Kayak Virginia Beach - Wild Iris and Spanish Moss - Oakum Creek - North Landing River

Wasn't going to go out today, because the weather was supposed to be bad, but the system missed us pretty much. It turned out to be a great day for kayaking. I threw the Kayak on the truck and headed to Munden Point Park.

The repairs to the Kayak launch dock are complete, and it looks nice, but I wish they would have put in a floating dock, because it can be difficult to get in and out of your kayak when the water is low.

Did a quick warm up on Oakum creek, before going across the river to Mill Dam Creek. After walking the kayak around Back Bay on Thursday, I was feeling it in my shoulders from hitting the bottom with paddle so much, so I felt I should loosen up in calm water first.

The river was a little rough, but not that bad. Milldam Creek was nice and calm, all the grasses are coming in, and the Cypress are all greening up. I came across several patches of Wild Iris's on the way up the creek, and I got some great pictures, actually I think I got a little carried away with the camera today. I got to the Nature Conservancy Boardwalk, quite a bit difference from when Kay and I came by in search of water back in January. I went under the Blackwater Road bridge, and and a completely different environment, from a grassy marsh to hardwood swamp in 40 feet. I guess having to go under the bridge made the transition that much more dramatic.

I didn't know how far up I could go, and I thought the creek ended here, but I was way wrong. The small twists and turns in the creek, and the dense vegetation disguised the main channel until I pretty much got to the turn. The pictures I took don't really do the section justice, especially the area of trees covered in Spanish moss. As I continued up the creek, I saw a small water moccasin, I think it realized the kayak was bigger then him, and scurried off into the weeds before I could get the camera out. After going a couple hundred yards and another water moccasin, I decided to check the GPS, and when it showed that I was closer to the kayak launch at Baum road, then I was to Munden Point I figured it was about time to turn the kayak around and head for home.