A Nice Paddle on the Waccamaw River - Friday - August 12, 2011

Nancy had the day off from work so we decided to launch the Sea Eagle this morning.  The weather forecast called for Thunderstorms later today so an early start was the plan.

We were on the river by 8am. The weather was perfect, about 80 degrees and no wind!!

Enterprise Boat Landing – ready to launch.

We paddled about 8 miles. The first 4 miles out were with the current :o)) Of course, that means the last 4 miles back were against the current :o((  Even though the current was not strong, you could still notice the difference.  This is a tidal river and if we could time it right, we could catch the tide change at the half way point and paddle both ways with the current.  We will have to give that a try!!

The eight mile paddle was our longest to date and Nancy’s shoulder held up without any issues.  She uses a standard canoe paddle in lieu of the double bladed kayak paddle. Prior to today, Nancy could only paddle on the right side because of her shoulder problems.  Today, she switched a few times to the left side and managed quite nicely.  WOW, I’m impressed!!

This paddle down the river is an Osprey lovers dream.  From the very beginning, we heard and saw Osprey after Osprey!!This Osprey was on a nest, but took off as we approached.

The chicks are no longer in the nests.  However, the nest will be used again next year.

These nest are REALLY BIG!!

This Osprey is getting head start on a new nest!! 

 

As you paddle along, you can hear the Osprey’s warning calls.  We can usually spot them from a distance, but once we get too close, they take to the air!!This one flew right over our heads :o)))

However, this Osprey never flinched, it just stared at us!!

While the Osprey were everywhere, we did see a few other interesting things.Big and Little Turtle

Pileated Woodpecker

Here we are at Channel Marker #3.

Captain Bill decided to continue on to Channel Market #4. Along the way, we saw this tree which was broken and stuck on itself.  Not sure what is holding the broken piece up???

Next came a tree with a strange fungus growing on it!!

We finally reach Channel Marker #4. At this point, we turned around and headed back toward the landing.

It took us about 2 hours to reach this point.

The paddle back was really nice most of the way.  Not as many Osprey around now, but we did see this Kingfisher.

Belted Kingfisher

The views along the river were beautiful.

The sun decided to come out and the temperature was rising. Both of us were sweating so we pulled the kayak into a little tree covered cove to take a break.Nancy hooked her paddle to hold us steady. She had brought bananas, power bars and cold drinks.  It tasted great and we needed the energy;o)))   Note to self: bring a sweat towel next time!!

Little Yellow Flower by Nancy’s Foot

After a nice rest and snack we continued down the river.  However, now we were no longer alone.  It was getting close to 11am and the power boats were destroying our peaceful paddle:o))  I know we have to share, but I don’t have to like it ;o((

We did have fun rolling over their wakes!!

We finally reach the intercoastal waterway and paddled towards the landing. These young men were enjoying the warm weather and water!!

We got home got home about 12:30pm—just in time to clean up the Sea Eagle before the thunder and lightening started.  GOOD TIMING!!  We had a great time on the river today!! It felt good to be back doing the things we love to do!! Now just two more weeks and Nancy will be allowed to get back on her bike….can’t wait!!