Page 1 The Chesapeake Paddler September 2017 The Chesapeake Paddler

Publication of The Chesapeake Paddlers Association, Inc. Volume 27 Issue VIII September 2017 Independence Day trip to new paddle-in site occasions celebration Serenity, fireworks, and a dolphin sighting are among unexpected holiday gifts By Linda Delaney The paddle along the banks The Saturday before our of the Potomac was scenic kayak camping trip, while and relaxing, with osprey, I was sitting on a couch in eagles, egrets, and heron a lobby waiting for a escorting us from time -to - friend to join me, the time and watching us when head park ranger from we stopped for lunch. As we Caledon State Park called paddled by, we marveled at me. I had made a the massive satellite reservation for two nights receivers on that part of the of camping at Caledon, Potomac ( Point and she was calling to Observatory), with an osprey make sure I knew that it nest at the top of one. We was ‘paddle-in’ or ‘hike- crossed the Potomac at the in’ camping only. She said Maryland Point Lighthouse that recently some folks and paused to rest, hydrate, had driven to Caledon and take pictures before without checking first and paddling the last few miles were unable to hike the to Caledon. three miles to the campsites. The paddle-in Paddlers crossed the Potomac at the Maryland Point Light. Photo/Linda Delaney With perfect weather and a campsites are only a few yards from the beach, so paddling in for gentle breeze, the faster kayakers (I was not one of them) led the way camping was a short walk for us. I assured her we were familiar with to Caledon, and we landed a little before 3:00 p.m., right on schedule. the setup. The six paddle-in campsites were vacant, so we were able to choose whichever ones suited us, and we started moving our tents, bags, and We chatted a few minutes about the closest launch for reaching gear from our tightly packed kayaks to the sites to set up camp. Caledon via kayak, and she asked when we would be arriving on Monday so that she could have a park ranger drive by and check on I was standing on the Caledon beach, gazing out onto the Potomac us. I was thrilled by her professionalism and enthusiasm. and giving thanks for such perfect weather, companions, and beautiful camp all to ourselves – when one of our group told me that the park The five of us met at Mallows Bay early Monday morning for the 12- ranger was at the camp with ‘gifts.' I shuddered to think what the mile paddle to Caledon, so that we could ride the tide and arrive at ‘gifts’ might be. I suspected that they wanted us to move or prove we Caledon between 2:00 and -3:00 p.m. to beat the afternoon heat. To had reservations or some other annoyance. However, much to my my delight, the other four members of our trip were early, more delight, Nina Cox, the park ranger I had spoken with on the phone and organized, better paddlers, and had more energy than I, so any a few ‘friends of the park’ had driven to our camp and brought us two apprehension I had about the trip melted away. I now could relax and big chests full of ice, cold drinks, watermelon, and snacks! It was hot, enjoy the feeling of adventure and excitement that I had had while and we had just paddled 12 miles, so those ice-cold drinks and packing my kayak with everything I would need for three days and two nights of escaping from my normal routine. Continued on page 6 Page 2 The Chesapeake Paddler September 2017 THE CHESAPEAKE PADDLERS ASSOCIATION, INC.

The mission of the Chesapeake Paddlers Association is to provide a way for people to enjoy sea kayaking within the area and to promote safe sea kayaking practices through educating the local sea kayaking community.and the interested public.

Officers Pirate Groups Coordinator [email protected] Pirates of Algonkian [email protected] Bill Smith 407-489-7191 James Higgins 571-659-3319 Membership, subscriptions [email protected] Pirates of Arundell Committee [email protected] Sue Stevens 410-531-5641 Rich Stevens c/o CPA, P.O. Box 341, Greenbelt, MD 20768 Béla Máriássy 410-507-4972 Secretary—Sue Stevens [email protected] Greg Welker 301-249-4895 Treasurer—Rich Stevens [email protected] Sue Stevens 410-531-5641 Steering Committee [email protected] Pirates of Baltimore [email protected] Mike Cohn Marla Aron 301-395-6822 Linda Delaney Ed Cogswell 443-636-0387 Tim Dole 301-412-4785 Pirates of the Eastern Shore [email protected] Ralph Heimlich 301-498-0722 Paula Hubbard 407-619-2896 Paula Hubbard 407-619-2896 Pirates of Georgetown [email protected] Chip Walsh Jesse Aronson 571-969-1539 Librarian - John Gibbs 703-922-7686 [email protected] Tom Heneghan 571-969-1866 Library Rob Pearlman 240-688-6340 Gear Volunteer Gear Page Larry Ichter Marla Aron Pirates of the North [email protected] Webmaster/E-Mail List Administrators Bob Shakeshaft 410-939-0269 Paula Hubbard , Catriona Miller Gary Foster Gregg Banse [email protected] Joan Sweet Newsletter Team: [email protected] Jerry Sweet Co-Editors— Elizabeth Boyd & Lois Wyatt Pirates of Occoquan [email protected] Paddler Profiles - Bob Browning 410-661-6725 Mailing and Distribution Sue Stevens (digital) Jeff Walaszek 703-868-1765 Jenny Plummer-Welker (hardcopy) Jim Zawlocki 703-378-7536 Pirates of Patuxent [email protected] Jenny Plummer-Welker 301-249-4895 Don Polakovics 301-247-8133 Pirates of Potomac [email protected] Dick Rock 703-780-6605 Pirates of Sugarloaf [email protected] CLASSIFIEDS Liz Marancik 301-221-0572 Advertising Rates: Rita Scherping 240-731-9987 We accept display advertising that relates to the interest of our readers. Monthly Lise Soukup 240-205-4341 rates are as follows: size cost dimensions (col) THE CHESAPEAKE PADDLER 1/8 page $20 2.4” x 3.5” (1) The Chesapeake Paddler is published 10 times a year, with 1/4 page $32 4.9” x 4.7” (2) combination issues in Nov/Dec and Jan/Feb. The deadline for 1/2 page $50 7.5” x 4.7” (3) submitting copy is the 15th of the preceding month. Have an idea for Full page $80 7.5” x 9.75” (3) an article, or is there information you would like to see in the newsletter? Contact [email protected] A 5% discount will be given for ads supplied as electronic files in acceptable The newsletter may be reprinted whole or in part if credit is given formats (i.e., .tif, .gif, .jpeg, bit-map). Email or call for more information and for 10- to this newsletter and any identified author (unless an article is month discount. See advertising contact in masthead. specifically copyrighted), and a courtesy copy is sent to the Editor. Public service announcements and personal ads to sell kayaks/ accessories are The download link or file for the electronic version of this newsletter printed at no charge; non-members pay $10 for 3 months. Ads dated three months may not be posted or forwarded to non-members without the before the date of this issue will be pulled unless a new request is received by the express consent of the Coordinator or Editor. 15th of the month prior to the next issue. And if it has sold...tell us!

Page 3 The Chesapeake Paddler September 2017 News From the CPA Coordinator - Bill Smith

he annual meeting is just around the corner which means Considering the vastness of the Bay, the Chesapeake should be a it’s time to select officers for 2018 for CPA. Nominations for treasure trove of paddling destinations, but our options are limited by T the different offices are open until October 1st when voting the number of available public access points. I don’t want to sound can begin; on-line voting is complete on October 31st. If greedy, but I would like to see you have a good candidate in mind or would like to run for many more launches and paddle- office yourself, then nominate them or get someone to in campsites, especially in our nominate you. The officers include coordinator, secretary, southern territory where there's treasurer, and six steering committee members; each term less congestion. We can get the runs for one year. feel of wilderness with more wildlife and clear water. It’s hard This time of year we still have a couple good months to to call anywhere in the paddle before digging out the winter paddling gear. The Chesapeake a wilderness, but remaining trips on the schedule are limited to the final solitude with those qualities is KIPP, piracies, a Wye Island day, and one the next best thing. Even for fair trip. Fall is an awesome time to paddle so let’s hope more weather paddlers, September trips are added and some impromptu ones pop up, too. I and October are a prime part of am planning to lead at least one more trip but haven’t the paddling season. Let's get out and paddle. nailed down a date or location yet. If you would like to lead a trip and need a mentor, this is the prime time to do so, or if you know a trip For the past three years I have led trips out to Thomas Point leader, maybe you can convince them to lead one. Days are shorter in Lighthouse. The first year we were four, last year seven, and this year September and October, but temperatures are more comfortable and twenty three. This trip was by far the largest CPA group paddle I have there's usually less boat traffic. The fall colors and migrating led. As a trip leader, I was thrilled to have such a great group of waterfowl can add a new feature to your favorite paddling paddlers with varying skill levels. The group consisted of several destinations. paddlers I knew from previous paddlers and many I had never met before; it is always great to see old friends and meet new ones. I want Fall also brings ideal I would like to to thank all the participants for making my day. The weather was near camping weather with nights perfect with a little bumpy ride out in the Bay and the mouth of the not so hot and the bugs see many more ; anyone who has ever made this crossing knows it is fading away. I have launches and always bumpy. During the paddle out to the lighthouse, the boat participated in several late traffic was fairly light but after circling Turkey Point Island, it was fall/early winter camping paddle-in heavy, especially in the narrow channel next to the island. Probably a trips that add a new few pleasure boaters were not thrilled to see "a flock" (as one friendly challenge - trying to stay campsites, boater called us) of twenty-three kayaks clogging their route, but we awake past 7:00 PM after a especially in were having a great day. I look forward to leading an even bigger long day of exercise and group next year. fresh air when it’s already our southern been dark for two hours. One of my favorite CPA paddle territory. — Bill Smith car camping trips is the Chickahominy River trip each Veterans Day weekend near Williamsburg, VA. This must be the favorite of others as well because there are a lot of repeat participants. The scenery along the river reminds me of paddling in Nominations for CPA officers Florida among the Cypress trees. There are several trips to choose from, so it’s not the same paddles every year. and steering committee members Thanks to the efforts of some CPA members, particularly Ralph Heimlich, and park officials, we are on the verge of seeing more are open until October 1. paddle-in camp areas, truly a boon for kayakers. Ralph recently wrote Don’t wait. Nominate! and published online a guide to kayak camping around the Chesapeake.

Page 4 The Chesapeake Paddler September 2017

Favorite CPA trip you’ve ever been on and why: The Loons Paddler Profile: Rich Stevens Adirondacks trips. Almost unlimited paddling opportunities, many in wilderness areas. Lakes, rivers, streams, bogs, etc.

Lives in: Ellicott City, MD, moving from Arlington, VA. Coolest paddling trip you’ve ever been on anywhere and why : The Real job: Retired self-employed restaurant service tech. springs and rivers in Florida. A tropical paradise with crystal clear waters and exotic plants Do you regularly attend a and creatures of all kinds. Piracy? Pirates of Arundell Just avoid the hotter and Number of years paddling: buggier times of year. 18 Scariest/most dangerous How did you get involved in trip/experience and sea kayaking? After suffering why ? While not a near a stroke, I decided it was time fatal experience, I was on to stop working three jobs. a 30+ mile solo I’d spent most of my life exploration of the lower swimming or crewing on Tred Avon and the creeks other people’s boats. A full- south of it. A major day course with Atlantic nor’easter was predicted Kayak and a few of their trips to come in after 10:00 and I was hooked. that night. Well, it came in around 6:00 as I was What boats do you paddle? headed back, 25+ knot Necky Arluk 1.9, 18’, yellow/ It can be hard to snap a picture of Rich, well-known among club members as a fast paddler. wind directly down the black/white. First and only. But Saki was up to the task on the Nanjemoy. Thanks, Saki! river. With daylight fading Rudder or skeg? Rudder, and paddling as hard as I rarely needed. could with 4 miles to go, my GPS indicated I was making barely 1 mph. To add more excitement, I tried to wipe the spray off my glasses only Type paddle used: Werner Ikelos, high angle Euro. to find there had been an oil spill, essentially blinding myself. I Do you do any other type of paddling besides sea kayaking ? No. eventually worked my way up hugging the Oxford shore to where the ferry had ceased operation due to the weather. Fortunately, I Do you regularly was able to use a bright street light on the Bellevue side, ferry do any other parking lot to navigate back across the river well after dark. outdoor activities ? Cutting and hand- Future bucket list trip(s): Manhattan circumnavigation. Some splitting firewood. of the other Florida rivers besides the Suwannee. Frequently accused Three things you like most about paddling? The peace and of not weeding the quiet. Exploring new places, often where few people have been garden. before. The unique view of the world from the water. How often on What do you like about CPA? The people average do you paddle between Two unusual, non-paddling things other people find May and October? interesting about you: I’ve been to every one of the lower 48 2-3 times a week states except Arkansas, plus Canada and Mexico, on solo cross- country motorcycle trips. Also, I was at Woodstock.  Do any winter Rich Stevens paddles on Henderson Lake in the Adirondacks in paddling? Rarely, 2016. Photo/Sue Stevens. but I have a dry suit Do you know a paddler who would make an for the late fall/early spring trips. interesting profile? Contact Bob Browning at: Favorite local paddling location : St. Michaels and Blackwater area. [email protected]

Page 5 The Chesapeake Paddler September 2017 Upper Nanticoke is cool, green, and bald Shady seclusion and a stand of bald cypress beckon the curious By Susan Green park has “the northernmost he weekend of July 14 natural stand of bald cypress T -16, Ralph Heimlich trees in the United States!” It led an excursion to explore was lovely, quiet, and cool in the upper reaches of the the woods, and the water . Our base seemed cleaner. We camp was Trap Pond State explored as much as we could Park near Laurel, Delaware. and returned to the put-in in Most of us stayed in the order to be off the water primitive camping area, before the approaching storm which features lovely, hit. When it did, three of us shaded, spacious and were happily making and secluded tent sites. One eating our dinners under can drive and park near, but Ralph’s tarp. There was a not at, these sites. The strong thunderstorm over the parking areas include a shed Ralph Heimlich explores the bald cypress stand at the end of Trappe Pond. Photo/Susan Green park and then steady rain for with over-sized awhile, but this writer drifted wheelbarrows for off to sleep easily with the transporting one’s gear to the assigned site. One downside to the sound of the rain on her tent, the temperature having cooled off primitive campsites is their distance – about two blocks – from the nicely, and her 10” tent fan whirring gently overhead. As an added bathhouse with toilets, sinks, and showers. There is only an outhouse bonus, the sandy soil soaked up the excess water overnight. with toilet, but no sink, near the primitive sites. Two in our group stayed in one of the cabins at the park. While I didn’t see the interior, I After additional paddlers arrived Saturday, we headed off to paddle understand that they were clean and had air conditioning – something the upper Nanticoke and part of Deep Creek. We drove to the to be grateful for in hot weather. Seaford Boat Ramp, parked, and proceeded upstream. It was high tide and scooting under the North Street bridge (13Alt.) was a tight fit. Weather for the late afternoon-evening of the 14th was predicted to Not long after we went under the Route 13 bridge and followed the include severe thunderstorms. This forecast thinned the ranks of the many twists and turns of the river up to and under Old Furnace Road campers, with some opting out and others changing plans to arrive and then headed back downstream to find a place to take out and eat early Saturday morning. The rest of us chose to go on Friday and check lunch. The return included a short exploration of the entrance to in to the park as early as possible in order to set up our campsites Deep Creek. That evening, the group dined at the Laurel, MD before any troublesome weather arrived. Having accomplished this, restaurant, Abbott’s on Broad Creek. Try not to miss the daily happy four of us set out for a short paddle across Trap Pond to visit the hour from 4-7 PM! Nature Center and then on into the bald cypress grove at the opposite end of the pond. There was a warning sign at the park boat ramp Sunday Ralph proposed a “butterfly” paddle on , as about blue-green algae in the pond. Indeed, the pond was covered some of us were heading home early in the day and others, staying with an uninviting layer of almost electric green scum. We later another night at the campground, wanted a longer paddle. Some learned that swimming in the pond had been prohibited for many drove the scenic route to Federalsburg, DE, and crossed the Nanticoke years because of the poor water quality. on the Woodland Ferry, privately built in the mid-18th century by James Cannon but operated by the Delaware Department of The Nature Center, a nice new building with bathrooms, sits in a large Transportation since 1935. It has an interesting history that I suggest picnic area and features stuffed critters and lots of photos of plant and you check out on Wikipedia. We accessed Marshyhope Creek at animal life, although most of them are not labeled. There is also an Federalsburg Marina and Recreation Park where there are two boat aquarium with a live corn snake and another with some fish. It’s worth ramps, a couple of outhouses, and plenty of parking. We proceeded a quick stop on a hot day. upstream as far as we could go before returning to the boat ramp for Back in our boats, we headed for the opposite end of the pond where lunch and good-byes to those going home early. The rest of the group we could follow a creek into the bald cypress swamp. The way was paddled on downstream and eventually back to the boat ramp well-marked with helpful arrow signs. The park website states that the without this writer, so others will have to tell that tale. 

Page 6 The Chesapeake Paddler September 2017

Continued from first page and up and down the Potomac. We thoroughly enjoyed seeing a watermelon hit the spot! All of us expressed our gratitude for their variety of fireworks displays without the traffic, parking issues, crowds, thoughtfulness. or aching necks, and one of our group saw Our first night was a a dolphin heading out perfect, quiet, cool, to the bay while we private evening. After were sitting there. We cooking dinner, we sat on experienced another one of the benches cool, quiet night in our overlooking the Potomac tents at Caledon. The and watched the last morning, we got beautiful sunset. We had up early to paddle the agreed that the next 12 miles back before morning we would sleep the worst of the late in and decide where to afternoon heat. Our explore over breakfast. return paddle was a Dan Minton got up early bit harder against the and hiked around tide but easier Caledon Park while the because our kayaks rest of us snoozed. He were a little lighter. saw many deer, and I too On this return paddle, saw a young deer we followed the watching our campsite Maryland side of the from the woods. The Paddlers explore a WWI cargo ship wreck, part of the Mallows Bay Ghost Fleet. Photo/Linda Delaney. Potomac to Mallows second day we kayaked down the river a bit, and explored a small Bay to get a different view. Once more we were accompanied by creek and a WWI cargo ship wreck that had washed up on the beach, lovely eagles, egrets, and osprey as well as dozens of ducks scurrying part of the Mallows Bay Ghost Fleet. While we were at the shipwreck, along the beach. we heard thunder and raced back to camp – once more the weather was on our side and the storm completely missed us. Our second night Arriving at a quiet Mallows Bay in the early afternoon on Wednesday, was July 4th, so we arranged our chairs on the Caledon beach and we unpacked our kayaks, loaded our boats, said farewell, and gave th watched several fireworks displays on the opposite shore, behind us, thanks for a pleasant, relaxing 4 of July kayak camping trip.  Choptank Paddlefest “poker run” rewards pirates with booty

By Mark Fisher lush corridor of green which gradually widens during the course of the On a picture-perfect Sunday morning in mid-June, more than 200 paddle. There are a few homes along the river, but the landscape is paddlers, including a number of CPA members, descended upon the largely natural, with forest and marsh vegetation along the banks. Greensboro Carnival Grounds along the in Osprey, eagles, herons as well as other wildlife were spotted. Greensboro, MD. It was time for the annual Paddlefest on the The pace of the paddle was leisurely, with boats traveling in large Choptank. This event is run by the Caroline County Chamber of packs and people engaging in friendly chatter as they made their way Commerce, and there is a fee to enter. Participants received a bag of downriver. After drawing a card at the put-in, paddlers stopped at goodies and an event T-shirt. three points along the river to draw additional cards for their poker Paddlecraft of all types were present: recreational kayaks, canoes, hand. The final card was drawn at the take-out. The boats anchored at inflatables, tandems, and a handful of sea kayaks. Participants these points also handed out liquid refreshments. unloaded their boats at the put-in at Greensboro, then drove down to At the take-out, volunteers helped paddlers carry their boats and nearby Denton, where a shuttle bus ran them back to Greensboro. shuttle buses were available to help paddlers retrieve their nearby The event was a “poker run” where participants drew cards at various cars. Everyone had a chance to unwind and grab a cold drink and a hot points during the paddle. The best hands won prizes at the post- dog or hamburger. A bluegrass band provided entertainment and paddle party held at the Choptank River Yacht Club, which served as prizes were awarded to those drawing the best poker hands. Prizes the take-out point eight miles downriver from the start. included a recreational kayak and paddle, a barbeque grill, a cooler, After a short speech at the start, paddlers got their boats in the and other gifts provided by local businesses. The atmosphere was light water, some using the boat ramp while others entered from the and the paddle on this stretch of the Choptank beautiful. It wasn’t long or challenging, but it was a fun getaway!  riverbank. The Choptank is rather narrow here, but calm. The river is a Page 7 The Chesapeake Paddler September 2017 Upcoming Events

Fri, 9/1 - Sun, 9/3 non-CPA event: ACA L4 Instructor De- 9/1, 7:00 -9/3, 4:00, Int, course for intermediate coastal kayakers to velopment improve rough water skills Sun, Sep 3 Paddle 9:00, Adv Beg, paddle the beautiful Bohemia River & tributaries in Cecil County, MD Sep 5, 6, 7 piracies check CPA calendar for start times and roving launch sites Sat, Sep 9 KIPP 2017 #6 8:00, sixth meeting to help improve skills and build endurance for the challenge paddle Sep 23 Mon, Sep 11 Attain the Gunpowder 10:00, explore together as the Gunpowder exits the marsh, our goal to reach Rt 40 or at least paddle lovely waterways Sep 12, 13, 14 piracies check CPA calendar for start times and roving launch sites Sat, Sep 16 Kayak Rodeo and Paddle 10:00, fun competitive events to reinforce sea kayaking skill, a concept in progress, contribute your ideas on Discussion page Mon, Sep 18 West - fr Discovery Village 10:00-3:30, Adv Beg, from Discovery Village , Shadyside out to bay

Sep 19, 20, 21 piracies check CPA calendar for start times and roving launch sites Sat, Sept 23 Wye Island Circumnavigation 9:00, Adv Beg, hint of autumn in the air, 12-13 mi Sat, Sep 23 KIPP # 7 Circumnavigation Challenge 8:00, challenge paddle Sep 23, culmination of 6 months building skill Day and endurance Mon, Sep 25 Paddle Creeks on south side of Kent 10:00-3:00, 12 mi paddle on open & choppy waters of the , Island Queen Anne's County launch permit req. Sep 26, 27, 28 piracies check CPA calendar for start times and roving launch sites Mon, Oct 2 Paddle the Head of the Bay 10:00-3:30, paddle along northern shore to Carpenter Point and creeks off Furnace Bay, 12 mi Oct 3, 4, 5 piracies check CPA calendar for start times and roving launch sites Mon, Oct 9 Lower Cedar Point to Swan Point and 10:00-4:00, Adv Beg, Piccowaxen Creek Oct 10, 11, 12 piracies check CPA calendar for start times and roving launch sites Mon, Oct 16 Paddle the 10:00-3:30, explore the Upper Miles, Glebe, & Goldsbough Creeks, 14 mi Oct 18, 19 piracies check CPA calendar for start times and roving launch sites

Mon, Oct 23 Paddle Lankford Creek 10:00, off nr Rockhall, 12 mi on semi-protected waters Oct 25, 26 piracies check CPA calendar for start times and roving launch sites Mon, Oct 30 Patuxent into Hunting Creek 10:00, Adv Beg or Int, depending on wind conditions Sun, Nov 5 CPA Annual General Membership Mtg 12:00, pizza & potluck lunch, CPA updates, & election of officers & Elections Thu, Nov 2 Pirates of Georgetown check CPA calendar details Mon, Nov 6 Rocky Gorge Fall Foliage Paddle 10:00-3:30, Beg, daily permit info w trip description Thu, 11/9 - Chickahominy River Car Camper 11/9 12:15 pm - 11/12 3:15, cold water paddle so at least wet suit req, Sun, 11/12 day trip groups to various locations, make your own campsite reserva- tions, see website for more details Mon, Nov 13 Pamunkey River fr White's Landing 10:00-3:00, Adv Beg, cold water paddle, follows fr Chickahominy Car Camper Fri, Dec 1 CPA Holiday Party 7:00 pm-11:00 pm, potluck dinner & White Elephant gift exchange

For the most up-to-date listings, visit the CPA Meetup Calendar.

Page 8 The Chesapeake Paddler September 2017

Photo/Penelope Strickland Paul Fofonoff’s new boat is one foot and 10lb. lighter than the SERC waters attract summertime paddlers “Blue Whale,” making his annual paddle to work a bit easier.

The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) is surrounded by fine waters for paddling— the West and Rhode rivers, and Muddy Creek— so it’s small wonder that staffers would occasionally break out a boat. Paul Fofonoff has paddled to work there from his Columbia Beach neighborhood once a year since 2003. His six-mile journey was made more exciting this July by a fierce wind through the wide mouth of the and by his capsizing his new kayak at the destination (even experienced paddlers must get used to new equipment, am I right?). Rosemary Bitzel (above, left) and a friend chose a SERC launch in hopes of spotting abundant waterfowl, and were rewarded for their plan: Egret, great blue heron, and a bald eagle made their appearance on the Rhode River within five minutes of the launch. Around the bend on Muddy Creek, thick green cattails and white marsh mallow flowers (althaea officianlis) against a vibrant blue sky made a lovely natural picture. 

The Chesapeake Paddler Chesapeake Paddlers Association, Inc. P.O. Box 341 Greenbelt, MD 20768-0341

REMINDER: Please check your mailing label for your membership expiration date. If you receive the newsletter electronically, you will receive an e-mail reminder prior to your membership expiring; please notify the Secretary for changes to your email address. If your CPA membership has expired, or will expire soon, please send in your dues. SEE BOX ON PAGE 2 FOR ADDRESS.