BAREFOOT BEACHCOMBING

Saturday, June 14, 2014 - West Neck Creek - North
 

I decided to check out West Neck Creek to the north of West Neck Road.  We've gone to the south but never to the north.

I launched from West Neck Marina.  It was pretty busy with lots of folks going out fishing and a few launching kayaks and jet skis.  But I didn't have any problem launching.  I had checked the Creeds wind gauge before going out and it was projecting 10 - 12 mph winds.  But I was hoping that the creek would be somewhat protected.

After I launched and turned up into the main creek, the wind did not disappoint.  It was 15 mph from the north.  In other words, directly in my face.  I wasn't sure I would even make it under the road bridge at West Neck Road.  But I continued on and I ducked into several of the small fingers of the creek where the wind was a lot calmer.

About halfway up the creek, most of the wind was gone.

I saw a lot of wildlife.  Turtles, fish, and of course, lots of birds.  Several Osprey were patrolling and nesting.

I made it all the way up to Indian River Road.  The road crossings a marked just for paddlers.  Very cool.

Of course, when I turned around to come back, the wind was completely gone!

I saw what I think was a school of bait fish in one of the small creeks on the way back.  You can see it in the pictures near the end.
 

I also saw several duckblinds.  Some active.  Some not.

Two hours and 46 minutes on the water.  5.2 miles on the GPS.

Scroll below the pictures to see the track map.

Happy Flag Day.