs of Peletier Creek As is
usual we will pick up all trash along the way. We expect to be off the
water by 3:00 pm. All are invited to join us.
If those in or near Morehead can set up the shuttle like you did last
time that will be very time savings for all and we will appreciate it.
Elmer
2007-05-13
2007-05-11 Bogue Sound, NC.
Spooners Creek to Gales Creek
We had to cancel this trip twice due to bad winds. The water had a
mirror surface when we put in off Harbor Drive on Spooners Creek this
morning. The shores are lined with beautiful homes. We turned up a
branch toward Bryan Street and circled a marsh island. Further up we
came to this island which is in front of our Coastal Carolina Canoe &
Kayak Club's President, Dr. Earl Gross.
mirror surface when we put in off Harbor Drive on Spooners Creek this
morning. The shores are lined with beautiful homes. We turned up a
branch toward Bryan Street and circled a marsh island. Further up we
came to this island which is in front of our Coastal Carolina Canoe &
Kayak Club's President, Dr. Earl Gross.
This is his lovely home.
This is a gentleman we talked to past Earl's house.
That is Ed Gruca of Emerald Isle, rear, and Elmer Eddy of Swansboro.
of the founding Stewards of The White Oak River Basin who cleared the
White Oak River of all litter and trash in 2,001 and 2002. Gary is in his
brand new very light weight Wenonah Canoe.
More nice homes and boats.
These golden flowers in abundance were especially attractive.
Dale Weston of Jacksonville on phone from his brother in Florida. Behind
him is part of the long stretch of undeveloped land giving Spooners Creek
a wilderness appearance right here in Morehead City.
The above is the house on the point. Notice the flags are hanging straight
down.This is where we exited Spooners Creek. Below is our lunch stop
along Bogue Sound. The water is so shallow one has to paddle way out
from shore to avoid being grounded on sand bars.
The mouth of Gales Creek from Route 24. The wind came up a little and was
from the south to southeast. The waves from the wake of the boats on the
ICW broke when they reached the shallow water where we were paddling
and would fill our boats with water unless we turned directly into them.
It was an excellent day on the water and made for a very enjoyable trip.
Next week, Wednesday we are planing to complete our paddle of the north
shore of Bogue Sound from Spooners Creek to the Newport River. More
later. Elmer
him is part of the long stretch of undeveloped land giving Spooners Creek
a wilderness appearance right here in Morehead City.
High ground in the background. Bill Murray of Pine Knoll Shores on the left.
Elmer and Ed coming at you and Jim Morris of Morehead City on the right.
Elmer and Ed coming at you and Jim Morris of Morehead City on the right.
We believe that is the home of the golfer Curtis Strange on the left.
The above is the house on the point. Notice the flags are hanging straight
down.This is where we exited Spooners Creek. Below is our lunch stop
along Bogue Sound. The water is so shallow one has to paddle way out
from shore to avoid being grounded on sand bars.
The whole bunch at Brandywine Bay. Bob Welden of Morehead City on the
left, then Ed Gruca if Emerald Isle, Dale Weston of Jacksonville, Julia Miner
of Arapahoe, Bill Murray of Pine Knoll Shores, Gary Scruggs of Newport and
Jim Morris of Morehead City.
left, then Ed Gruca if Emerald Isle, Dale Weston of Jacksonville, Julia Miner
of Arapahoe, Bill Murray of Pine Knoll Shores, Gary Scruggs of Newport and
Jim Morris of Morehead City.
Now, here we are at our exit or take out access on Gales Creek. Look at
the rip rap. It is a hazard and very dangerous to walk over, let alone doing
it carrying our boats. We are sending this and the following pictures to
NCDOT and asking them to please cover this rip rap with gravel to restore
this natural access to these waters here.
the rip rap. It is a hazard and very dangerous to walk over, let alone doing
it carrying our boats. We are sending this and the following pictures to
NCDOT and asking them to please cover this rip rap with gravel to restore
this natural access to these waters here.
from the south to southeast. The waves from the wake of the boats on the
ICW broke when they reached the shallow water where we were paddling
and would fill our boats with water unless we turned directly into them.
Next week, Wednesday we are planing to complete our paddle of the north
shore of Bogue Sound from Spooners Creek to the Newport River. More
later. Elmer
Elmer Eddy
Elmer, The White Oak River Trashman
Stewards of The White Oak River Basin
101 River Reach Drive West,
Swansboro, NC. 28584
910-389-4588 e-mail: elmer@whiteoakstewards.org
Please visit our website: http://www.whiteoakstewards.org/
"If no one litters, there will be no litter!”
Elmer, The White Oak River Trashman
Stewards of The White Oak River Basin
101 River Reach Drive West,
Swansboro, NC. 28584
910-389-4588 e-mail: elmer@whiteoakstewards.org
Please visit our website: http://www.whiteoakstewards.org/
"If no one litters, there will be no litter!”
2007-05-08
2007-05-11, this Friday, Gales Creek to Spooners Creek
We will meet at 9am on the southwest shoulder of the bridge over Gales
Creek on Route 24. We will take out about 3 at the access on Harbor
Drive, the street opposite Wal-Mart on Rte 24. The access is on the left
a short way down the street. If those coming from that direction could
set the shuttle up here it would save us that time.
We will explore all side creeks looking for possible accesses and
picking up all litter. Thanks and please join us if you can. Elmer
Creek on Route 24. We will take out about 3 at the access on Harbor
Drive, the street opposite Wal-Mart on Rte 24. The access is on the left
a short way down the street. If those coming from that direction could
set the shuttle up here it would save us that time.
We will explore all side creeks looking for possible accesses and
picking up all litter. Thanks and please join us if you can. Elmer
2007-05-03
2007-05-02 "Around Bogue Sound"
Broad Creek to Gales Creek
From the Osprey Oaks Marina on Broad Creek at route 24 we paddled up the west Prong
of Broad Creek This is a private Marina and there is a launching fee. The owner graciously
allows us to sue his ramp as we pick trash on our paddles.
high in the pines making this lovely picture possible.
The land on the left is, we believe, the Patsy Pond area of Croatan Forest along Broad Creek.
We are wondering if a Canoe & Kayak Access could be made here to provide Canoe & Kayak
Access to Broad Creek and Bogue Sound. This is would fulfill sorely needed public access to
these waters and add greatly to recreational value of Croatan Forest.
We wonder what the story behind this sign.
End of the paddle on the West Prong of Broad Creek. Perhaps we can schedule another trip
to clear out these blown dead red cedar trees killed by hurricanes. Perhaps there is a good
access place up further. The water is still plenty deep to continue paddling upstream.
This is an unusual boat storage facility up the East Prong of Broad Creek.
This is an existing private ramp on Nine Mile Road where Rollingwood
Drive joins Nine Mile Road. It is on a dug canal off of the East Prong
of Broad Creek, We understand it is owned by R. Wayne Gibson, 120
Rollingwood Drive. There is good off road parking and it would make an
excellent access for Canoes & Kayaks to use the waters of Broad Creek
and Bogue Sound. Perhaps Carteret County could lease the Ramp Area from
Mr. Gibson for this purpose.
Take out on Gales Creek on the left at Camp E-Ma-Henwu who graciously let us use their
private access here on the left. On the right now is the end is the old Swansboro to
Newport Road. There was a bridge here. That must be public land where the old road meets
the river on the west side. Could Carteret County simply declare this as a Canoe & Kayak
Access? That is all it would take to provide the public with an access here to Gale Creek
and Bogue Sound.
In between Broad Creek and Gales Creek we had quite a ride going down Bogue Sound.
The heavy, gusty wind conditions duplicated what we had last week. The water was very
shallow and the waves broke over the sand bars. We made 2 miles per hour with out paddling
but guiding our canoes was a constant problem.
We ate our lunch on a shell beach probably at the end of Jones Landing Road. We plan to
continue our tour around Bogue Sound but again cannot find public accesses to do so.
So, tentatively we will meet at 9:00 on the south west shoulder of Route 24 bridge over Gales
Creek. Share a ride people park here. We will have to climb over some rip-rap to get on the
water. We have had permission to take out on Spooners Creek before and are checking that
out again now. We are planning on Wednesday if the weather is good.
Elmer Eddy
Elmer, The White Oak River Trashman
Stewards of The White Oak River Basin
101 River Reach Drive West,
Swansboro, NC. 28584
910-389-4588 e-mail: elmer@whiteoakstewards.org
Please visit our website: http://www.whiteoakstewards.org/
"If no one litters, there will be no litter!”
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