Kayak Virginia Beach

Busy Day - Ashville Bridge Creek - Back Bay

Well after taking an involuntary 3 weeks off from kayaking, I was finally able to get back on the water. Since the weather had the potential to turn ugly early, I decided on hitting Ashville Bridge Creek. Upon arrival I saw 5 Great Egrets feeding just South of the bridge, which was different, because I usually only see them solo or in groups of 2. The water level was ok, almost to low, but doable. As I was preparing to leave, I saw the Blue Ridge Mountain Sports, Common Adventure Group approaching from the North, As I understand it the Common Adventure Group, is an impromptu group that meets for casual paddles on the waterways in the area, the their web site for more details.

Heading down the creek, it appears that the creek wintered well. The only birds that have returned in any quantity are the Red Wing Blackbirds, other then that the creek appears to just be waking up. After getting to the bay, I headed over to the Horn Point launch site, I thought it didn't open until next week, but opened on the 1st of April. The big news there is that the channel to the ramp is completely blocked by the sandbar, and it looks like it is only passable during the highest water levels.

After I left the Horn Point facility, I was contemplating the loop, but Hells Creek is not that appealing to me, but Aaron had mentioned spotting a Bald Eagle at the mouth of the creek, so I decided to check it out. As I approached I saw the Eagle in one of the tall trees at the mouth of the creek, this is the first time I have seen an Eagle on Back Bay. I hung out a while and just enjoyed watching the Eagle, before heading for home.

The paddle back up Ashville Bridge Creek, was pretty uneventful, with the exception of the tour group in total disarray. Just to clarify, this is a different group then the one I paddled down the creek with, it was led by one of the local touring companies...

So why was it so busy... When I got home, I saw my neighbor, and he wanted to know if I wanted to go sailing. I said sure, it has been 6+ years since I have been sailing. We headed up Willoughby, and had a great couple of hours sailing on the bay. The fun started when it was time to head in, and the engine refused to turn over. No big deal just sail in, was the call, tack over, line up get some speed up, drop the main, Oh by the way we have never sailed in to the slip before... Great, on the boat I used to race, sailing into the slip was a common occurrence, crew of 10, that had done it on a regular basis, to 3 guys, 1 has not sailed in 6 years, and the other 2 had never sailed in to their slip, after a quick flash of bad thing went through my mind, head up, turn turn okay turn real hard... We had her in the slip, backwards, but in the slip... Hey we sailed in...