The ethereal morning fog was dissipating as I paddled across the Intracoastal Waterway heading for the entrance to Venning Creek. Actually, several entrances beckoned, and more channels split off, eventually all joining. Though the sun had shrugged off the fog, the marshes were swollen with the high tide, just beginning its ebb toward Bulls Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
No wind had arisen, and the main movement was the water underneath a calm surface, broken at times by the leap of small fish either solitary or in schools. The salt marsh was taking on a golden hue, and the cordgrass stood above the high waters. I maintained my course along the marsh edge, enjoying the smooth waters and outgoing tide as I kept a steady stroke. Despite my relatively quiet approach, a great blue heron flew off above those grasses. A great egret and red-winged blackbirds followed suit.
I reached the main channel of Venning Creek and noted the steadily increasing flow. Bulls Bay appeared outside the creek’s mouth, shining brightly with the sun’s reflection on its calm surface. I shipped my paddle, and surrendered to the water’s steady pull toward the Bay. I neither saw outboards nor heard their motors in the vicinity during these serene moments.
Leaving this reverie I turned toward the mainland and began stroking. A head rose and then submerged. A few weeks ago, paddling nearby, I had seen another turtle head off my bow, but that time the small marine reptile swam by underwater displaying the familiar colors of a loggerhead. The sighting was unexpected but real.
I maneuvered to the creek side where I thought the opposing tide would have less force. The wind had not yet risen, and small swirling gyres on the surface marked the water’s movement. I occasionally “anchored” by heading into the embrace of marsh grasses. Paddling against the outgoing tide enabled me to continue to work on the efficiency of my stroke. I have a long way to go before I can develop the understanding shared with Kingfisher. But I’m working on it.
Always new adventures for you! Have you named the kayak?
No name yet. Though we are working on an understanding, so I may get the name introduction soon.
You will LLLLLLLLLLLLLLOOOOVE kayaking!
I do, I do.
Thanks, Bob!
I shipped my paddle and let the braids pull me along, thanks Bob.
Just returned from heading out one of the braids and paddling along the edge of Bulls Bay, at times with dolphin company.
Thanks for sharing Bob – great pictures. Interested how you navigate in a kayak given that your so low and with many different creeks I always wondered how I’d know which one to take
The low profile is quite different – as has been said, eye level with herons and egrets. Standing up to view from that higher perspective is not an option. I have a mental map in my head, but sometimes just exploring a different channel. I tried to avoid those that end deep in the marsh.