Philly to Baltimore Kayak Paddle - Day 5

A break every now and then isn't so bad. This day I had planned on paddling from Summit North Marina to Elk Neck State Park where I would meet my parents. This was to be another short day between nine and eleven miles. The night before, my brother had told me there were cameras on the bridges for the authorities to monitor water traffic in the C & D Canal. This is likely how I was spotted the day before. It made sense since the police boat approached me from behind and I was nearing the first bridge of the day. Since I had a few more bridges to pass under on this day I decided it was best to stay out of the canal as the police were not likely to be so friendly if they caught me out there again.

When I woke at camp in the morning I found the little treat below.

 

It was next to the fire ring and as much as I walked around it in the dark I was surprised I had not disturbed it. I took it as a good sign for the day.

I had picked up a park map at the office the day before as well as some information. On the other side of the pond there was a zip-lining course and then there was the pond itself for paddling. I had my options for the day's activities. I located a pier on the map pretty close to my campsite so I decided to check it out. While walking down to the pier I spotted the orienteering map below.

With the targets so close to the pond I figured it would be cool to mix the two sports, orienteering and kayaking. As I was packing the kayak down to the pier I came across a family on the trail and the mother commented on my large pack. I explained it was a kayak and she said "What?!! That's pretty cool." Yeah, Paddle John was in the hizzouse.

I started from the pier and worked my way clockwise around the perimeter of the pond. It was not in order and I did not get to some of the targets, but I was having a great time. It was nice not to have motorized boat traffic to deal with for the day. It was also nice to have Gatoraide vending machines and bathroom facilities close at hand. Where does one go to the bathroom while paddling from Philadelphia to Baltimore? Anywhere they want.

On Lums Pond

As I made my way past the kayak and canoe rental area on the pond I could hear the excited screams of people zipping through the trees. I paddled over to investigate and there were lines passing over a little cove. I saw one person zipping in one direction and then another zipping in another direction. I positioned myself in the water under the lines. People were zipping back and forth over my head and having a blast. It was good fun just watching them.

I arranged for my parents to pick me up at the public access boat ramp on the pond. I got out of the water about an hour before their scheduled arrival took advantage of the opportunity to dry everything out. I scattered the kayak and gear on the lawn near the boat ramp. I laid in the grass myself and dozed for about a half-hour. I calculated the days paddle on the pond to be about nine miles, so even though I had the day off, I did not lose my overall distance. Once back up, I packed up the kayak and waited a short time before I saw the truck and camper coming down the access road. We loaded up the gear and started driving to Elk Neck State Park. 

We made it to the park in about a half hour, where it would have taken me the better part of the day. I guess motorized vehicles do have some value.

We checked into the campground, set up the camper and then headed out for dinner. Most of the people dining with me on this trip probably wondered if I was starving, and I was. Most of the meals I ordered during this trip were in three healthy courses. We found a nice little spot in North East, Maryland (that is the name of the town). I held off from getting the crab cakes and I was telling everyone that is why I am paddling to Baltimore, for the crab cakes. I shared the story with my parents of the previous days over dinner. I guess most people would be curious about their child's run-ins with the law. I had a beer with dinner by Heavy Seas Brewing called Loose Cannon. I thought it was fitting at the time, but I didn't think it was going to be foretelling.

After dinner we drove down to the park's boat ramp to coordinate my launch the next morning. The water was rough and choppy and I was hoping the next day would bring calmer waters as it was to be my longest day, distance-wise.

Once back at the campsite we settled into the camper for some relaxing and a severe thunderstorm warning had appeared on the television. The storm was pretty fierce and I was feeling fortunate to be in a decent shelter. Luckily I had not set up my camping hammock yet as it would have been blowing around pretty good and probably gotten soaked from the rain, even with its rain fly. 

 Luxurious Living

By the time the storm had moved through the sun had gone down so I had to set up camp in the dark. My father seemed impressed with the ease of the setup and how little is needed. We both turned in amongst the echoes of the tree frogs. When the frogs synchronized their tiny chirps, they would become as loud as a freight train. Sometime during the night, I think the silence had woken me up. I guess the party in the trees was over.

I awoke again in the morning and we filled up on delicious blueberry pancakes and coffee before heading out.

Miki and folks!

When we got to the boat ramp I had realized I left the Otterbox with my wallet in the camper so my dad had to run back to get it while I got the kayak ready. I knew he would want to see it being set up so I took photos of the process with his camera. It was set up by the time he got back.

The water seemed a little calmer this day and I was looking forward to the long paddle and finally getting into the Chesapeake Bay.

Day 5: 11 anticipated, approximately 9 paddled on Lums Pond