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The Shell/Subway station looked like a parking lot for boaters when we met Saturday morning for a trip down lower Coldwater Creek and into the Blackwater River. Twenty vehicles carrying kayaks and canoes were divided into two shuttles for the drive to the put-in at the Munson Highway Bridge. Coldwater was running higher and faster than is usual for August. Heavy rains from earlier in the summer had fully charged the shallow aquifers, which continue to supply the local streams with plenty of water. The put-in was muddy from clay deposited during the high water stage the week before. Almost all the sandbars were underwater along Coldwater and there were few places to stop so we reached the confluence with Blackwater River in about an hour. Most club members have never paddled this part of Coldwater Creek. The banks are much lower and the creek spreads out into the swampy forest on both sides. In the spring the Titi’s and other bushes are in bloom making this a more interesting time to paddle. After paddling almost halfway to the take-out we finally found a very small beach on the Blackwater with an open bank area to stop for a snack and relax. This stop also allowed everyone to regroup; we were strung-out over a long distance due to the time it took to launch 24 boats. While there, a few folks got in the water to cool down. After twenty minutes of R & R we continued down the river and discovered that just around the next bend there was a wide beach, which would have made a perfect stopping place. Doesn’t that seem to often happen when we are not familiar with a stream? More motor boats began passing us as we continued downstream. Some of their drivers didn’t know the rules of boating and sped by creating large waves. After paddling about three miles and passing some homes along the river we were ready to take a break but every beach was already occupied. Finally we found a large submerged sandbar that was perfect for wading and taking a swim. Just about everyone enjoyed a refreshing dip in the water. Once we continued our paddle it was only about forty-five minutes to the Navy Recreation Center where Cliff Krut had reserved a pavilion and was cooking hot dogs, sausages, and hamburgers. This was the highlight of the day for most of us. Some other club members and guests joined us for what might be called a “feeding frenzy.” Folks brought homemade breads, cakes, salads, cookies, and other goodies. All calories burned during the nine-mile paddle were more than replaced. As we finished eating and were sitting around swapping stories and telling lies about past trips it started to drizzle. There was a quick decision made to load up our gear and avoid getting wet. It didn’t work! On the way to pick up the shuttle vehicles the sky released it’s full 40% chance of rain in a frog-strangler. Actually getting soaked means you won’t suffer from the heat (positive spin). Special thanks to Cliff for getting the pavilion, buying the food, and cooking it. Thanks also to the shuttle drivers. – Wes Mosteller Turkey Creek, August 24th
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