Royals Creek Paddle & Play
7-19-08
The HRL Paddlers excursion this past Saturday was slightly different from our normal routine but we discovered that even without a destination, there can still be a journey.
Saturday began as a simple concept; picnic, paddle and play. This would give us a nice opportunity to relax, enjoy a day on the water, drop-a-hook and break some bread with our fellow paddlers. I am happy to report that our mission was accomplished.
We arrived at the Royals Creek access area on Stokes Ferry Rd. and laid claim to a picnic table just a few feet from the water. This was made possible by the early arrival of our diligent co-conspirators, Harry and Shelia. Unfortunately, Dana and I were delayed by the triathlon traffic at Dan Nicholas Park and were forced to make a fashionably late entrance. We gathered up our gear and took temporary residence on the shore of the beautiful Tuckertown Reservoir.
Fran had already found her way to the quite little cove by the park and was getting her fix in. This woman needs to show some self-control. She had fixed eyes and was staring in a trance-like state at the water, sitting motionlessly afloat .Then I realized she was fishin’. Thank goodness, I thought an intervention was needed.
Harry and Shelia set out to explore the area as I finally managed to get my lovely wife settled in, who was grounded by doctors orders. I then set my sights on the shallows across the lake from our position and paddled over to begin my conquest as an avid fisherman. Now this is where I could insert some embellished tale in my writing and portray a magnificent catch, but that wouldn’t be nearly as entertaining as the truth. In actuality, I foul hooked myself twice, was bombarded by green head flies, and got a leg cramp only to catch 1 juvenile large-mouth bass and 2 brim with my efforts.
Before long, a 2-way radio transmission from shore brought my spirits back to life with the announcement that lunch was ready. I headed back to find that Harry had mastered the grill and worked up a fine fricassee, “I may die tired but I don’t intend to die hungry”.
We all gathered round the table and polished off some groceries while sharing our respective experiences thus far. Harry and Shelia lit out for round two of the exploring expedition, going north this time, while Dana and Fran enjoyed the feeding frenzy of the brim by sacrificing crickets for the cause. I was simply content with a restful slump in my folding chair while watching others at play. This is when the skies opened up and quenched the parched ground with a 20 minute shower.
As this was occurring, there appeared two whitewater playboat kayakers from under the bridge that had just launched and intended to practice some recently learned techniques. This opportunity was just too good for me to pass up, so we made their acquaintance and had an impromptu debriefing on several topics from rolls to T-water rescue. It was really great meeting Reece and Greg and we thoroughly enjoyed having them team up with us for some good laughs and paddle chats. These fellows were class acts and we hope to see them soon as we discussed.
We even had a gentleman with his son and daughter come over and watch us at play with our new friends. They had discovered our website on line the night before and just decided to swing by and check us out. Thanks for dropping by guys; it was a pleasure meeting you. We hope you stay tuned to our site and join us for a paddle sometime soon.
“A great day of fun, fishin’ and friend makin’” What more could you ask for?
HRL Paddler
TERRY
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