Trading Ford Excursion , 9 short Video Clips

Trading Ford- Pictures by Terry

Trading Ford- Pictures by Jennifer

Memorial Day Paddle- Trading Ford Area-

Our group got a special invitation to visit our "River Friends" Tony1, Tony2, Rita and Susan. They befriended our group on an outing two weeks ago, the York Hill- Elk's River Park Excursion. Tony1 and Tony2 led the group on an excursion through their favorite parts of the Historic Trading Ford Area. I'm guessing I paddled around 6-8 miles and some of the others maybe 8-10. This was one of those other "Wow" moments. If I hadn't known I was on the Davidson County side of the lake, I would have thought I was in the Everglades or Great Dismal Swamp. Both Tony's were right, that if someone dropped you in blind folded, you wouldn't think you where in Davidson County at all.

Thanks once again to Tony, Rita, Tony and Susan for their gracious Southern Hospitality!

Pictures from Yesterday's excursion:

Saturday's Excursion Photos of Tuckertown

We had the largest turn out of the year for HRL Paddlers. There were actually 24 kayakers/canoeist at the launch ramp. Our group had 8 new kayakers/canoeist join us for the very first time on the water. Other than a brief shower, right after our launch, the weather was perfect. The paddles keep getting bettter and better. We will paddle Tuckertown again this Saturday at 9am. Launch will be at the access area on River Road and take out will be at the Hwy 49 Bridge.

Saturday's excursion our group put in at the boat access area on Bringle Ferry Road and took out at the Wildlife access area on River Road. If you don't explore the creeks, one can easily paddle it in under 2 hrs. The pictures tell the stories and if you wish to see more photos Click here for Sheila's album and click here for Terry's Pictures.

Excursion Saturday York Hill-Land of the Lost-River Park

Yesterday's Excursion- York Hill Access Area to Elk's Club River Park- a series of posts

Our group launched a little after 9:40 yesterday morning. Our shuttle plans experienced another "Harry" situation prior to the launch. Even though Harry wasn't on this trip, our latest shuttle follies seem to somehow revolve around him. Sheila being the good wife informed us that the reason she wasn't at the Elk's River Park, to meet the drop off gang, was because Harry told her that today's launch was at "Tuckertown" which is only about 15 miles from where she needed to be. Not only did Sheila arrive on time 8:00 am, she was actually a whole week early for next weekend's Tuckertown run. We all had a good laugh and wished Harry ill on the golf course. We tried to call him several times on his cell phone to wish him luck on the course today, but he must have not had the "can you hear me now plan".

Sheila has earned the honor of being in charge of next Saturday's "Tuckertown Shuttle". She will be assisted by Fran, who is always plotting out a better way to shuttle. I recommend Fran get some match box cars, since these seem to simulate a little better than the paper ones she has been using. The gas mileage is great and wind is not a factor. Anyway, we were all able to laugh about the "Harry incident", including Sheila. Harry met us for4:30 lunch at Hendricks Barbecue at the end of our excursion day. I think the first thing he ordered was the "Humble Pie". Harry apologized and offered to buy lunch for any member not present at the restaurant. I think he would graciously extend the same offer for the remainder of 2008.

I've always been one those who firmly believes that things do happen for reasons. Sometimes they aren't always apparent at the time. If you are lucky, at days end you realize that sometimes a misfortune, can turn into fortune. Because of the delays, we were actually able to meet around 10 new kayakers, who expressed interest in joining us on future events. Had Sheila not gone to "Tuckertown", the series of wonderful events that occurred to us this day would not have happened.

HRLPaddlers had three new people join us to today, Quinn, Jennifer and Jason, who are from Thomasville. Quinn is the youngest person ever to kayak with HRLPaddlers. The five year old was a treat to have along with the older kids and behaved himself in a manner fitting of an adult. I think all of us look forward to having Quinn join us again soon.

We finally launched around 9:40. This wasn't to far off the 8:30-8:45 time I estimated earlier. The group set out under the three bridges that span this section of river. We could see "Buck's Steam Plant" in the distance, just to the right of a large island in the center of the river. We opted to go to the right side of the island, which would let us right past the plant, which is situated on the River............

this series is to be continued.

Yesterday's Excursion- York Hill Access to Elk's Club River Park

A Sheila's View of the last two excursions

Sheila Warwell provided these photos to share from our last two Excursions. Thanks Sheila!

Pictures of Elk's Club River Park- Eagle Pointe

Next Meeting in Rowan County - Port City Java Thursday, May 15, 7PM

Our next HRLPaddlers meeting will be held in Rowan County on May 15. Our meeting time will be 7pm at Port City Java. We will meet at the shop in Salisbury off West Innes St. The meeting will be held in the vault. Discussion will center on completion of the main section of the Blueway Paddle trail. We will also talk about planned summer excursions. We encourage our Rowan members to invite their friends or tell others. Since space is limited we prefer that only members and people from Rowan attend.

One of HRLPaddlers goals is to hold meetings in Davie, Davidson and Rowan Counties. The meeting places will vary in each county. Even the meeting times will vary until we determine what is a good fit for all. Our goal is to reach as many paddlers as possible. We want this to be a fun and active group, so we are taking the steps necessary to grow the group. There are plans underway to hold a meeting in Mocksville. Time and place are yet to be determined.

We don't expect our members who live in adjoining counties to attend any of these meetings. We are just trying to make meeting places more convenient for everyone. Our meetings will rotate county to county on a regular basis. Our future plans are for all HRL Paddlers from all the counties to meet at least twice a year in one centralized location. We will always plan these large meetings to be followed up by a fun excursion for all.

Excursion Saturday Crane Creek- Eagle Point

Image via WikipediaWe continue our trek down the Yadkin, however we make big leap frog jump from York Hill. This will be a long paddle, but there will be opportunities to at least pull over and take a stretch break. Kayakers and Canoeist will encounter a lot more boat traffic, since we will actually be going down one of the main sections of High Rock Lake. Our Launch will be from the Elks Club's River Front Park and take out will be at Eagle Point. Both points are on the Rowan County side of the lake. I'll post a map tomorrow or Friday of the locations.

This excursion will set up yet another Rowan Launch for the following Saturday from Eagle Point, which will involve a portage around High Rock Dam. Depending on the time this Saturday, some of us may do an advance scout of the portage trail. I hope you have watched the Portage videos posted. The video will give you a good idea of what is involved when you do a foot portage. A foot portage my actually be a lot more physically demanding to some, so you may want to practice before you decide to sign up. Our take out for the following Saturday will be the Tuckertown Boat Access Area.

A Paddlers Code

"All canoeists and kayakers should remember that they are ambassadors for their sport."







The following is general advice on courteous behavior for our paddlers when participating on excursions with our group..


On land

• Park considerately, not taking up more space than you need at access areas
  
• Avoid damaging fences, gates, piers, trees, seawalls or river banks;
• Use recognized access points where possible;
• Keep noise to a minimum;
• Be discreet - don't cause offense by changing or urinating publicly;
• Respect private property - if in doubt seek advice from the owner or resident;
• Respect the wildlife, never disturb nesting waterfowl
  
• Always take your litter away with you and pick up litter left by others when possible.
• Never throw trash or cigarettes butts on the ground,
• ask for permission to smoke or be courteous enough distance yourself far away as not to affect others
  
• Always offer to help others move, unload or move boats
  

On the water

• Follow the general rules of navigation and local bye laws;
• Respect all other water users, they have just as much right to use the waters as you do
• Co-operate with anglers to avoid lines - friendly communication can reduce potential conflict;
• Do not linger in pools already occupied by other river users;
• Keep the numbers in your party consistent with safety, the nature of the stretch of river and the impact on your surroundings; always file a float plan before you leave shore.
  
• Respect the wildlife at all times, unless being attacked
  
• Never throw trash on the water, stow it away properly, this includes cigarette butts if you smoke. If you do smoke pull off to the side at a safe distance from the group.
  
• Always avoid using foul language around others. Especially in the presents of minors.
  
• Never make inappropriate or lewd comments in front of women or children.
• No use of Alcohol Permitted during excursions.
  
• Always wear a whistle
• Know the paddle signals for stop, go, and help.
• Bring a Walkie Talkie if you can.
  
• Non-swimmers, weak swimmers and children should always wear a life vest.
  
• Full Moon Excursions are for experienced kayakers
• Everyone has to wear a PFD on night excursions, there are no exceptions.
  
• One continuous bright light is required to be displayed by each canoe/kayak on night excursions.
• Radios are a must at night, since hand and arm signals aren't as visible.
• Always Stay within 10 feet of a kayaker with a radio if you don't have one.
• Everyone stop when you here a whistle. Try to find out what is going on.
  
• Never paddle out of sight in front of the group alone. There will be some exceptions on creeks that bend and turn.
  

In general treat others as you would wish to be treated yourself. Always have respect for the environment and the people in your group. Always follow safety recommendations and listen to your excursion leader.

"We carry it all in and we carry it all out

Maximum impact on the Soul with

Minimum Impact on the World

Striving to give paddlers a good name & a good time

All the while leaving nothing but paddle strokes behind"

Pictures from Saturday's Excursion down the Yadkin to York Hill