It was a gorgeous gorgeous fall day. Clear, cool, calm; a wonderful day to be outside. Alice Nissen, Amy McGee, Natalie Wiest, Christy Long and me launched right on time at 9 am.
Kiosk at Paddling Trail Mile 18, Bay Area Boat Launch
We cruised southerly enjoying the mild weather. We saw ospreys, brown pelicans, herons, egrets, cormorants, and more ospreys. A flock of about twenty white pelicans soared overhead, the fall sunshine increasing the brightness of their wings. For such ungainly birds they are beautiful and agile flyers. More ospreys.
The Group Skirting By Alligators, photo by Alice Nissen
We turned around after about an hour and a half, and explored the quiet and calm of Horsepen Bayou.
John Ohrt, photo by Christy Long
We encountered a smallish alligator sunning itself; then a much bigger one, then a much much bigger one. We were able to pass gently by all three.
We surprised a group of feral hogs who high tailed it back into the woods.
Alice Nissen (left) and Amy McGee, photo by Christy Long
We landed back at Bay Area Park after about three hours of paddling.
Natalie Wiest, photo by Christy Long
We then had a relaxing lunch in the park pavilion. While at lunch we were joined by Paul, the HASK member who gave the Erie Canal program. He offered to lead a trip on the Canal if there is any interest.
Lunch at the Pavilion
From left John Ohrt, Amy McGee, Christy Long, Alice Nissen, and Natalie Wiest, photo by Natalie Wiest
Then homeward bound for a nap and store our gear until next time.