cfrw.us Blog

CFRW’s monthly padding series visited Shelter Creek last weekend.  Dire predictions of rain were wrong, wrong, wrong. 28 paddlers turned out for ~6 miles upstream and lunch at Holland’s.

CFRW’s classic paddling guide Blackwater Paradise: A Canoeing Guide to the Northeast Cape Fear and its Tributaries by CFRW co-founder Bruce Watkins has sold out. That should come as no surprise as it’s one of the finest regional paddling guides written.

We’re hoping to print another run of Blackwater Paradise soon  but we’d like to hear from our paddling members how they’ve annotated their own copies and incorporate that information in the next edition.  Do you have notes like “better access at south side of bridge” or “fallen trees 2 miles up” penciled in the margins? Share.  

Send your suggested updates and annotations to Kemp Burdette or call him at 910-762-5606. 

Last Saturday’s “Day on the River” celebration in conjunction with the Town of Leland was a  resounding success. Threatening clouds earlier in the day made way for light breezes, blue skies and moderate temperatures as more than 75 in every variety of canoe and kayak listened to Rob Maul describe the history and ecology of Sturgeon Creek before paddling their way down the creek to the Brunswick River at Eagles Island before returning on the incoming tide.  Some went further, a few turned around earlier, nobody drowned.  Nobody even fell out of a boat.

It was a tight fit getting all the boats launched and recovered at the site of Leland’s soon to open Environmental Education Center, but the new small boat ramp proved very kayak friendly (after a few last minute modifications) and the location was certainly beautiful.  The crowd grew to over 100 as paddlers and non-paddlers alike enjoyed the music of The Barnraisers as they dug in to the spread provided by Middle of the Island Catering.  Thanks to Kemp Burdette and Elise Rocks for organizing the event. More photos from the paddle are available here.

Fans of the Cape Fear River might want to pick up a copy of this month’s Snow’s Cut Monthly and read the article “River Runners.” The article tells the tale of an expedition by 5 teenage boys from Haw River, NC down the length of the Cape Fear in 1958.

The one tale that greatly captivated me was the challenge of floating in a flat-bottom river boat to the Cape Fear River, and then on to the Atlantic Ocean, some 200 miles by water from my home in Haw River. According to the town locals who hung out at the Pure Oil Station, known to some as the Haw River Country Club, there were rumors that a hearty band of men had indeed floated to the Atlantic Ocean back during the mid- ‘20s.

The boys saw the river in all its glory. From the idyllic . . .

A large sand bar had emerged and provided us with this unbelievable swimming hole and camping spot. There is nothing more fun than a dip in the cool waters of the Cape Fear and later feasting on some fried fish cooked on an open fire.

To the more realistic . . .

Around Riglewood,(sic) a pulp mill provided enough stench to keep us awake and the white pollution reflecting the moon’s glow made night navigation possible.

Compare this 1958 summer trip down the river to John Pugh’s 2006 November paddle down the river. Yes, one expedition relied on a 10hp outboard and the other was a paddle powered, and no, Pugh didn’t feel the need to take along a .22 for protection against gators and snakes like his predecessors, but there are more similarities than differences.

Our friends at Adventure Pathways ask us to remind everybody of their upcoming New and Used Gear Sale at Halyburton Park on March 8 from 9am – 11am.

Looking for a used kayak or backpack? Have you updated your gear supply and are looking for a good home for your old gear? This is a great opportunity to sell or purchase gear for yourself or for a friend. Vendor fee is $5 for individuals and $15 for businesses. George “Tin Man” Andrews will be selling his famous Mama’s Kitchen cooksets and Mapdannas, and local kayak retailers will have some new and used kayaks, paddles and PFD’s for purchase. Call Andrea at 341-0836 for more information or complete a vendor application at www.adventurepathways.com and mail in with your vendor fee.

BLACKWATER PARADISE
A Canoeing Guide to the Northeast Cape Fear
And its Tributaries

By Bruce Watkins

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Ashe’s Creek
Burgaw Creek
Burnt Mill Creek
Fishing Creek
Island Creek
Lillington Creek
Long Creek/Riley’s Creek/Turkey Creek
Merricks Creek
Northeast Cape Fear River
Prince George Creek
Shaken Creek
Shelter Creek
Smith Creek

This is an excellent guide some of the creeks in Lower Cape Fear River Basin. Copies are available from Cape Fear River Watch. Mail a check for $15.00 plus $1.02 sales tax plus $2.50 for shipping and handling (total $18.55) to Cape Fear River Watch, c/o Dick Ehrhart, 428 Capeside Dr., Wilmington NC 28412.