I decided that I needed to spend some time outside after a long winter working inside. So I simply ignored my calendar and loaded the XL Tripper onto the Yukon gathered up my new paddle and a life vest. I decided to head down to Seven Tree pond in Union to see how high the water still was in the St. George River. It was a calm but cloudy afternoon, the water is still very high but dropping rapidly. I noticed on the trees that the level had dropped about six inches in the last day or so.
I was somewhat concerned that paddling the large canoe alone would be a problem. I was very surprised to find that it moves very nicely to the paddle stroke. I paddled around the north end of the pond and far up into the flooded swamp at the head of the pond. I saw several pairs of wood ducks with the males in full breeding plumage, a beautiful sight. Unfortunately I had no luck getting close enough for a good picture.
After touring through the flooded timber I paddled back toward the ramp coming directly into the breeze. With nothing to hold the bow end down even the light breeze made it a little bit of a challenge but not insurmountable. I decided to try and paddle up into the river rand under the bridge. With the river at flood stage the current was very strong but I was able to paddle into the current with some effort. Needless to say a couple of hours paddling around were just what I needed to break the doldrums. I feel as restored as I hope my clients do after an afternoon canoe trip.
Add new comment