Author Topic: River Rats Nest (Read 80890 times)

madmax · « **Reply #150 on:** August 17, 2013, 01:27:57 PM »

I want yer boat...

upthecreek · « **Reply #151 on:** August 17, 2013, 03:38:50 PM »

you can't have it

Creek

U.W. · « **Reply #152 on:** September 02, 2013, 10:55:53 AM »

Went out for a paddle on a local lake I wanted to explore more of yesterday.
Was a nice day, a bit warm, a bit humid, but the nice breeze of a storm front
moving in kept it quite reasonable.

The rides

See that far shore way, way back there? That's where we're going. There is a "hidden" canal on the
left - just before you reach it.

See it? Was enjoying some shade in the grass where I put in at

The body of water is very choked with water plants. No issues if you're paddling, but I think
a motor boat would have issues

Big and small pads on the water

A plant to be aware of, and leave alone. Deadly water hemlock

Cool little flower, and hatch shell

The mouth of the canal

First section, and canopied section - nice shade, but the deer flies were thick. Thankfully
they seemed to not prefer the sunscreen I had on, as I only got bit once

Still in the canal, overhead cover gone now; and happily, deer flies mostly gone also

It is a long canal, lol, still in it and back under canopy - no deer flies though :-)

Did find some muscadine at the end of the canal. Picked and ate the few ripe ones. They were
excellent! Love me some free food!

Took a rest stop at a portage I didn't know was there, at the far end of the lake - prior to
going into the canal. Made a short piece of cord to hold paddle to 'yak when I'm getting in
and out of it. Worked fine for the three times i got out and portaged. Made from two cat tail
leaves, cut with knife shown

My goal was a little island, in a lake, that's land locked - in a lake. Kind of like an island
in a volcano opening that full of water, with the volcano itself, in the middle of a lake.
This "little" guy had a web spanning the entire game trail I walked on that little island, so
I figured I just had to take a photo of it. He body was just slightly bigger than fully half
my thumb. Thankfully I did see his web, and walked around.

I did of course make it to the island in a lake, in a lake. I did explore it. I didn't take any photos
except the one of the big web maker. I'll be visiting again though...

Hope you enjoyed it, and thanks for letting me share,

U.W.

greyhound352 · « **Reply #153 on:** September 03, 2013, 09:49:22 AM »

Thanks for sharing UW. Looks like a great place for a paddle.

crashdive123 · « **Reply #154 on:** September 03, 2013, 02:25:39 PM »

Thanks for taking us along.

upthecreek · « **Reply #155 on:** September 03, 2013, 02:59:49 PM »

Great pics Will! Thanks for posting. Shoulda milked the snake and spidy for us!

I went to Belle Isle State Park over the weekend...way different than my "normal" neck of the woods

I've misplaced my camera in the moving process so no pics, but was a blast. Glad ya had a good time.

Creek

U.W. · « **Reply #156 on:** September 03, 2013, 03:43:28 PM »

Thanks everyone, it was a great day to be on the water paddling & exploring.

Creek, you must be psychic! Yes, I saw a big snake exactly where I went ashore on the little island. In fact, it came out from under a shelf of roots I was about to use as a step - to get up on land. Non-venomous I think? but an attention getter in that first micro second, lol. I'll bet the snake was less than pleased that I decided to go ashore right there, to be sure.

The area you went to looks (on the map) to be an amazing spot for a paddle! (and not to far from me either) I'm glad you mentioned it. Thanks! I've never been there; but think I'll make my way over there one weekend. If you're in the area like that again, and can - give me a shout & I'll be right over. I hope your camera turns up soon buddy, but sometimes it's nice to just go out and enjoy it all - without a camera.

u.w.

upthecreek · « **Reply #157 on:** September 03, 2013, 04:18:27 PM »

Belle Isle canoe launch either goes NW to the Rappahannock or SE to the marsh. I went SE. Took me 3 hours to get to the end of the feed and back. BEAUTIFUL! Saw a big fish eat a frog and it was cool. Bald Eagle too. Dont get no better than that.

Creek

upthecreek · « **Reply #158 on:** September 03, 2013, 04:20:36 PM »

Milk the dern animals next time and post it...Buddy!

Creek

upthecreek · « **Reply #159 on:** September 06, 2013, 10:39:39 AM »

The Queen on Scooby Doo

I've missed placed my camera so no trip pics to share

I'm sure I'll find it as I unpack!

Creek

wolfy · « **Reply #160 on:** September 06, 2013, 10:42:41 AM »

Nice looking couple!

U.W. · « **Reply #161 on:** September 22, 2013, 04:07:54 PM »

GF & I went out for a paddle on a local lake yesterday.
Was a really nice day, beautifully overcast, and a nice light breeze kept things perfectly cool.

Overcast skies. GF is back there, and some miles to go ahead

A few of these had been blown into the water, pretty pink flowers

and another

See those trees? They're loaded with water birds

cropped a bit to see them

paddle scenery

One branch, out over the water. Doesn't seem much more than that at first glance,
but lets look closer

See it? Lets look a little closer yet..

I love praying mantises, so cool and usually very very goog camoflauge.

There's more on the branch yet,

About the size of my outstreached hand was an unpleasant surprise, hidden among the
leaves. No, neither of us got stung.

Hope you enjoyed it, and thanks for letting us share,

U.W.

upthecreek · « **Reply #162 on:** October 15, 2013, 05:49:11 PM »

Not sure how I missed your post UW. B T utiful

Creek

upthecreek · « **Reply #163 on:** October 15, 2013, 05:56:53 PM »

I got out this afternoon and I got me a new camera! Just some pics of my normal haunts. Nothing too special but really nice to have some time outdoors for a change.

I sported the flag of my southern friends.

I like the water

Sad to see the leave go. Will be pretty in another week or so.

Really cool ole' burl along the bank

Caught this little rascal taking a drink

Got a peek at a blue sky

Creek

OutdoorEnvy · « **Reply #164 on:** October 15, 2013, 06:02:13 PM »

glad you got some paddling in Creek! paddling that river when the colors change will be quite the sight.

Spyder1958 · « **Reply #165 on:** October 15, 2013, 07:16:50 PM »

Man those Krac. colors look real good on your ride.

madmax · « **Reply #166 on:** October 16, 2013, 06:12:08 AM »

Yup, lookin' good. Nice pics.

greyhound352 · « **Reply #167 on:** October 16, 2013, 06:31:02 AM »

Great pics Creek and thanks for sharing. Those Krac colors look great on your canoe.

U.W. · « **Reply #168 on:** October 16, 2013, 01:47:29 PM »

Great photos, and great looking paddle bro! The glint off the water at that swirl, the big 'ole fat burl, and even the drinking grey squirrel - I've gotta share your photos with my girl.
I've only seen a squirrel drink once, and it too was from a craft powered by paddle.
Soon all the trees will be ablaze with color again, and when it comes that paddle is gonna be even nicer I bet.

Thanks for posting up the photos!

u.w.

upthecreek · « **Reply #169 on:** October 21, 2013, 04:33:06 AM »

Yesterday was a beautiful day so I hit the river again. Wasn't alot of water flowing but was nice to get out anyway. Testing out the new camera and trying to see the heron was the main goal.

This is suppose to be the remains of a native fish trap, and a cool reflection

Some ripples and rocks

Beautiful blue sky

Finally saw my buddy

Yours truly loading up

And the boats new home

Another fun day

Creek

edit cause I'm an idiot

upthecreek · « **Reply #170 on:** November 10, 2013, 05:17:33 AM »

Explored a lower part of the Smith river yesterday. A few things didn't go in my favor. First was the weatherman's "high in the lower 60's and sunny". Stayed 52 and cloudy. No real biggie but a little sunshine would have gone a long way. Secondly was that this is a stretch of the river I haven't been on in several years and I had forgotten how damned rocky it was. Will been a fantastic trip during generation/high water. I found myself getting the boots wet a few times yesterday and doing the humpty hump to clear shallows more than too often. Did see some cool stuff and the fresh air is always good anyways.

This is the put in spot. A small creek that leads to the river. I knew the flow of Marrowbone Creek didn't bode well for the days trip.

I got a bunch of pictures of rocks!

Looks like maybe 2 small caves in these rocks we passed. Will be fun to inspect closer sometime. My girlfriend wasn't crazy about the idea of paying a visit.

I figure these to be the leftovers from one of the various birds supper

Found this old tree that's been turned into a bird duplex

I did see one heron. Couldn't get close to that one. Our treat of the day was a mating pair of Bald eagles that we worried to death as we floated. If you look close in this pic you can see the hind end of one of them.

We ran under this little beauty. Would feel for the wise guy who felt the urge to mess with them. Was about 6 feet off the water

Wasn't the most pleasant day and I got more exercise than I bargained for...but beat the hell out of television. Got our eyes on some fish too. Will be a fun ride when I can catch a good flow!

Thanks for looking

Creek

Yellowyak · « **Reply #171 on:** November 10, 2013, 05:43:50 AM »

Great shots. Reminds me of some areas of Kentucky that I grew up in. Thanks for sharing.

WI_Woodsman · « **Reply #172 on:** November 10, 2013, 08:05:53 AM »

Cody's (my godson) birthday was about a month ago and when I asked him what he wanted for his birthday he replied, "I want you to take me camping"! What can I say, nothing could warm the cackles of my heart more than that response...

So I decided to take him up the Fox River to a little island I camp on. Since the island doesn't have much firewood I brought some along.

While I paddled the supplies in the canoe I let him paddle around and explore the the river ahead in my kayak.

We don't plan to use all the firewood and since the island floods I had Cody stack the wood in the crotch of a Maple tree.

I didn't get a chance to take many pictures of the rest of our evening but the next morning I had Cody stoke up the fire and get some breakfast going.

I gave Cody his first coffee pot here he's proudly using it to boil some water for hot coco.

Cody learned last night how to deal with a scalding hot coffee pot...

Coco served he was very proud of his accomplishments.

At Cody's request I brought out some bacon for his birthday breakfast but I deliberately left my skillet at home, I wanted to see what cleaver devise he'd make to remedy this little problem. It took him a few minutes but he came up with a solution, he busted out his Mora Companion and began to debark a maple branch.

...And here was his solution, not the fastest way of cooking bacon but it worked!

After breakfast we headed back.

Looking back at it, Cody really took me camping for his birthday, I think he just wanted to show me his skills. From stacking wood to splitting it to setting up camp and cooking he really impressed me, I'm really proud of him, he's becoming quite the woodsman!

upthecreek · « **Reply #173 on:** November 10, 2013, 08:16:56 AM »

Now that is the goods my friend. WI, I just couldn't imagine it getting much better. Thanks for posting it up! Getting the youngsters involved in and enjoying the outdoors is the best gift us old folks can give. I think.

Creek

SwampHanger · « **Reply #174 on:** November 10, 2013, 09:11:38 AM »

WI great trip for you to share thanks. Everytime I take young guys out canoeing and camping it makes me aware of how important it is for us to take them. My nephew still talks about our first trip and the things we did. I just wish I had time to take them all the time.

upthecreek · « **Reply #175 on:** December 14, 2013, 09:34:57 AM »

Was suppose to go down the river in my solo today with a friend. Was suppose to be snowing and was looking forward to going. Only me and the rain showed up....

Since my buddy didn't show, I figured I'd paddle some flat water. This place is real pretty but it was just too much water falling from the sky...

One intrepid soul was out paddling...I think he was in a Mohawk too! I guess he wanted to be on the water even worse than me.

Almost made it

Creek

wolfy · « **Reply #176 on:** December 14, 2013, 01:13:14 PM »

The ONE thing that pi$$es me off worse than anything else is people that keep me waiting, never show up or even have the decency CALL to tell me why!

It could have been LOTS worse, though......you could have been waiting in a shopping mall!

upthecreek · « **Reply #177 on:** December 14, 2013, 01:39:37 PM »

Quote from: wolfy on December 14, 2013, 01:13:14 PM

The ONE thing that pi$$es me off worse than anything else is people that keep me waiting, never show up or even have the decency CALL to tell me why!

It could have been LOTS worse, though......you could have been waiting in a shopping mall!

Amen brother!

Creek

PetrifiedWood · « **Reply #178 on:** December 15, 2013, 01:46:53 PM »

Haven't popped in here for a while. Lots of great pictures! Makes me want to take a trip and rent a canoe!

upthecreek · « **Reply #179 on:** December 15, 2013, 06:54:07 PM »

Well since yesterday went to crap I was having a fit to hit the river...so I did. 8:30 am and a crisp 34 degrees.

Broke a rule about going by myself but I had my support team on call. I was happy for the Sealline bag today. Nice to know I had some dry clothes and boots if things went south..or wet. Thanks again Beanbag

Was just a very pleasant paddle, nice flow of water today

cool duck

scared some geese....crappy photo..

only shot of the heron

stretched my legs on this kinda dry spot

While I was waiting on my ride I stumbled on this BIG vine. Wonder how long this things been growing

Turned very windy. Glad I got out early

Creek

SwampHanger · « **Reply #180 on:** January 03, 2014, 03:47:50 AM »

Glad someone got out! Every weekend I've had off a front comes through. Used not to bother me as much but with a 5 yr old in tow momma keeps more of an eye on the weather. Lol

OutdoorEnvy · « **Reply #181 on:** January 03, 2014, 06:54:44 AM »

Nice paddle time creek. That's always a good pick me up when you're having one of those days. I like seeing the wooden paddle in the canoe

kanukkarhu · « **Reply #182 on:** January 03, 2014, 07:26:34 AM »

Awesome stuff in here. Must come back when I've more time!

upthecreek · « **Reply #183 on:** February 02, 2014, 07:05:03 PM »

Got on the water today! The weather was very mild! Me and my honey took a little trip on the flat water.

The river looks a bit cold and wintery but it sure was nice to be out.

I didn't see a lot of critters but I know they are close by

The ice is not far behind either

So nice to put an oar in the water

Creek

wolfy · « **Reply #184 on:** February 02, 2014, 07:16:15 PM »

The Missouri is a solid sheet of ice up here, yet.......torture seeing you out on the water already! $:-\$

rtaylor129 · « **Reply #185 on:** February 02, 2014, 07:23:23 PM »

That looked fun my friend

SwampHanger · « **Reply #186 on:** February 03, 2014, 01:52:55 AM »

Looks great Creek. Hopeing for good weather Friday so I can get out.

SwampHanger · « **Reply #187 on:** March 17, 2014, 10:25:53 AM »

http://bladesandbushcraft.com/index.php/topic,8519.0.html

4 day 53 mile trip we took 3/13/14 The Krac's

SwampHanger · « **Reply #188 on:** March 21, 2014, 04:12:20 AM »

All right guys you should be thawing ouy up there. Any plans on paddleing or trips not posted up yet? Going today to look at a bigger canoe so as to have plenty of room for my son and I. I really hope this deal works out. Either way he wants to go on the river tomorrow so I should have some pics for ya.

upthecreek · « **Reply #189 on:** March 21, 2014, 04:17:52 AM »

As soon as my kitchen remodel is finished I'll be out

Creek

upthecreek · « **Reply #190 on:** May 08, 2014, 01:03:03 PM »

This neglected thread needs some love

Creek

upthecreek · « **Reply #191 on:** May 26, 2014, 03:14:46 PM »

Was hoping to get out today but was no water flowing. Paddled the flats yesterday. Nothing real exciting but was good to get out.

Lots of slow water and sunshine.

Can't remember what these little dwellers are called but they are busy busy..

The honeysuckle was smelling good too

This is where we turned around and headed back down.

Water was clear and cold. you can just barely see a few clams..

Remnants of some critters lunch

The always wonderful canopy of sycamores

Glad everything is green. Nice to be outdoors.

Creek

wolfy · « **Reply #192 on:** May 26, 2014, 05:01:51 PM »

Nice outing, Creek! I think those may be cliff swallow nests.

upthecreek · « **Reply #193 on:** May 26, 2014, 05:41:08 PM »

thanks wolfy. I think you are correct in that they are a swallow...of some sort. I identified them before but.... well ..you know

Creek

zammer · « **Reply #194 on:** May 26, 2014, 06:16:26 PM »

Thanks for the pics creek, glad you got a chance to get out and get some river time...

upthecreek · « **Reply #195 on:** June 15, 2014, 02:30:00 PM »

Forgot my boat when I packed for the Bushcraft Bully meet up this weekend (no kidding). In case you've forgotten what I look like, I found this pic of me with my shirt on backwards for my fans

Creek

SwampHanger · « **Reply #196 on:** June 15, 2014, 04:51:56 PM »

We all have to plan a group paddle some where in between us all. I do believe it would be incredible fun.

upthecreek · « **Reply #197 on:** June 29, 2014, 07:13:37 PM »

I have to go back to work tomorrow

10 days off is good till it ends. Went on the flats today. 78 degress and overcast.

Creek

upthecreek · « **Reply #198 on:** July 29, 2014, 10:59:33 AM »

Had a bunch of water flowing last night so Karen and I took a trip. Was a wonderfully cool evening.

This is my friend the heron, was hoping to find him to show to Mr Needham

The sky was beautiful

Always nice to see a smile on this face

Creek

Spyder1958 · « **Reply #199 on:** July 29, 2014, 05:57:39 PM »

Looks like a good evening creek, what's your evening temps? I need a day on the water.

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Author Topic: River Rats Nest (Read 80890 times)