Urban Kayak

The day after Turkey Day - Susan and I loaded the Kayaks on the Jeep and decided to explore MacArthur State Park on Singer Island. Singer Island is a barrier island dotted with ocean front, high rise condos. The intercoastal waterway cuts behind the island and borders the State Park. We stopped by our favorite deli, Seaside Deli, and loaded up with a big "Hoagie" and sodas. We drove the scenic drive up A1A that ribbons along the coast and found the entrance to the Park. The Rangers discouraged us from launching, because it was low tide. There was alot of wisdom in that warning. We saw some other kayakers sliding their boats in off of the road - we figured we would too. They got off unscathed, we got caught by the Game Warden who informed us that this was not a boat ramp. We were already in the water about 15 yards out - either he get his feet wet, shoot us, or let us go - he let us go. As we paddled out with all of the exotic birds of the Florida wetlands, the tide went out and left us on a large mud flat. After dragging the boats about 30 yards, we found deep water.

We paddled out to a little sandy spit - meanwhile pelicans were swooping down to gobble the stranded fish left by the low water, and fish were jumping clear out of the water escaping prey from below. Susan and I ate lunch on the sandy spit - she expressed some concern about the menacing clouds. We decided to return to the Jeep - but take a different route. We paddled along the Mangroves, and navigated a deep channel back to the road. We got the kayaks on the racks and headed south to avoid the rain. We were pooped - kayaking-dragging-ankle deep mud-kayaking-dragging-kayaking. good adventure - next time we'll check the tide chart!

White Grass Cafe reservations deadline

Any Friends Of Jay going to Blackwater Lodge this February and interested in having dinner at White Grass Cafe need to make their own reservations by January 15th. Jim & I prefer the late seating (8:00 p.m.) on Saturday night, February 9th. You can make reservations by email on their website, or call: 304 866-4114.

Carolyn

Pete's year-one tribute

Just wanted to share some photos from yesterday's tribute.
- Carolyn & Jim

Peter Paul Constanzer 1956-2006

Pete stories around our campfires have already been passed down to the next generation in our friendship circle. Every time we hear a Barred Owl call out across the mountains, or hear the crackle of a campfire, or kayak a mountain stream, or backpack a mountain trail, we will feel his presence. He will always be with us. We love you Pete.

A year ago....

A year can be a long time or a short time...all at the same time.

A year without a friend can be forever.

Jay's 50th birthday at David and Jessica's

Happy Thanksgiving from Nathan and Killian!

Christmas Cheer!

Join us for the Richmond Christmas Parade, Saturday, December 1st, Adams & Broad St. After the parade come back to Emrick Flat #37 for warm cider, Jim's chili, and more Christmas cheer (b.y.o.b.). If attending the parade you should be in place around 9 a.m. to get a good spot. If not attending the parade, we would still love for you to come by the flat after the parade.
- Carolyn & Jim

Petey

Here's a good one of Pete and Wayne

Happy Birthday, Jim!

Farewell Year 52! (I made you a West Virginia funeral cake for your birthday.)
Here's to a great Year 53, Young-un.
Love you,
Carolyn

Welcome, Klaus!

Welcome to Virginia, Klaus! FOJ has been keeping Vickie busy this summer, and I know she is very happy to have you here. Hope to see you soon!

Kathy

Post your favorite pics of Pete-!!! I'll start...

Tis the season...

To Give Kathy and Vickie Crap...

our new logo for... The few,... The proud,... The INDOOR ADVENTURE CREW's new logo for the holiday season

Merchant Millpond 2007

Just a few pictures from Merchant! If you'd like to see more, go to http://www.coolportfolios.com/CapeHouse2007/index.htm
Hope everybody made it back home ok :)
~ Vickie ~

Details of N.C. Burn Ban Rules

From N.C. Parks and Recreation ordinances...

- The N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation is not permitting campfires at any of its campgrounds across the state. Campers will be allowed to use gas or propane stoves as well as charcoal cooking fires within a charcoal grill or campground fire ring with metal sides. State parks officials also warn that an adult must attend all cooking fires, and coals must be properly extinguished before disposal. The U.S. Forest Service is restricting campfires. Campers will have to rely on camp stoves if they wish to cook in the backcountry on federal park land. The U.S. Forest Service is not allowing fires anywhere in the backcountry, even for the purpose of cooking. If you want to have a campfire, you’ll have to stay at one of the U.S. Forest Service’s developed recreational sites where a fire ring or grill is provided.
- People in violation of the ban on open burning will be assessed a $100 fine and are at-risk of violating air quality regulations and possible local ordinances. Outdoor burning is also prohibited in areas covered by Code Orange or Code Red air quality forecasts.

Dismal Camping Trip

Thanks for sending the directions Carolyn! I found the park's website and there is a message however saying

NOTICE: Due to a bridge replacement project on Millpond Road, visitors traveling to the canoe rental area should follow an alternate route. To view these directions, please click here.

Also, here's a link to a more detailed map of the park which may be helpful.

~ Vickie ~