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