Paddle For The Border - Part 2

Had to cut the first part short (see Below).

The route followed the Great Dismal Swamp Canal, which parallels Rte. 17, from the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center in South Mills, NC to the Dismal Swamp Boat Ramp in Chesapeake, VA, a total of 7.5 miles. It was a rather long distance for the first paddle of the year, especially since once you start you either have to finish or return to the start. There is really no place to stop and remove the boat from the water.

The first landmark is the Mile Post 28 post just up from the launch. That allows you to count down (27, 26, 25, etc.) so you know how much punishment is left. Took our first break at mile post 25. The Captain was tiring. After a short rest and a Coke, it was back to paddling. Just north of MP 25 is the state line.


Around MP 22, we both were starting to feel the burn, so another short break was in order. then the paddle to the finish. Really pretty uneventful.

Again, this was a very well organized event. All the volunteers and the people we met / talked with were very friendly. What more could you ask for? Good people, good fun, good weather, and a good time had by all.

Ironman St George

Congrats to Beth for her amazing performance in the inaugural Ford Ironman St George. VERY impressive for the first time at the distance. Sans the tire incident, a definite podium performance.

WooooHoooo It's Kayak Time Again

First, let me apologize for not posting in awhile. Since the wedding, things have been kind of busy, with transitioning into maintenance and Gail being at home. Still havn't really gone through the 600 plus photos from that event.

It seems that it has been a real long time since we had the VBK His and VBK Hers on the water. Back in February, during some really cold weather, we saw a newspaper article about an event put on by Chesapeake Parks and Recreation. It's called the Paddle for the Border and attracts paddlers from far and wide. Usually 200 to 300 people sign up. We figured "What the hell" and signed up. During the cold spell we we dreaming of good weather and time on the water. Well, this was the day.

The paddle starts at the Dismal Swamp State Park (actually the North Carolina Tourist Information Center, as well) on Rte. 17 just north of South Mills, NC, and ends at great Dismal Swamp Boat Ramp on the Dismal Swamp Trail at Ballahack Road. Total distance 7.5 miles.

Before any details of the trip, just let me say that this was probably one of the best organized events we have ever attended. EVERYTHING ran as smooth as silk. Although there were a lot of people, there were more than enough volunteers to help unload and launch your boat. After dropping off the boats, you had to drive up to the parking area near the finish, then ride the shuttle bus back to the launch area. They provided breakfast (muffins or egg/sausage sandwich), and lunch (potato salad, beans, apple cookies and a grilled chicken sandwich). In addition, each paddler received a hat and t-shirt. Everyone was friendly, pleasant, and more than willing to provide whatever you needed. Also, the Chesapeake Police Dept. and Fire Dept and the Chesapeake Parks and Recreation Dept. patrolled the waterway providing water and assistance as needed. Great job to all the people involved with making this a great experience. We'll definitely be attending again.

Now the trip. We launched about 8:30. The weather could not have been better. When we left at 6:30 AM, the temp was in the mid-sixties with gentle breezes. At launch time, the temp had risen to the mid-seventies (perfect). Before the end of the paddle, the temp had risen to the low-to-mid eighties.

The Captain checking to see if I can keep up.....
What a trooper....

Happy Happy.........

Quite a few paddlers.....
That's it for now. Got to try and catch Beth's finish of Ironman St George. Should be coming in shortly.