Barred Owl Roost camping part two. Snakes!

Kim and I saw quite a few snakes on the camping trip.

View Larger Map

Hidden Lake 3-31-12

Kim and I had a true adventure camping on the Hidden Lake camping platform in the Palmetto Pear-Tree Nature Preserve. Upon arriving in the preserve I was attacked by a sneaky mud hole and got the car stuck. Luckily for us no sneaky mud hole can match wits with my better half and resident Tar River Otter photographer, Kim. The paddle to the platform was more difficult than anticipated. Many fallen trees tested our resolve and tempers as we made our way. Upon reaching the lake we were awed by the beauty of the place but with storm clouds brewin we had to hastily set up camp. A good thing we made haste for as soon as we got set up the sky opened up on us. Oh the dreadful wind and rain! We made it through the night and the following morning was a real reward. A mostly cloudy sky looked down on us as we explored the watery wonderworld of the inner banks of North Carolina.We learned a lot on this trip.

View Larger Map

Tranters Creek 3-25-12

Overnight thunderstorms ruined our camping plans but filled the creeks up right nice.

View Larger Map

Smiths Creek, Aurora NC 2-18-12

The mornings paddle down Smiths Creek started with one of my favorite wildlife sightings, a bald eagle. We also saw a group of swans, lazy turtles, and ducks. The wind through the grass and trees was mesmerizing.

View Larger Map

Oyster Point, trailhead for the Neusiok Trail, Newport NC

The day was unfortunately too cold and windy to put the canoe in the water so we decided to hike a bit of the Neusiok Trail that we had never been to.A two and a half mile hike from the parking/camping area to a spot called The Blackjack Shelter. It was a lovely walk full of amazing views of the Newport River and the surrounding wilderness. There is a camping area right on the river, or if your in the mood for a little more privacy, The Neusiok Trail runs through The Croatan National Forest so you can camp anywhere you please. We intend to do just that when the weather warms up just a little.

View Larger Map

Gardners Creek 12-18-11

Chilly morning paddling on Gardners Creek today. Put in right off of highway64 right before Jamesville at Robersons Marina. An eclectic mix of cats, chickens, birds i didnt recognize, and small children to greet us. After giving my three dollar boat fee to the pleasant lady behind the counter we were off. The creek was nice as weve seen and soon the hum of highway 64 was behind us and we were in the amazing tranquility of another eastern NC creek. Cold weather and a bit of wind would not deter us today.

View Larger Map

Catfish Lake 11-13-11

We were trying to canoe the Newport River but the wilderness access was under construction and closed. So with a little head scratching and debate we decided to check out a spot weve often talked about but never investigated. Catfish lake in the Croatan National Forest. The day was a little windy making the lake a little choppy. Cool spot.
View Larger Map