Tuesday, April 28, 2009

UP THE CREEK!

At last a chance to put a kayak in the water and explore some great waters that are only a few miles from my doorstep. Sebonac Creek lies to the north-west of Southampton, and is the smaller of two channels, the larger one being Little Sebonac Creek. (Who makes up these names?!)

This particular kayak is a Manatee, branded by the LL Bean company, but actually a Perception Prodigy EXP boat with a different logo on the side. As with anything made by Perception the construction is high quality and very rugged. I’d go as far to say that these stubby little boats are indestructible! They’re stable, track reasonably well, and are easily lifted (or dragged!) over land. Their only limitations are a lack of speed, and the fact that they are not suited to open waters. (Ah.)

Launch Point: End of Sebonac Inlet Road.
Winds: South, light.
Air Temperature: 70F
Water Temperature: 48F in the channel.
Total Distance (with meandering!): About 2 miles.

Just a series of pictures, some with comments:

The launch point, and the channel through which I would return later.






General views of the wetlands.





A Horseshoe crab. These benign creatures are an indicator of healthy water quality. They are actually related to the spider family, and are said to have not evolved over two million years. (Wait a sec, I know some people like that!)



The second channel heading out into Peconic Bay. Little Sebonac Creek is to the right of this photo. That's to be paddled another day.



Ah. Don't try this at home ... (A case of "Do as I say and not as I do.")



Returning to the launch point, approaching the first channel from the open water.


Great fun! Lot's more to come!



3 comments:

Rev. Richard Thornburgh said...

No icebergs then?

Anonymous said...

Great pictures. Makes me want to try kayaking. I have a question - do you wear a life preserver?

Tim Lewis said...

That's great! Get out on that water, but don't do it anonymously, Anonymous.

To answer your question: I do not wear a life preserver when sea state and weather are benign, and the waters are friendly. If there is a possibility of weather changing for the worse then I carry one with me. If the conditions are choppy and windy I often wear one. In very heavy currents, river or tidal, especially when rocks and tidal rapids are involved, I always wear one.

A big part of kayaking is looking at the weather and constantly being aware of what the next few hours may/will bring. And equipping accordingly. The ideal combination is (a) local knowledge, and (b) a Weather Band radio.

Hey, Anon - get in touch! Whoever you are!