Trail Tails...
The Motley Crew Returns to Try Out New
Platforms. They Approve!
Dear Roanoke River
Partners,
We wanted
to share some pics from a warm but wet paddle last May. It started to
rain as we headed out on a Friday afternoon from Windsor and paddled
down the Cashie River to spend our first night at Lost Boat platform.
Paddling in the rain may not be for everybody, but as we dismissed our
visions of a sunny day, we found ourselves enjoying the wonderful
solitude, the patter of rain drops on the water and the mystical beauty
of the misty river. When we pulled up to the platform we were in for
another treat. What a gem! This was no ordinary chickee [the original
canoe camping platforms built on the Everglades Trail]. Some of us had
participated in building Barred Owl Roost and Beaver Lodge, the first 2
platforms, and it was apparent that the platform design had since
evolved.
The
dock led to a beautiful boardwalk which wound through the lush
undergrowth, past a very cool privy to a sturdy platform that appeared
to have grown amongst the trees. Were Hobbits nearby? We lashed a
couple tarps to the poles around the platform to set up a dinner canopy
and then whipped up some gourmet mac & cheese & tuna... pretty tasty
when served with a bottle of wine and the music of barred owls!
Mosquitoes?... only a few around dusk and then they were gone for the
rest of the evening. The next day we had a nice long paddle (5 hours?)
down the Cashie River to the Roanoke River and then across to Conaby
Creek to Royal Fern platform. This platform was even more remote and
beautiful than Lost Boat. From the looks of the online reservation
calendar it looks like not many people have discovered it yet, but it
was worth the trip. For other paddlers that are going out in the rain,
we recommend bringing a large tarp (15'x 20') and rope for the
platform, and a small tarp (6x8') to throw over the privy. We'll be
back!
Happy Paddling from the Swamp Crew!- MK & Marc (NC), Mavis & Jamey (MD),
& John (NY)
Top picture: Lost Boat platform
Bottom picture: Royal Fern platform
We want to hear from you.
Your stories, pictures,comments and suggestions not only
make us smile... they help us build a better trail and make changes
when needed.
Disclaimer
Roanoke River Partners publishes these
stories for entertainment purposes only. We do not verify their contents
or recommend that you follow advice given. Paddler/Campers are
responsible for their own safety and comfort.