Our trip started off with an adjustment to the route plan. We had planned to paddle the lower portion with a shuttle but conditions determined that we would do the upper portion instead. It’s a very similar paddle and easily managed without a shuttle.
We met at the visitor center just east of Mission city on Highway 7 to coordinate travel to the put in; there were 3 tandem canoes and 2 solos. It was really nice to have the Kitson Family along with Dottie, Jimmy and their parents Spencer and Jessica. Also 2 guest paddlers from the island traveling with Ron W. and Corrine R. Carole and I comprised the rest of the paddling crew for this trip.
Heading north under the Deroche bridge we paddled into smooth calm water with plenty of birds. We saw eagles, many varieties of water fowl and some Kingfishers too. The slough water flows clear and fresh at this time of the year and there were lots of minnows to be seen. A surprising number of nice fish were jumping as well.
We paddled up to our island stop for lunch. Lots of room for the kids to stretch their legs and enjoy a warm sunny day’s adventure. After a leisurely lunch we headed back down the water-way through grass mazes streaked with narrow water channels to paddle in. Some mild current made for a bit of fun in the “S” turns and some gliding along pretty country settings. However, we did note the regular train traffic from the nearby tracks that had a way of reminding the city was not that far away.
We finished the day just after 2pm with plenty of time for everyone to get loaded and on their way. It was a very nice day, nice paddle and good to meet our new paddlers. It seemed like a good time was had by all.
Bob Podesta
Trip Leader
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