6/5/08

I have been really busy as of late and have not had much time to go hunting. The few times I have been able to get out I was looking for new spots along the James. While kayaking down the river on the James City County side I did find a couple of new (to me) beaches that I am looking forward to checking out when I get the chance. The one thing I found while exploring a marsh was a shock that I was not prepared for. Slipping quietly down the creek enjoying the day and trying not to think about skin cancer, I see something about ten yards ahead of me that looks looks like a stick or Cypress root just breaking the surface. The closer I got, the more uneasy I became. Something about that U.F.O (unidentifide floating object) wasn't right. "What is that?" I thought.  I wasn't sure but my head said danger... .  Five yards. What is that ? It looks like a reptile, shiny or scaley maybe a large snapping turtle up for air or a snake looking for prey... .  Two yards. I like most critters but I'm not going to have a water snake try to hitch a ride in the yak, so holding my paddle like a spear I drifted closer hoping not to have to use it... . One yard. My eyes focused on the thing and I didn't believe them, a snout and a row of teeth and a eye, holy @#!$# it's a gater! As soon as I was able to make out what it was it slid down into the dark. Heart beating out of my chest I quickly turned around and hauled you know what back to the river.  I know some of you members that reside further down south probably think I'm chicken but you are mistaken. Suprised yes, yard bird no. I've lived in VA all my life, grew up playing in the marsh and I've never seen an alligator just sunning in the creek. That was last week. It was a good day.

Now to today's trip report: I got up at the crack of dawn and headed out to the Northern Neck of VA to a spot on the Potomac River. I brought the kayak with me so I would be able to hit a few different beaches. The first stop was uneventful as was the second but the last beach was money. Thats where the Hemis and nice Makos came from. Happy with my finds I started back. Have you heard the expression the calm before the storm? Well it happened today. The water was as slick as glass not a breath of wind. Then, within ten minutes the temperature dropped ten degrees and it started blowing like crazy. The weather started getting rough, the tiny ship was tossed, three foot waves don't seem like much in less your yak is lost. I finally made it back to the dock, soaked to the bone with a pocket full of teeth.

Buy the ticket take the ride.  Good times.