Scott and I went down to the Presque Isle Stream for a little evening paddle. As we headed up stream we passed some other kayakers, (sans PFD's, tsk tsk) and some fisherman. We got to yaking and ended up farther upstream than our usual paddle time allows us. We rounded a corner and saw a wide inlet from a tributary. I made a bee line for it, excited to see how far up we could go.
Jackpot! I told Scott that this must be the waterway from Arnold Brook Lake's dam. I checked the aerial view on MapQuest when we got back, I was correct (note that on your calendars folks). As we followed the twists and turns we noticed that there was a nice channel up through all the wetlands. There were moose prints all over the muddy banks and beaver lodges on almost every corner.
At one point we passed through a beaver dam made of mud and sticks as tall as a sixth grader. It appeared as though someone had punched the hole through to let the water pass (as the waterway is part of a flood control system, not a bad idea). We continued on until we came to a small beaver damn blocking the way entirely. If we had more time we would have portaged over, but alas, dark was on its way.
On the return trip, about half way back, on the main stream, I managed to paddle up within 15 feet or so of a beaver, before it slipped under the water. I really need to buy some waterproof disposable cameras.
All around a great paddle, minus the bugs, it would have been perfect.
Who is this nut?
- kired
- "You need to believe in things that aren't true. How else can they become?" T. Pratchett
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