The Chesapeake Paddler

Publication of the Chesapeake Paddlers Association, Volume 13, Issue 7 September 2003 Paddling Toward the Lights by Barry D. Marsh

I’ve long been interested in houses still stand as historic . By mid-2001 I and lightships for beacons on our coasts and far realized my paddle trips had taken their navigational importance offshore, and many lighthouses me near many of the lighthouses and their varied architectural and several lightships have on the Bay. I soon joined the styles. Although electronic gained new lives as maritime Chesapeake Chapter of the US navigation has all but eliminated museums. Society and learned of the need for lighthouses and the the club’s “40+3 Award,” a patch last of the lightships has been I began kayaking a few years ago awarded to members who had seen decommissioned, many light- to explore the wonders of the Continued on page 2

Solomons Lump, north of Smith Island, near Crisfield, 2 The Chesapeake Paddler September 2003 Continued from page 1 all 40 lighthouses and three good launch sites. Some of the Hooper Island, Point No Point, lightships in the CCUSLHS’ offshore caissons are as far as 3.5 and Sharps Island, and Virginia’s miles from land, like Maryland’s geographic area—all of Maryland Continued on page 4 and Virginia, and part of southern Delaware. Most members of the TOM ROSE “40+3 Club” have “seen the Works Hard for You! lights” from land and during boat Consistent Top Producer trips, but as far as I could tell no one had ever paddled a kayak to To LIST or SELL YOUR HOME, Call: all 40+3. 410-919-2529 Voice Mail So, I decided to paddle to all 800-222-6177, x2529 40+3—in my own “40+3 [email protected]−−www.annapolis-real-estate.com Chesapeake Lighthouses + Lightships by Kayak Quest”! To Coldwell Banker/OPF document my progress, I bought a Canon Elph Sport APS waterproof camera so friends THE CHESAPEAKE PADDLERS ASSOCIATION could take pictures of me as I paddled as close as I safely could The mission of the Chesapeake Paddlers Association is to provide a way for people to enjoy sea kayaking within the Chesapeake Bay area and to promote safe sea kayaking to each light. Since late 2001 I’ve practices through educating the local sea kayaking community and the interested public. paddled to many of the 40+3. Some of the lights are easy to Steering Committee: Georgetown Pirate Kings—David Moore, Coordinator— Brian Blankinship, 301-445-3273; Stephen Edmondson, 703- reach, like the Lightship [email protected] 461-1748, pirates_georgetown @cpakayaker.com Chesapeake and Sevenfoot Knoll Membership, subscriptions—Steve Lindeman, PO Box 341, Greenbelt, MD in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and 20768, [email protected] Baltimore Pirate King—Barry Marsh, 410- 728-4016, [email protected] shoreside lights at Concord Point, Secretary—Steve Lindeman, Ft. Washington, and Jones Point. [email protected] Algonkian Pirate King—James Song, 703- Treasurer—John Blackburn, 301-587-7142, 375-4754, [email protected] Other lights that are a bit offshore [email protected] are also fairly easy paddles—like Webmaster/E-Mail List Administrator— MEMBERSHIP: Subscription to The Thomas Point Shoals, Sandy Barbara Foley, [email protected] Chesapeake Paddler is included with membership. Membership is $10/year or Point Shoal, Fishing Battery, and Newsletter Team: $20/2 years. Send checks or changes of Managing Editor/Layout—Bernadette membership information to: CPA, PO Box New Point Comfort. Starting Knoblauch, [email protected] with an October 2001 CPA trip I 341, Greenbelt, MD 20768. DO NOT send Articles Editor—Thomas Crabill, them to the newsletter editors. led along the Calvert Cliffs to the [email protected] Cove Point Light, a number of Advertising Coordinator—James Song, DEADLINES: Closing date for articles, trip [email protected] trips let me check off most of the reports, information and advertisements is the Mailing and Distribution—Andres Vaart, 15th of the month prior to the next issue. The “easy” lights in the northern part [email protected] editors retain the right to edit or not to print any submitted material. See advertising of the Bay. Pirates: information in the Classifieds section. Pier 7 Pirate King—Alan Avery, 410-956- 3299, [email protected] But the most challenging lights The Chesapeake Paddler is published Potomac Pirate King—Dick Rock, 703-780- monthly, approximately March-December and are those that either stand on 6605 may be reprinted whole or in part if credit is caissons in the middle of the Bay, given to this newsletter and any identified Patuxent Pirate King/Princess—Don author (unless an article is specifically or although on land are tough to Polakovics, 301-866-0437, pirates_patuxent copyrighted), and a courtesy copy is sent to reach because they’re far from @cpakayaker.com; Jennifer Elmore, 301-862- the Managing Editor. 2398, [email protected] September 2003 The Chesapeake Paddler 3 Coordinator’s Column

This month we have a review member list and see if someone have a selection of each to hand of a few paddling destinations. will volunteer to lead it. out. These were posts on the members list in case you didn’t Speaking of volunteers, we The CPA logo tiles David Moore see them. have received most of the ordered are in. These hand volunteer recognition painted ceramic tiles were on It’s great to see so many “rockers.” These are kayak display at Lake Anna. If you are paddlers on the water. There shaped patches we will give to interested in one, I suggest you are lots of both official and those who volunteer for the contact David. insert email unofficial trips and it is a association this year such as address here pleasure to see so many new instructors, safety boaters, faces at our weekly paddles. If steering committee members, you have a suggestion for a pirate captains, and swim I hope to see you on the water. trip, but don’t feel you meet supporters. We expect to Brian Blankinship the trip leader requirements, receive the trip leader rockers put your suggestion on the soon. The pirate captains will

CALENDAR Participants in CPA events must read Sep 6 (Sat) Sep 26-28 (Fri-Sun) Fall Fun Fest, and comply with the statement of CPA (Beginner) Alan Avery. (410-956- Elk Neck State Park (All). John trip requirements and ratings on p. 11. 3299) Blackburn.

Please contact the trip leaders in Sep 12-14 (Fri-Sun) Janes Island OCTOBER advance, even if you are familiar with (Peer paddle). Woody Woodard the area being paddled. They need to (703-335-8624). woodardr@ Oct 3-5 (Fri-Sun) Delmarva have contact information in case of bigfoot.com. Car/cabin camping and Paddlers Retreat (All). changes. Also, there may be space paddling at Jane’s Island State Park limitations or other trip restrictions. on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Oct 4 (Sat) St. Michaels Small craft Note: As always, you can get the latest Festival (All). information about the CPA Calendar at Sep 13 (Sat) VA Beach our website: www.cpakayaker.com. Paddlefest (All) Oct 10-12 (Fri-Sun). Pokomoke Many of the non-CPA-sponsored River/Nasssawango Creek events have websites with full informa- Sep 20 (Sat) Baltimore Harbor (Beginner). Ralph Heimlich (301- tion on them. Links to these sites are (Advanced Beginner). Barry Marsh 498-0918). Fall foliage paddle on the available on the CPA website calendar. (410-728-4016). beautiful Pokomoke and back up into Round trip from the Canton Water- the mysterious Nassawango Creek. front Park to the Inner Harbor. 6 NM This is a command performance SEPTEMBER in protected water. Depending on for those who accompanied me in boat traffic, water conditions, and August and decided we HAD to Sep 5-7 (Fri-Sun) St. Clements paddler interest on the day of the see the river with autumn leaves. Island kayak camp (Advanced trip, an additional Intermediate level Beginner). Bill Dodge (703-979- Outer Harbor loop of up to 8 NM Oct 11-12 (Sat-Sun). Patuxent 5837). ADC chart 23. This is the 6th can be added after the Inner Harbor River Appreciation Days (All). CPA year for this event. Most historical loop. Booth? site in Maryland. Sep 21 (Sun) Kent Island / Oct 31 (Fri). Halloween Paddle and Sep 6 (Sat) The Broadcreek Blast Goodhands Creek (Beginner). Party (All). Cyndi Janetzko, Dave (All) Laurel, Delaware Pam Avery. 410-263-0811. Biss. 4 The Chesapeake Paddler September 2003

Continued from page 1 trips to the Sharps Island and Solomons Lump Lighthouse Hooper Strait Lights in Wolf Trap and Smith Point. September), and I was anxious to Some land-based lights, like Last October Dale Murphy try it out on a longer trip. On Pooles Island and Cape Charles, planned a weekend trip for eight Saturday morning, as we look like simple, short paddle friends to Smith Island, where prepared to launch from the trips, but may really take hours she’d rented an entire bed and Ewell dock, the Methodist to paddle to. Of course there’s breakfast in the town of Ewell. minister of all three churches on no easy way to paddle to the Instead of doing a 10-mile open- Smith Island strolled by and Chesapeake Light Tower—14 water paddle trip from Crisfield introduced himself and mentioned miles into the Atlantic! Here are to the lighthouse north of Smith he was a kayaker. I invited him the tales of my kayak trips to a Island, we chartered a fishing to join us, and we rushed off to few of the lights: boat, operated by the waterman help him get his boat and gear. It who ran the B&B we’d reserved, was good we had “Pastor Rick” Baltimore Harbor Approaches to get our kayaks, gear, and along—the nautical charts didn’t ourselves from the mainland to show some of the passages On Memorial Day 2002 I met Smith Island on Friday. through the inner marshes of the with four CPA friends—Maridale Martin National Wildlife Preserve Jackson, John McKeever, Carlos I’d just replaced my Perception —and Pastor Rick knew his local Rodriguez, and Manuel Suarez Carolina with a new Impex waters better than we did. Even —to paddle to the lights marking Montauk (it’d been christened on the and shells buried in the Continued on page 5 wetland mud. We 21 paddled about three miles down Dundee Creek to the mouth of the and took a floating rest break at Carroll Point. Eleven paddlers decided to explore the backwater areas instead of joining the next part of the trip, which included four long open-water crossings. Ten of us continued across the Gunpowder to Rickett Point and headed into the Bay. We were soon in the rolling surf alongside Pooles Island Light. We paused for pictures and some rescue practice (Manuel did a wet exit for us), then headed back to the mainland. On the way we met up with the rest of our paddling group, and 12.5 miles after launching, we arrived back at the marina. Light #17 in my Quest completed! Overfalls Lightship, Lewes, Delaware September 2003 The Chesapeake Paddler 5 Continued from page 4 then we had a few false starts, seven hours after launching ramp in Lewes, DE; the hardest paddling up several false ‘guts’— completed our 14-mile circum- was Point No Point, 2.5 miles out narrow passages only navigable navigation of the island. Light in seas that topped 3’ and winds when the tide was up—but Betty #28 completed! As a bonus, on up to 15 knots, done after we’d Aldrich found the right gut and the drive home from Crisfield already paddled to Point Lookout we broke through the surf zone four of us took a side trip to at the start of what became a 17- into 3’ waves on the windy Hooper Island to visit the only mile trip. I’ve started to plan to northwest side of the island. Maryland light I hadn’t yet paddle to the last 10 lighthouses Paddling for a few minutes paddled to. A quick 7-mile round and one lightship, mostly in the through heavy seas, we entered trip later, I’d not only paddled to Hampton Roads area, and I calmer water near the top of the light #29 in my Quest, I’d also should finish my Quest sometime island, and for the first time paddled to the last of the “MD in 2004. But to finish my Quest I spotted the Solomons Lump 25+1”! first have to paddle to the Lighthouse about a mile offshore. Chesapeake Light Tower, 14 A quick dash brought us to the So far I’ve paddled to and had miles east of Virginia Beach. lighthouse, one of the loneliest my picture taken at 30 of the Sometime next year, when the and least accessible on the Bay. lighthouses and two of the weather and tides are just right After a congratulatory bilge lightships—30+2—just over the and with a group of experienced pump water fight (very welcome, three-quarters point! I’m often paddlers and a chase boat given the heat and humidity of the asked which have been the easiest alongside, I hope to complete my day) and a picnic lunch ashore, and hardest lights to reach. The 40+3 Quest with a paddle trip to we paddled through a flock of easiest was Overfalls Lightship, the Tower, looming on the distant hundreds of Brown Pelicans, and less than 100’ from the launch horizon.But that’s another article.

Fishing Battery, on the Susquehanna Flats, south of Havre de Grace, Maryland 6 The Chesapeake Paddler September 2003 Shoreline Tour of the and St. Leonard Creek

This was the first Shoreline Tour, and Soaking up History from along Maryland and Virginia’s perhaps the first CPA trip, with a the Patuxent waterways. They got their first press boat. Jesse Yeatman and look at Calvert waters during the Darwin Weigel of the Calvert By Jesse Yeatman, Staff Writer tour, and seemed to be impressed. Recorder paddled Jesse’s canoe to The Calvert Recorder, 08/01/03 cover the story. Darwin mentioned Nelson Labbe, a kayaker from he gets out on the Patuxent on Thursday nights (the same night as Nothing beats a leisurely paddle Springfield, Va., said he was the Patuxent Pirates), but on a down the Patuxent River, unless if excited to see the Patuxent River sailboat instead of a kayak. Jesse’s it’s in conjunction with an informa- from the cockpit of his kayak. “I article and Darwin’s photographs are tive tour along the shoreline of try to get out once a week,” Labbe reprinted here with permission. Jefferson Patterson Park and said. He is a member of the Museum. The Chesapeake Pad- Chesapeake Paddlers Association. The morning trip was approximately dlers Association joined with Kirsti Labbe transitioned to sea kayaking 4 miles, and the afternoon trip about Uunila, JPPM staff archaeologist, from river kayaking about three 6 miles. The paddlers included: for a guided canoe and kayak tour years ago. River kayaks are short Luci Adams, Alan Avery, Sue Bauer, of the extensive shoreline of the and sturdy, built for maneuverabil- Bill Hunt, Caroline Labbe, Nelson Labbe,Craig Labbe, Becky More- park. The 16-boat flotilla traveled ity during whitewater riding. A sea house, Jenny Plummer-Welker, a few miles down the Patuxent kayak is longer and thinner than a Barbara Southworth, Rich Stevens, River and into St. Leonard Creek river kayak and built for speed and Greg Welker, Belinda Urquiza, Kirsti to learn about hotspots in Calvert tracking. After the three-hour trip Uunila, Darwin Weigel, Karen Yee, County history. Most of the Labbe said he liked the ride and and Jesse Yeatman. paddlers hailed from other areas learned some interesting facts. Jenny Plummer-Welker

Kirsti Uunila, an archaeologist at JPPM, explained the history of the area September 2003 The Chesapeake Paddler 7

Kayakers explore the Patuxent shoreline along the park

Periodically the paddlers paused to centuries ago during the War of are very few African American listen to a history lesson by Uunila. 1812 just inside the creek. A very families on the water now.” Now “About 9,000 years ago the well known battle, the fight did oversized houses exist along most Patuxent River was a fast running happened on the way to the of the Calvert County waterfront. freshwater stream,” Uunila said. burning of Washington and the The river probably much more battle in Bladensburg. Lead paddler Jenny Plummer- narrow than today, as evident by a Welker showed the tourists where a 1770s map drawn for a court case. Sukeek’s Cabin, an archaeology sunken boat lies in St. Leonard The map listed various seventeenth hotspot for the park, was a home Creek. Just inside the mouth in a and eighteenth century properties belonging to an African American small cove the “Dashaway” sleeps and traced a shoreline that has family. The site is considered to be at the muddy bottom of the creek. been gnawed at by the river. the first free residence of Sukeek’s Plummer-Welker said that as the Further down the river, near the family. Although park staff has not oral tradition goes, the 1883 mouth of St. Leonard Creek, determined if Sukeek’s daughter Chesapeake sailing vessel was Uunila pointed out the site of the lived in the house, they have abandoned by an African-Ameri- first execution in the Maryland proved that her granddaughter can captain in the 1920s. The boat colony. A man named John Dandy lived there. In the 1920s, as many measures just over 50 feet in length was put to death for the murder of as 70 African American families and can be seen by keen observers his servant, lived on or near the water of the St. on days when the water is clear. Leonard Creek peninsula. That Henry Gouge, on Oct. 3, 1657. number has changed dramatically The park hosts the paddle tour The sheriff of Calvert County at since, although the road name, every year as part of its archeology the time, James Veitch, carried out Mackall Road, still testifies to the education program. For more the execution on an island north of former families of the land. “Then information about the Chesapeake St. Leonard Creek. The Battle of the meaning of waterfront Paddlers Association (CPA), call St. Leonard Creek was fought changed,” Uunila said, “and there Jenny Plummer-Welker at 410- 535-1600 x2333. 8 The Chesapeake Paddler September 2003 PADDLIN’ PLACES Compiled by Ralph Heimlich the Choptank, but the channel is the bay. A map was enough to This new feature is drawn from marked… at least until Denton. navigate. discussions on the CPA mail list. It Going south on the Choptank focuses on places to paddle, as Going downriver, you’ll pass the I also launched from the beach next documented by list participants. outlet of Williston Lake. On a high to the Route 16 Bridge, which goes tide, you can go as far as the Route to Taylors Island. I paddled from Martinak State Park 16 Bridge and outlet from the lake. Slaughter Creek to Beaverdam Location: At , on Creek without any navigational Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Other notes problems. Just follow the strongest Route 313, near Denton. ACD • Check with the rangers to see current. You can also visit James Chesapeake Chart Book, p. 12. when the bass tournaments are Island off the northern tip of Taylors and avoid those weekends, due Island. Brian Blankenship: I really like to crowds at the boat launch. Martinak. We held a couple Kids Greg Hollingsworth: I’ve done this Kayak Camping trips there, and I’ve • Explore Martinak State Park. trip four or five times— it’s one of run several large camping events. There’s a nature and fitness my favorite longer trips, along with The rangers are the tops. Camping is trail, and you can see the the Hooper Island chain just to the nice and well maintained. There’s a remains of a pugny (sailing south. free put-in at the park, but you have vessel) that was excavated to drive from the campsite. when the boat launch was While 20 miles does not seem that constructed. The park is about long, this trip has whipped me just The ramp drops you onto a control- 100 acres, and it abuts another about every time I’ve done it. I led creek with nice, gentle paddling large tract that’s owned by a usually add James Island to the trip, and pleasant scenery. Minimal boat church camp. which is to the north. That adds a traffic, mostly canoes and trolling little more distance. fishermen. This creek provides easy • The best place to get sand- access to the Choptank. wiches is Cindi’s, a conven- Following the strongest current has ience store, just north of US 50 generally worked for me. But there’s Jenny Plummer-Welker: Martinak on MD 313 (the subs are a point on the southeastern side of is my favorite Maryland State Park. HUGE). The best place to eat the circuit where one branch of the The boat launch is on Watts Creek, dinner is the Greensboro Diner flow takes you down to the Honga which empties into the Choptank (it’s one of my grand-parents’ instead of out to the bay. Taking the River. From the launch, you can go regular spots). A little bit wrong branch will add about 15 in three directions: further, in the opposite direc- miles to your trip! A chart and tion, is the Suicide Restau- compass should keep you on track Following Watts Creek rant—serves great seafood— through the area. At high tide you can paddle up near the Suicide Bridge, up Watts Creek and under the Route river from Secretary, MD. Currents and tides through the 313 Bridge. After the bridge, the southern side of Slaughter Creek can creek splits. Circumnavigating Taylors Island be quite strong. Try to plan your trip Location: Chesapeake Bay, on so that you’re going with the tide Going North on the Choptank Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Route 16 through these areas [Note: tidal From Watts Creek, it’s about one near Blackwater National Wildlife difference with Baltimore is mile up the Choptank to the center Refuge. ADC Chesapeake Chart –3:05]. The route down to the of Denton. There’s a waterfront Book, p.6. Honga is another nice circum- museum on the west side of the old navigation that’s well worth doing. bridge at Route 404 (not the new Ross Christman: I haven’t paddled by-pass bridge). The museum all the way around Taylors Island. I Circumnavigating Eastern Neck (http://www.riverheritage.org) has launched once at Beaverdam Creek, Island National Wildlife Refuge two skipjacks on display. There’s on Smithville Road, and paddled to some motorboat and jetski traffic on Continued on page 9 September 2003 The Chesapeake Paddler 9

Continued from page 8

Location: On the Chesapeake Bay, Nanjemoy: King’s Creek, Hill Top short carry to the water, a Port-A- Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Eastern Fork, and Burgess Creek. It’s well John, and everything is free. Neck Road, south of Rock Hall. worth several trips. ADC Chesapeake Chart Book, p.4. is a mixed bag There are lots of nice creeks to Ross Christman: Reed Creek on with regard to boat traffic. Bass explore in the area. Hunting Creek, Tilghman Neck, due east of Eastern boats and other motorized things to the north of Route 231, goes back Neck Island, has a nice launch site sometimes zip around. Stay on the for miles. The only launch site for kayaks, and there’s adequate south (shallow) side and you’ll be north of Route 231 is King’s parking. From there you have a 1.5- fine most of the time. The only place Landing Park. See: mile open water crossing to get to I’ve ever worried about boat traffic http://www.mdp.state.md.us/info/ Eastern Neck Island. On weekends is the crossing from King’s Creek to patuxpaddle/area7.htm the high-speed boat traffic is heavy Nanjemoy’s west side. There, boats in the . zip in from the Potomac.

Craig O’Donnell: There are several Patuxent River good put-ins south of Rock Hall, but Location: Maryland’s Western you can shorten your drive by Shore. ADC Chesapeake Chart putting in at Queenstown and Book, pp.19-20. paddling across the mouth of the NOTICE Chester River to Eastern Neck. But Ralph Heimlich: There are multiple paddling from Queenstown to launch sites on the western Annual meeting Eastern Neck can easily take an Patuxent. Check out: hour, and that’s about how long it http://www.mdp.state.md.us/info/ The annual meeting of the takes to drive the extra distance to patuxpaddle/base.htm. Click on the club membership shall be held Rock Hall. Also, the water at the section you’re interested in, and then on the first Sunday in mouth of the Chester can be rough. click on the little launch symbol for November, unless a different information about a particular put- date has been designated by Wendy Baker-Davis [who led the in. the Steering Committee and CPA trip on July 20]: Our 12- mile circumnavigation of Eastern Neck Al Staats: Those in the 2003 publicized to the members at started and ended at Bogle’s Wharf, Patuxent Sojourn used the King’s least thirty days in advance. which is the island’s put-in. We saw Landing site, near Cocktown Creek. The time, location, and scenic, unspoiled marshlands, many There’s a one-lane paved driveway agenda of the annual meeting bald eagles, and other shore birds. from the parking area to the launch. shall be chosen by the You can drop your boat by the water Steering Committee and must Nanjemoy Creek before you park your car. be announced to the members Location: Off the , on Maryland’s Western Shore The park closes at 8 PM, and they at least thirty days in advance. Route 425, off Route 6 near Tayloe. lock the gates. If you’re paddling for All members may vote at ADC Chesapeake Chart Book, p.22. the day, plan on returning no later annual meetings. A report on than 7:30 PM. the annual meeting shall be Joan Spinner: The upper part, from published in a timely manner Route 6 south, passes through There’s a pool near the parking lot through official club woods and marshes and ends at and some showers with very cold information sources such as Friendship Landing. From there to water. The charge is $3. Use the the Potomac, Nanjemoy can be pool; skip the showers! the newsletter, listserv or windy. Other days you pray for a website. breath of wind. Rich Stevens: The launch site on the From Section 6 of the CPA east side of the Route 231 bridge is Bylaws I love the upper part—it’s really a excellent. There’s a wide beach, a treat. There are a few creeks off the 10 The Chesapeake Paddler September 2003 CPA Trip Requirements and Ratings

CPA trips are organized by and for and clothes appropriate to the water RATINGS: members of the club. When you temperature. Boats must have water- First Timers: Participants have never participate, please remember that trip tight bulkheads or flotation devices to paddled before. (No prior skills leaders are “hosts,” not professional prevent the kayak from swamping necessary.) guides, but you must be willing to when capsized. All paddlers must follow their instructions. They are have, and know how to use, a pump, Beginners: Participants have paddled neither necessarily trained in first aid paddle float, and whistle. On the day some, taken classes, or have been on or CPR, nor do they always carry first of the trip, leaders may refuse to short (up to 4-mile) trips and can do a aid equipment of safety devices for admit participants for noncompliance wet exit and paddle float re-entry. your use. with any of these requirements, so if you are not sure, discuss it with the Advanced Beginners: Participants You, and you alone, are respon- leader in advance! have been on longer trips (up to 10 sible for your personal safety. miles, full-day outings), have some Waivers: All participants in CPA- experience with varying conditions Trip leaders will pre-screen all sponsored trips and events must sign such as winds and waves, and have participants for skills, equipment, and legal release forms each time before good rescue and group paddling skills. willingness to abide by club rules and setting out on the water. Only one policies. If you wish to join a trip, you release per season is needed for Intermediate Paddlers: Participants must contact the leader in advance. regularly scheduled events (e.g., the are comfortable on longer trips (more weekly activities of the “pirates”). The than 10 miles), can maintain a steady REQUIREMENTS: legal release absolves all participating pace for extended periods, are CPA members from legal liability for comfortable with open water crossings Equipment: While on the water, all the injury or death of a fellow of 2+ miles, can handle a variety of paddlers must wear PFDs, spray skirts, participant. water conditions, and have strong self- and group-rescue skills.

CLASSIFIEDS Check your ad! Ads dated 3 months at no charge; non-members pay $10 Necky Arluk II. Kevlar/ before the date of this issue will be for 3 months. Carbon. 18’x22", white/white pulled unless a new request is received by the 15th of the month prior FOR SALE with teal trim. Includes to the next issue. And if it has sold, carbon paddle, skirt, and tell us!!!! cover. $1,600. John LL Bean Kayak/Canoe McKeever, 202-874-3492 Advertising Rates: Trailer for 2 kayaks or 2 (w) or 410-695-1391 (h). Display advertising will be accepted canoes. Never used but that relates to the concerns and john.mckeever beginning to rust in my interests of our readers. Monthly rates @bep.treas.gov. (07/03) for advertising are as follows: driveway. $50. Tad Baldwin, 202-244-5502, tadbaldwin@ Current Designs Size cost width x depth (col) starpower.net. (09/03) 1/8 page $20 2.4” x 3.5” (1) Gulfstream. 1999, yellow 1/4 page $32 4.9” x 4.7” (2) over white. Fiber-glass with 1/2 page $50 7.5” x 4.7” (3) Whitewater Kayak and skeg, day hatch, 3 bulkheads, full page $80 7.5” x 9.75” (3) Ducky. custom seat, upgraded Kayak: Prijon T-Canyon, A 5% discount will be given for ads bungies and deck lines. Good spray-skirt, paddle, good supplied as electronic files in accept- condition, no skeg problems. able formats (i.e., .tif, .gif., .jpeg, bit- condition, $500. Ducky: 16' 10" X 23.75". Great map). Email or call for more informa- Hyside Padillac II inflatable tion and for 10-month discount. See expedition or day trip boat. self-bailer, 1-2 man, premium advertising contact in masthead. $2000. Joan Spinner, 301- foot pump, good condition 559-3345, JSpinner2 Public service announcement and per- $450. Fred, 703-360-0670; sonal ads to sell kayaks and @peoplepc.com. (07/03) leave message. (07/03) accessories are printed for members September 2003 The Chesapeake Paddler 11

Weekly Pirates Paddling

We now have six pirate groups paddling every week! Join one! Pirates at Pier 7 Wednesday nights, arrive 4-6 PM. Paddling, rolling, rescue practice, boat fitting, BBQs, and hanging out with other paddlers. PFDs required. Directions: Take US-50 west toward Annapolis. Exit onto MD-665. Exit onto MD-2 south, over the . Take first left after crossing the bridge. Follow road to Pier 7 Marina. Contact: Alan Avery, 410-856-3299 or [email protected].

Note: Pier 7 kayak launching is free on Wednesdays only. All other times there is a $5 launch fee, even if launching from the beach. Pirates of the Potomac Tuesday nights, 5 PM. Belle Haven Marina. $3 launch fee. Seasonal passes $45. Directions: From Alexandria, VA, take the Mt. Vernon Parkway 1.3 miles south of the Beltway, then left and straight into the marina. Contact: Dick Rock, 703-780-6605 or [email protected]. In case of inclement weather, call Belle Haven Marina, 703-768-0018 after 3:30 PM to confirm launch cancelled. Pirates of the Patuxent Thursday nights, arrive 5-6 PM. Free parking on the right, just north of the boardwalk across from Our Lady Star of the Sea Church. Contact: Don Polakovics, 301-866-0437 or [email protected]; or Jennifer Elmore, 301-862-2398 or [email protected]. Pirates of Georgetown Thursday nights, 6:30 PM. Jack’s Boats (202-337-9642), 3500 K Street, NW in the Georgetown area of Washington, DC under the Whitehurst Freeway. Plenty of parking. Rental kayaks available. Contact: David Moore, 301-445-3273 or [email protected]; website: http:// www.scienceapplications.com/pirates. Pirates of Baltimore (the roving Piracy!) 1st, 3rd, and 5th Tuesdays at Canton Waterfront Park, 3001 Boston St., Baltimore; 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at Rocky Point Park, Essex, MD. Meet at 5:30 PM for paddling and skills practice and to meet other paddlers. PFDs, sprayskirts, and a waterproof light required. Contact Barry Marsh, 410-728-4016 or 703-837-3017. Pirates of Algonkian (upper Potomac) Tuesday nights, 6 PM until sunset. Paddlers from VA and MD paddle along the upper Potomac shores between Virginia and Maryland. We raid unsuspecting canoes and fishermen for food, drink, and catch-of-the-day. AAARRRRG! We also portage and paddle down along the C&O Canal. We often explore Seneca Creek and elongated islands as well as practice skills, rescues, and rolling workshops. Two launch points: Algonkian Regional Park in Sterling, VA, and Riley’s Lock in Potomac, MD. Contact: James Song, [email protected] or [email protected] or 703-375-4754. Inside our September issue:

 Paddling Toward the Lights

 Shoreline Tour of Patuxent/ St. Leonard Creek

 Paddlin’ Places (new feature)

. . . and more!

The Chesapeake Paddler

Chesapeake Paddlers Association PO Box 341 Greenbelt, MD 20768

REMINDER: Please check your mailing label for your membership expiration date. If your CPA membership has expired, or will expire soon, please send in your dues. ***SEE BOX ON PAGE 2 FOR AD- DRESS***