Croatan Salt Water Adventure Trail
SATURDAY Pay Lakes (Maysville) to Long Point (12 miles)
56 to 68 degrees, Overcast w/ winds 5 to 10 WNW
Nineteen paddlers joined the adventure today under threatening weather conditions. The weatherman predicted 90% chance of rain but spirits were high. Following the shuttle of cars to Longs Point, we pushed off (about 10am) through the five quarry lakes and into the White Oak River. Thanks to a grant from Jones County and the hard work of Mike Banks and Elmer Eddy, all of the blow downs were removed along the upper section of the White Oak affording an enjoyable paddle.
Shortly after we entered the river, the lead paddlers came upon a sizable buck deer hiding along rivers edge. Not long after that, Gary demonstrated a wet exit while negotiating the first of many strainers. As each paddler passed by, help was offered but politely refused!
Continued along our journey down the White Oak, a few of the “lead paddlers” noticed something strange. They noticed their downstream journey was against a current??? and suspected they took a wrong turn. Slowly they retraced their route only to run into the rest of the paddle group. Today, tides were exceptionally high and the river current was overwhelmed by the new moon lunar tide pushing waters back upstream. HA HA
Just before our lunch break Ed Gruse joined the paddle group, he paddled up from Haywood Landing. Our lunch break and “visits to the woods” introduced many of us to the “Beggar Lice”, Jim found so many, he resembled a bush!
Can you believe it, mid afternoon and still no rain and is that the sun??
We arrived at Longs Point about 3 pm and 12 campers set up housekeeping right away. Some campers, hearing about a great Seafood Restaurant down the road, a few took off for M&J’s Oyster Bar and returned later with a respectable load of fire wood. The bonfire this evening afforded many paddling stories and of course time to “roast” our only wet exit of the day. Just before bed time, it began to rain and continued the rest of the night.
SUNDAY Long Point to Bear Island via Swansboro (17 to 18 miles)
65 to 75 degrees, Rain/Overcast w/ winds 10 to 20 NE
We delayed departure this morning due to a continuing downpour but as luck would have it… it stopped raining about 9 am so we started our shuttle and the 16 paddlers were able to launch by 10:30 or so. As the river became wider, we began to experience heavy winds across our beam..not a fun direction to paddle but we pressed on! Shortly after Stella, “the sprinters” were taught a valuable lesson. Unaware of a shortcut, 9 paddled more then a mile, only to see the rest of the group in front of them. Imagine their surprise HA HA!
Again today, the high tide dealt us an unusual blow, normally you will find a number of sand beaches along the way for a lunch break but today they were all underwater. Our lunch break (at high tide) today was held in knee deep water, no break for us!
We arrived at the Visitors Center in Swansboro about 3 pm. We said our good-bys to those who had to leave us for one reason or another and began loading our boats for the trip to Bear Island.
As soon as we loaded our camping gear aboard, the 10 boats headed to Bear Island on an out going tide. The quick paddle took us to sites 6,7 and 8 on Bear Island and 8 tents
were up in no time. Darkness fast approached so dinners were quickly prepared. It’s a
shame, the sites were 40 to 50 yards apart so there was little “social time” for the group and mother nature finely released the threatening rain that she contained all day long.
MONDAY Lay Day on Bear Island
65 to 78 degrees, strong AM storms, sun by noon, late pm rain
At 2:30 am, we were greeted by an unwanted visitor … winds exceeding 40 mph, heavy rains and gear failures. Three tents blew over and another with bent poles, campers in their “shorts” trying to reattach the tents to the loose sand and others bailing water! Not a pleasant memory but we lived through it and have stories to tell.
About 8 am or so, all of the campers decided it best to hang out at the park’s restroom building rather just stand there in the rain. Off we hiked with food, cook gear and wet cloths. There we were cooking and eating breakfast when the park rangers walked up.
There are signs “NO TENTS” but it didn’t say no cooking! NO PROBLEMS!! After showers, laundry and breakfast, we all made the best of things. Some laughing at the visitors we uncounted like the snake in the restroom, big spider in the tent and a ghost-crab trying to push its way through the bottom of a tent. We all met Felicia, the only other island camper.
By noon the sun appeared and we enjoyed the ocean view while watching a pod of Dolphins feeding off shore. Many enjoyed watching the flight of a pair of Peregrine Falcons and a sole Bald Eagle. Veterinarian, Dr. Keven, force feed a sick Seagull and allows it to return the wild.
By late afternoon, the bushes around our campsites were littered with drying tent-flies, sleeping bags and rain gear. Clouds started rolling in just before the dinner hour and a rainbow appeared to our east as we watched distant storm clouds moving closer. At bed time, we were again lulled to sleep by light rain showers which ended around midnight.
TUESDAY Bear Island to Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores (over 22 miles)
65 to 79 degrees, PC to sunny, Winds 15 to 20 NNE, gusts to 25
From Bear Island, we paddled past Duddley into the marsh channels to Huggins Islands and on to the wildlife ramp along Hwy 24. There we were abandoned by one paddler and were rejoined by two others. Unfortunately, the paddle from Bear Island and our shuttle to the Aquarium ate valuable time and forced us into an against the tide paddle for more miles then expected. The winds were “in our face” for most of the days paddle… and a real challenge! We chose to paddle the North shore (mainland side) of Bogue Sound to get a little break from the wind/waves. All along our journey today, many of us were greeted by close encounters of curious dolphins.
As the day wore on, the entire group of paddlers started feeling more and more fatigue. We now were now taking rest breaks every hour. Fortunately, the winds died to almost calm as we made our crossing to the Aquarium.
Upon arrival at the NC Aquarium, were greeted by Wayne Justice, Aquarium Special Activities Coordinator and two paddlers from days before who wanted to join us for tonight’s activities. As the last boat was hauled ashore, we witnessed an absolutely gorgeous sunset.
Once inside the aquarium, pizza and soft drinks was served to the 7 tired paddlers and two others. The evening activities were explained and we were given the time to clean up, get our bedding and spread it in front of the shark filled, 250,000 gallon Shipwreck Tank.
Wayne presented a short program about Frogs, Turtles and Snakes of NC. Most enjoyed the talk however I moved to the “back of the class” when asked to get close and personal with a snake! The video shown, “Migration Flight” was awesome!! Even though many of us were exhausted, we wondered around the Aquarium amazed at the displays and beauty until lights out at 11 pm.
WEDNESDAY Aquarium @ Pine Knoll Shores to Oyster Point (15 miles)
63 to 73 PC to Sunny, Winds 5 to 10 from NW
Following the continental breakfast at the Aquarium and our long shuttle of cars to Oyster Point, we (10 paddlers) were off on another days journey. Many of the paddlers commented that it felt like we were paddling in “low gear”. Some suspect we were fed decaffeinated coffee, others think it was the long day on Tuesday…what ever, we pressed on and our spirits continued to improve with every stroke.
As we left the Aquarium, we were surprised by the number of shore birds and ducks we saw along the Roosevelt Reserve.
Dave joined our group from the day trip meeting spot and we then planned our next ‘adventure”; lunch at the Sanitary Restaurant in Morehead City. 11 for lunch and everyone had seafood, what else?? Again, a great opportunity to share stories and paddle experiences and for some re-supply the caffeine deficiency!
By the time we were ready to depart from the downtown area of Morehead City, tides were at full flow providing a great downhill 7mph exit from town. As we passed the NC Port, we were greeted by waves from a crewmember aboard a Tanker from Manila.
The landing at Oyster Point is quit well camouflaged however we were greeted and hauled ashore by Elmer Eddy (age 87 Stewart of the White Oak River). Camp was quickly setup but most were still not hungry after their big lunch at MHC. The host site had running water and with the hose and a tree tied nozzle, a cold water shower was
enjoyed by all. Joanne joined us at camp and told of a great little restaurant in Newport…plan … “you’ve got to go there for breakfast”.
THURSDAY Oyster Point to Siddie Fields via Harlow Canal (16 miles)
61 to 81, PC to Sunny, winds SW at 10 to 15
At 6:30 am only 4 of us headed for that Newport Restaurant and It was worth it!! They say an army runs on their stomachs, well, let me tell you about the breakfast Karen ordered; 2 eggs, hash browns, muffin, bacon, country ham, grits and red eye gravy, toast, juice and hot chocolate for starters!! I think she fed the whole army!!
As we hit the water this morning we all noticed a strange phenomena … wind from behind us. We only had to paddle 2 miles but the push was quite welcome! Once we made the turn from the Newport River into Harlow Creek the wind would have little effect on us. As we continued on into the Harlow Canal, you could sense a more relaxed paddle group…wary of open water, they enjoyed the change of scenery and sights along the way.
Terry pointed out their x-boat, now moored at the home of it’s new owner in Clubfoot Creek. We enjoyed a most relaxing sand beach lunch break. Following lunch, Terry demonstrated his rolling ability…GREAT SHOW!!!
The Neuse was a little bumpy but we had a very short paddle to Siddie Fields. Even though our camping site was “primitive”, I believe everyone (9) considered it the best and by far the most scenic. The clear skies, beach view and “nude river bath” indeed made a memory.
As dusk settled in … the “wood gatherers” were sent into the forests preparing for tonight’s bonfire. Within minutes…we all gathered around the “best fire ever”. As the evening progressed and we consumed more of the welcome refreshments from the “outside world” delivered to us by John…the more we enjoyed the evening. Then Keven delivered an impromptu rendition of the famous Castaway Movie’s fire dance. I guess that’s what an adventure like this is all about….making memories and having fun with some great people!
FRIDAY Siddie Fields to Flanners Beach (11 miles)
51 to 70, PC to sunny, wind 10 to 15 NW
As we headed out after our morning shuttle, you could sense a renewed enthusiasm. Joanne actually raced the Minnosott/Cherry Point Ferry…the ferry won!
Plans were to explore Hancock Creek but the entire group was in a sprint mode and didn’t slow up until we passed Cherry Point Marine Air Station. As we neared Slocum Creek, we were met by Shel Harvey, a local paddler. He graciously offered to give a tour of some of the local back waters. Half the group headed into Tucker’s Creek with Shel and the rest continued toward Flanners Beach. As we paddled on, many were treated to a fishing demonstration by a resident Bald Eagle….WOW!!!
Camp (
was set up and everyone raced off for a HOT shower. Well almost every one, It just so happened that a group of “little campers” (6 little girls) decided to go play in the shower buildings. Play time ended when the hot water was gone…then it was my turn, why spoil a good thing, I have not had a hot shower for a week, why change now?
A few of our group were introduced to Mario’s Pizza in Havelock for dinner while I had a close encounter with a big steak. After dinner, the campground host stopped by to welcome our group and chatted for awhile. His offer of some free firewood took no additional encouragement for us to take. Another ceremonial fire and yet MORE STORIES!
It’s going to be a cold tonight!
SATURDAY Flanners Beach to New Bern (12 miles)
40 to 64, Sunny with winds 10 to 15 WNW
What a beautiful day, sunny and blue sky… but yes, the winds are STILL ON OUR NOSE!!. Thankfully it’s a relativity short paddle today. One of the down sides of our stay at Flanners Beach is the hill side (cliff!!!) that separates us from the boats. We all helped the 4 day trippers who were joining us today get their boats to water.
Again you could tell the group was looking forward to reaching New Bern and participating in the city’s Mumfest. One paddler said it was the Funnel cakes while another said ice cream!! Personally I think spirits were high because it was such a pretty day and the end was in site.
As we neared New Bern, we regrouped, ate a quick snack and made plans for our grand entrance into town. We planned a single row formation, 13 wide, along the Cunningham Swing Bridge, past Union Point Park and the Comfort Inn and beaching at the end of Pollock Street. WHAT A SHOW I’m not sure if the newspaper got the picture but the mental image I took will last a life time!!!
I was surprised, a paddlers were able to get back in their boats and complete the days journey….traces of junk food was evident on our faces and shirts. Karen rejoined us with a LARGE turkey drumstick in hand…caveman, no cavewoman style!!
After a short 1 ½ mile paddle up Lawson’s Creek we arrived at Evening Breeze Outfitters, our “urban destination” for the night. Thanks Jake and Kirk’s for the open door, restroom, water, hospitality and hot coffee, we REALLY APPRECIATE IT.
No campfire tonight but we did have a candle!
SUNDAY EBO to Pollocksville (upstream 18 miles)
36 to 70 degrees, Sunny and wind 5 to 10 from WNW
Our last day started with a COLD get-up for the 8 hearty campers, some of whom lived less than 5 miles away but chose to tough it out….36 degrees to be exact!! We hit the water about 9:30 and picked up our first day tripper (Dave) at the entrance to Old Town Lakes, his home. It quite unusual to see a couple of like boats on a trip like this but today we paddled with three proud owners of homebuilt wood Pygmy Coho’s. Could this could be considered a Pygmy Convention? Great job Tony, Gary and John and a super photo shoot.
As we (13 paddlers) traveled up the Trent River, we were introduced to a few scenic side trips including Rock Creek Canal, the Channel into River Bend and a couple Quarry lakes.
Lunch was enjoyed at Tar Landing as we posed for our final group photo. Even though our paddle was an 18 mile uphill journey, the trip, the conversation and the spirits were most lively. Today, everyone echoed the same sentiments….when is the 2007 SWAT?
John F. - Greensboro Shop
