Hello, fellow paddlers! Paddling is a growing fast in DelMarVa, so there is a ton we have to tell you. The editor, Sweet Pea B

First off, in this issue, we have:

Trap Pond

Okoume Stock 2001

Spring Time Paddling

Upcoming Events

TRAP POND

By: Sweet Pea B as told by her Daddy

The trip started with a call from Dennis Littleton, otherwise known as Delmarva Dennis. Dennis has been paddling the Delmarva area from over 37 years and still loving it. He knows the area well. We met at the Trap Pond dam. Trap Pond is located in Laurel, Delaware. James Branch stretches from Trap Pond to Records Pond and is quite possibly one of the most scenic paddle trips in Delaware. We met a family of 3 and invited them to join us. We began by taking our vehicles to Records Pond and leaving them there. We then shuttled back to our boats at Trap Pond. The narrow trail begins at Trap Pond, but is passable even in an 18 foot + boat. Dennis gave us a lesson in nature, pointing out rare birds, species of plants, and even animal tracks along the water’s edge. We paddled about 2 hours and after passing under a bridge, we stopped and ate some lunch. We continued our paddle past tall stands of cypress and locations of old mills, as evidenced by old dam structures. We even passed an old swimming hole that Dennis played in as a kid. The branch continues to widen as it receives water from springs and other creeks, until it finally reaches Records Pond. Records Pond is a nice, wide, leisurely lake with abundant waterfowl and aquatic animals. The total trip took about 4 hours but it seemed like it was over too soon. We were all thankful for the extra knowledge we gained from Dennis.

OKOUME STOCK 2001

By: Sweet Pea B

SPRING TIME PADDLING

By: Chris and Sweet Pea B

Paddling in the spring can be dangerous, possibly deadly! Even if the air is warm, the water may still be in the 50’s. Hypothermia will quickly develop in 50-degree water. You need to take appropriate safety precautions and dress for the conditions. Cotton t-shirts will just not do. New man-made fibers, such as poly and fleece, perform better than cotton. Man-made fibers are better at wicking perspiration away from your body and keeping you warmer. Cotton will keep moisture close to your body, making the chance for Hypothermia even greater. If you are paddling a very stable boat, very close to the shoreline, in very shallow water perhaps lighter clothing will be adequate. Always expect it to be breezy on the water and bring a windbreaker. Paddling further from shore, in performance kayaks, sit-on-tops, or in colder and or rough conditions requires greater preparation. Common sense is needed when you are paddling. The first option is to simply not go, but we kayakers tend to be more adventurous than that. More appropriate clothing, such as wetsuits, dry suits, and layered clothing, are required for these conditions. A change of clothing should always be carried with you in a dry bag. Wear a fitted zipped up PFD and remember to dress for immersion. Spring is a great time to paddle, paddle smart and paddle safe.  For more information see Chuck Southerland's great site.

UPCOMING EVENTS

May 4, 2001 - May 6, 2001 - Okoume stock

May 12 2001 – Center for Inland Bays (James Farm) Open House

May 13, 2001 – Bay View Marina Open House

Mid-May 2001 – Coastal Kayak reopens

May 19, 2001 – May 20, 2001 - CLC camping trip

May 19, 2001 – Delmarva Racing Series

May 10, 2001 – Burton’s Island Nature Paddle

Saturday, May 12 10 am till 3 pm; Open House featuring kayak demonstrations, nature walks, food, music and lots of fun environmental activities. Take Cedar Neck Rd. east past Magnolia’s restaurant. The Preserve is on the left. Bay View Marina is looking for volunteers to offer some assistance from 1pm to 3pm in getting people in and out of
kayaks down on the beach.  Any willing bodies be there around 12:30pm. Chris and Sweet Pea will be there.

http://www.udel.edu/CIB/james.htm

Beth Webb at Bay View Marina is having a DAGGER DEMO DAY, May 13th.  The factory rep will be there with give-aways and will be able to answer questions and do demonstrations. 
Bay View Marina will be giving boat purchasers ''Bucks Back'' towards accessories.  For every $100. spent on a kayak, you get $10. towards your paddle (or whatever).  Also no freight charges.  Bay View Marina is located on Hassle Ave. south of South Bethany. Go past the last stop light and take the next right, Hassle Ave., there’s a bus stop on the corner. Follow around to Bay View Marina (302) 539-3452

Saturday, May 19 from 9:30 am till 11:30 am. Sponsored by the Abbott’s Mill Nature Center, Naturalist Don Long will lead a kayak tour on the Inland Bay and Burton’s Island. No experience is necessary; children must be at least 5 years old. Preregister by May 14 with Terry Banz at 422-0847. Cost $35, $30 for Nature Society members. Don is a fine kayaker and naturalist.

Want to met fellow paddlers and compare your skills and speed, or just go and enjoy the camaraderie, check out the Delmarva racing series. Races are run each month.

All efforts will be made to keep your e-mail address confidential. This issue is going out on a mass basis as most of you know each other. I am trying to automate without having everyone’s e-mail address at the top for all to see, perhaps by the next issue. As the list grows we will automate distribution, while still maintaining your privacy. We won’t publish anyone’s e-mail address with out permission. Chris