August 16 - Georgetown

Shawn, Ashley and I headed upriver from Jack's boathouse on Saturday - a crisp and beautiful day. Jacks has really fantastic rental boats, so of course, Shawn had to speed out way in front of the pack, and Ashley zipped right along. We paddled past Fletcher's boathouse and the Chain Bridge to see how far we could go before hitting the dam. We only got about 200 yards further before we hit impassible rapids. We were able to paddle right up to the little falls, but unless we wanted to portage, we were stopped in our tracks. So, we coasted the current back downstream in half the time.

There were a LOT of tourist out - almost all of Jack's enormouse fleet of rental boats was gone when we returned. Most of the tourist had gone downstream and had some work to do to get back to the boathouse - suckers!

I didn't make it out to Jack this week (sorry Josh), but I will be out there for sure next week - which day will depend on the weather.

Westmoreland State Park

Shawn and I made the two hour drive to Westmoreland State Park in Montross, Virginia off the Northern Neck on Sunday. The rental boats were pretty crappy, particularly the first one that had to be turned in after the first half mile. The second rental was a sit-on-top - very small and agile, but required a lot of brute strength to keep up momentum. Shawn and I swapped boats for a while, and now I appreciate my little orange kayak so much more! Shawn took off like a rocket and was a good quarter mile ahead of me when we pulled into the beach.

The park is very nice, and I recommend that we look into camping sometime in September or early October before the water gets too cold. The water was very calm - almost glassy in the morning, but the wind started in from the north and chopped it up a little. During a break, the current smashed us up against the shore (the dreaded lee shore!) and waves crashed into our respective boats as we fended off. We were soaked through and through - quite refreshing, really.

Our kayak route took us south past the horsehead cliffs. Made of sandstone and clay, they are spectacular and dramatic. (I will try to upload some photos soon.) Bald eagles and turkey vultures cruised the cliffs and snapped up fish in their talons. We saw the usual herons and cranes, but not many of the more land-based animals since the cliffs were so high.

We stopped for lunch at the second headland - maybe 6 miles (maybe more) out, then on the way back we stopped at fairly nice little beach to search for shark's teeth along with a gaggle of tourist weilding colanders and buckets. Shawn happened upon a shark's tooth immediatly upon setting foot on the beach - and I mean that quite literally - he stepped on in. But after a half our of beach combing, we were unable to find any more, so we headed for home base.

We were followed for a while by a creepy guy on a jet ski. Every time he came near, Shawn and I could here banjo music. Shawn's got an awful purdy mouth, so we kept our distance as best we could.

I'd like to go back to Westmoreland before the season's over. Next time we will head north and explore Pope's Creek. I'm sorry more of you guys couldn't join us. We'll try to find a more local spot next time. The season for renting kayaks will be over when water temperatures go below 50 degrees (around mid-October), and some of you may not be too keen on going out with water below 60 - just ask Majed! That means our season is more than half way over.

Til next week,

Jess, Chief Rat

Jack's Boathouse

Thursday, August 7 was my first weekday paddle at Jack's Boathouse in Georgetown. I went on Thursday due to storms on Wednesday, but Wednesday will be the regular day. The boathouse is terrific with a terrace with plants, tables and chairs. It's a very relaxed atmosphere. On Thursday evenings the Potomac Pirates - a local kayak club - meets there for socializing and paddling. They are a nice bunch, but seemed a little wary of outsiders. I was a little miffed when no one offered me a hand as I carried my own kayak (obviously struggling) up ramps and stairs. Perhaps I appeared to have things under control.
The paddle itself was idyllic! I paddled up-stream a few miles to Fletcher's Boathouse, passing basking turtles on the Three Sisters, and no power boats at all. Once you get around the first bend, the city disappears, and the landscape is as it was 200 years ago - just trees and the river. A small squall hit me on the way back - a bit of rain and thunder, but the sun was shining the whole time. It was quiet and relaxed and wonderful.
I plan to get out there every Wednesday afternoon. Times will vary. The weather will also be a factor - I may go on Thursday if the weather is bad on Wednesday. I hope you all can join me. - Jess

River Rats T-shirts have SHIPPED!

Word has it that the t-shirts have shipped! If they arrive in time, I will distribute at this weekend's paddle at Westmoreland. Stay tuned!

Belle Haven Power Paddle

The Chief Rat's 1st Post!!!

Hey Gang!  Jess, the Chief Rat, here.  A lot of you were tied up this weekend, so I didn’t plan a formal trip.  Instead, I just planned to do a power paddle at Belle Haven just by myself.  Well, Shawn and Brent got wind of this and joined me, and what a workout! We paddled upstream to the Airport Marina (5 or 6 miles) in less than 2 hours, hung out at the marina for a while, then paddled back downstream – but against a SERIOUS headwind that stirred up a nasty chop – in less than an hour.

We were haulin’!  Shawn set a grueling pace, and Brent and I paddled happily behind like little ducklings.  OH! And I just have to mention – ladies – you should have seen the guy we spied at the marina after the paddle.  Drool, drool!   Most perfect specimen of a man – BAR NONE.  Even Shawn and Brent took a double take (I took about 40 takes!) Wow!  This is what you miss when you don’t join the rest of the Rats! Ahem.  Sorry, got stuck in a daydream for a minute.
I’m still cooking up a plan for next weekend.  Sunday looks like the best weather day, but it’s still kinda early.  I’d like to try a new place, but if we need to rent kayaks we are limited to where we’ve been before or go further afield like Annapolis, Pax River, or Colonial Beach....

Mason Neck State Park

Welcome to the FIRST TRIP REVIEW

I want to thank everyone for turning out on the 13th. It was the largest gathering (I think) yet. Lots of fun was had by everyone. It was a long haul and even the bp (beginning paddlers) kept up well on the choppy waters. In my opinion it was a great place to paddle from. The rentals were decent, the launch was easy, and there were some great places to stop along the way.

We started off thinking to take in the birds and quickly found that the water level was too low and filled with underwater fauna to get too far. We also all learned there weren't any alligators in Mason Neck. HOLD ME Kat!!!

After seeing some eagles and the beautiful lush greenery Mason Neck had to offer we decided to brave out into the open water. There were a ton of larger boats out there and I'm guessing it's a favorite stop for the local Captains. We found an island to take a breather and got out and stretched. 

The last leg of the trip was the hardest. Lots of chops and waves, paddling around and in between boats at anchor, and the heat was starting to zap our energy. Everyone made it without incident and food, drinks, and merriment for all at Tim's Riverside ended our day!

LESSON #1 learned on this trip - HYDRATE YOURSELF

So there you have it, the first review. If there's anything you want to see or post on the blog get in touch with me and I'll be happy to do, add, or attempt it.

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