Byrne's Lake to Gravine Island - Full Moon Paddle
Friday, April 22, 2005 brint.adams@us.army.mil
Our energetic crew of six single kayaks and one tandem canoe met at Bruno's in Spanish Fort and traveled north on Hwy 225 to the Baldwin County public boat launch area on Byrne's Lake. We put in and got underway at about 6:25 PM, under mostly cloudy skies, 72 degrees and a brisk southerly breeze.
The route is well protected by tall Cypress on both sides. The water level was still high from the recent flooding and south winds slowing the river current into the bay. With near glass-like water, we paddled easily around the several s-turns, spotting spring flowers such as golden club, cow lily and spider lily.
We stopped for a moment, upon arrival at the mouth into the Tensaw River, where the south wind was kicking up white caps and sending 1-2 foot rollers heading upstream. Our group was fearless but inexperienced, and when asked, unanimously decided to cross over to Gravine Island. Everyone quickly headed straight across to the safety of the shoreline to get out of the wind and waves. We continued north to where we turned the corner and found the sand beach and dune.
The sun was still in the last stages of setting as we settled into a wide array of potluck dinner items. As the sky darkened, we could see the moon was probably not going to come out from behind the cloud cover and the lightning show off to the north was beginning to come closer. So, we decided to finish up with dinner and try to head back across the Tensaw before it got too dark.
The trip back was made a little easier, as we had the downriver current behind us as well as breaking into the waves diagonally rather than surfing them on the way up. All made it across without any problems, as we regrouped again at the mouth of Byrne's Lake.
The remainder of the trip was quite enjoyable as we were back in protected waters with very smooth water. Instead of moonlight to guide us back, we had a rather spectacular upper level light show. Although we were in no danger of a thunderstorm, it did quicken our pace a little. All were very happy with the paddle and ready for the next full moon.
Our energetic crew of six single kayaks and one tandem canoe met at Bruno's in Spanish Fort and traveled north on Hwy 225 to the Baldwin County public boat launch area on Byrne's Lake. We put in and got underway at about 6:25 PM, under mostly cloudy skies, 72 degrees and a brisk southerly breeze.
The route is well protected by tall Cypress on both sides. The water level was still high from the recent flooding and south winds slowing the river current into the bay. With near glass-like water, we paddled easily around the several s-turns, spotting spring flowers such as golden club, cow lily and spider lily.
We stopped for a moment, upon arrival at the mouth into the Tensaw River, where the south wind was kicking up white caps and sending 1-2 foot rollers heading upstream. Our group was fearless but inexperienced, and when asked, unanimously decided to cross over to Gravine Island. Everyone quickly headed straight across to the safety of the shoreline to get out of the wind and waves. We continued north to where we turned the corner and found the sand beach and dune.
The sun was still in the last stages of setting as we settled into a wide array of potluck dinner items. As the sky darkened, we could see the moon was probably not going to come out from behind the cloud cover and the lightning show off to the north was beginning to come closer. So, we decided to finish up with dinner and try to head back across the Tensaw before it got too dark.
The trip back was made a little easier, as we had the downriver current behind us as well as breaking into the waves diagonally rather than surfing them on the way up. All made it across without any problems, as we regrouped again at the mouth of Byrne's Lake.
The remainder of the trip was quite enjoyable as we were back in protected waters with very smooth water. Instead of moonlight to guide us back, we had a rather spectacular upper level light show. Although we were in no danger of a thunderstorm, it did quicken our pace a little. All were very happy with the paddle and ready for the next full moon.
posted by brint @ 6:54 AM
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