Kayak Virginia Beach

Held Up - Altons Creek - North Landing River

Today, it was one thing after another, I had the kayak on the truck before 9, but still did not get on the water until shortly after 11. I really wanted to cross Back Bay to False Cape, and check out Wash Woods, but something in my mind would not let me commit to the trip. So I decided to go back to the North Landing River and Altons Creek, and maybe see what is going on with the Bald Eagles nesting on the river.

The weather was great, mid 60s and a breeze out of the Southwest. Being as we have not had that many warm days lately, nothing really to note about plant life, probably need a few more warm days to get anything going.

I decided to see if I could find the Nature Conservancy dock, on Altons Creek. I have wanted to launch there in the past, but that gate is usually closed, and when I have seen it open, I have had other plans. I did find the dock, and it looks like it is a nice set up, but as I understand it, it is a long haul from the nearest parking. The height above the water could make getting in and out of your boat a little tricky. The small creeks above the dock were really nice and peaceful, and look to be interesting in the warmer months.

I was going to continue up the creek a bit more, but realized that I was already 4+ miles out, and the wind was building out of the South, and I had really only planned on about 6 miles today, so as I was getting ready to turn back, I spotted 3 Bald Eagles in the distance. They were really to far off to get any good pictures, so as they headed off to the Northeast, I turned back, hoping to find the Eagles on the river.

The mile or so back to the river, the wind continued to build, and by the time I got to the river, the wind was approaching 20MPH with gusts above 25. There was no sign of the Eagles, but I did see some activity at the nest. The other cool thing I saw on the river were two Otters, doing what Otters do when they want little otters. I was able to get a few pictures of the Otters, G rated of course. A while later down the river, the guy that was fishing in the area, passed me, and when I caught back up to him, he told me they were going after his boat, and making conditions bad for fishing.

One of the things I like about kayaking in the off season, is the courtesy shown on the water. Not the typical yahoos that are out there during the summer months. While I was fighting the headwind paddling down the river, at least three fishing boats came along side and made sure that I was okay, and able to make my destination. I guess all those times I have made sure to give people fishing a real wide berth is working.