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Day 156 (a slight change of plans)

5/10/2010

11 Comments

 
Daily stats
Start: 5:50 AM- Cedar Point, NC (Barrier Island Kayaks)
Finish: 3:30 PM - Core Creek, NC (ICW)
Time: 9:40
Daily dist: 30 miles
Total dist: 3000+ miles
Companions: None
Weather: ENE wind 10-15 (head wind) chilly temps high barely 70 late in the day
Notes: Headwinds slowed me the first five hours then I ended up working against a tidal flow the last three hours.
One could say that I have every right to change my mind. After all I’m the one that has to deal with the repercussions of the decisions I make, good and bad. After two days of considering every conceivable route from Cedar Point, NC to Norfolk, VA I had finally decided to run along the west side of the Outer Banks traversing the length of Pamlico Sound. The route would follow along one of the most remote strips of land on the east coast passing by small villages along the way. The route is not without its drawbacks however, it would wind through famously shallow and shoaly water which would require me to often paddle at least two miles off shore to be in water deep enough to ensure efficient progress. Running so far from shore would mean that the remote and beautiful islands I had meant to see would be mere strips of green separating the blue of the water from the blue of the sky. The only time I’d have a chance to see “The Banks” up close would be when I wound my way through the shallows back to shore.

Picture
Having passed through the upper Big Bend area of Florida running well off shore I know how un-exciting that kind of paddling can be. Then when it came to finding camp sites I would have essentially been winging it knowing that the mouths of inlets would provide sandy breaks in the marsh grass on which to camp. Or, as I’d been informed, often duck blinds can make good impromptu camp sites when one can’t negotiate the shallows to get to shore.

As I paddled into the wind this morning, I considered and re-considered my reasons for wanting to paddle the Outer Banks. When I finally thought it through my reason was because I’d heard so much about the area. It seems as though I’d heard from dozens of people who’d camped out there. The reality is though that those people didn’t paddle the entire length of the barrier islands. Instead they took shorter trips to the premier spots most often in the southern most uninhabited islands. Those kinds of trips allow you to see and experience the best of a place while avoiding some of the not so good parts. With this in mind I weighed my options of the Outer Banks route I’d plotted through shallow, often unmarked, water two miles from shore, to camp sites I was not sure about - verses the ICW which is well marked in deep water with spoil islands to camp on in many places.

Picture
Traffic on the ICW viewed from camp
So, by the time I reached Morehead City my mind was made up, I’d decided to run the ICW. The Outer Banks would have to wait for my return with a surf boat to frolic in the famous waves on the outside and with friends to take along to enjoy the famous camping there is to be had in the remote islands. For now I’ll be sticking to a sure route that will keep me moving toward the main target way back in Wisconsin. This “alternative” route will not be without its interesting bits. The ICW between here and Norfolk runs well inland along a mixture of long canals and large (actually huge) rivers and sounds which will offer significant challenges and sill provide natural beauty in abundance. Now it’s up to me to sort out the details of the next six days of paddling.

11 Comments
Tootie
5/10/2010 11:09:12 am

Hi Jake

I finally get to be number 1! Nice campsite and pictures. Hope the weather stays nice and you have good paddling. Stay safe! Really enjoy going along on your voyage by your blog and pictures. Keep up the good work.

Reply
maly kvetos
5/10/2010 11:25:49 am

Fascinating

Reply
Teresa B
5/10/2010 12:58:43 pm

Glad to hear all is well Jake - I read your post everyday that you post one! (and can't wait to read the next one!).

You have met the most generous people on your trip! I thank them all!

God Bless and stay safe on "your most excellent adventure"!

Reply
Andy
5/10/2010 09:47:38 pm

Sounds like a good choice, Jake. The ICW sound more interesting and you should make better time. Keep paddling and we'll all be thinking about you.

Reply
Lyn Stachovak
5/11/2010 12:07:46 am

Jake! You're turning into a wuss... What's this about the day being chilly (only almost 70)? When you get back to Wisconsin you're going to call that a great summer day!

Good choice with using the ICW. I'd hate the thought of you being 2 miles out to sea in your kayak.

We had to cut the two willows that graced the backyard down yesterday. There was no saving them from this past weekends heavy wet snow. Oh well. Now we just have to decide if we're going to try another one or do something else to fill the empty space. Makes the yard look twice as big tho - kinda like that and I'm getting used to the trees being gone already.

Keep paddling and enjoy your stay with friends in Norfolk. You should make it there in time to catch up with them now.

Dad and I love you.

Mom

Reply
Sean F. link
5/11/2010 01:48:17 am

Good Morning Jake, SOOOO Glad to hear you got your SPOT working again! Hey, will be thinking about you this weekend as Kevin, Peggy, Jeff & I are heading up to Silver River area- Oklawaha River & Juniper Creek for a Kayaking Poker Run and quiet paddle on Sun.- (Juniper Creek) and of course some camping and awesome food around the fire. Wish you were there- but you got some paddling to do!! Well here is your GulfCoast Paddling Posse cheering section- GO, JAKE, GO!!!!!

P.S. No OIL yet on our beaches, wish it were that way everywhere... UGHH.

- Sean

Reply
Taylor Burch
5/11/2010 06:37:40 am

If you stop in Belhaven, checkout the Belhaven Memorial Museum. I have fond childhood memories of browsing that strange and eclectic collection of 'stuff'.

Reply
Larry
5/11/2010 07:26:28 am

I heard back from the SPOT people, saying they personally helped you. I hope that's true. Fair winds and following seas my friend.

Reply
the monroe st lois
5/11/2010 11:54:58 am

Jake you are amazing. Should we be surprised. No. Monroe Street was a good beginning. the lois mom

Reply
Victor Sorensen
5/11/2010 10:42:14 pm

Jake,
Hope the ICW is more scenic & safer for you than paddling off the coast making friends with sea turtles.
Paddle safe & see you soon, food, room, shuttles, etc will be ready... maybe take a "spot" to the rifle range? ;)
Vic

Reply
Cousin Alice
5/13/2010 01:55:48 pm

Hi Jake,
Your adventure is an inspiration. I love the pics-- so beautiful. Keep paddling!
Alice

Reply



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