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 (Maryland 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 Chesapeake Bay 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 Patuxent River 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.