I paddled out of the North Cove at Essex with the tide falling, but still quite high. It is quiet with a light wind out of the SW, a partly cloudy sky, and temperatures rising from the 70's to early 80's. A Snowy Egret and a Great Egret are working the shoreline of the island that divides the cove from the main river. Several Swans are in the cove, a couple hundred yards away but easily identifiable.
I follow the west shore upriver. There is always at least one Osprey in sight all of the way up to Selden Neck. Motorboat traffic is light, this being a Monday, and paddling this side of the river keeps the motorturds as far away as possible.
I cross the river once I am even with the lower entrance of the Selden channel.
The wind is increasing. It isn't a problem, just something to note as it will be a headwind on the return.
I decide not to paddle the length of the island, but instead head back into the Elf Forest. It is pretty quiet in there today, not much in the way of wildlife, but I always like paddling next to the mature forest that grows on the southern shoreline. With a full canopy, the floor of that forest is shady and open with little brush.
I return coming down the eastern shore. I prefer the cliffs and steep forest of this side of the river with the downside of having motorboat traffic to deal with. Two of the motorturds blow by in large cabin cruisers at full speed and although it isn't a problem for me, it is rather rude. Spot a mature and two immature Bald Eagles circling near the Ely House. Probably school session for the immatures.
Cross the river, bouncing off of chop and old boat wakes and head into North Cove.
No comments:
Post a Comment