2001-07-19

Even the trip there was unique. That is to say, I got lost. I experimented by going out on Route 9, and took then unfamiliar exit 8. After half an hour going through the back road, I came across a lake. I didn't know it at the time, but it was Pattaconk Reservoir. It's quite nice there. Boat launch is possible by hand-carry only, but that is not a problem since I have a kayak. I should make another trip there sometime. By 1 pm, I was ready at the boat launch.

Folbot claimed that you can assemble the kayak in 15-20 minutes. I believe that's true, assuming you didn't get stuck on any of the assembly. I had trouble putting in the ends, and connecting a couple of the rods. Otherwise, everything seems fine. It took me 30 minutes to get ready, until the kayak goes into the water. And then, I was off in my Folbot Kodiak.

The first 15 minutes goes by quickly. I soon realized that my kayak pulls to the left. So I had to do 2 strokes left and 1 stroke right. I thought that was caused by wind or current. Later I realize that it's the boat itself that was pulling left. I was quite disappointed. Maybe it's due to my assembly technique? Will have to check that later. I do wish Folbot would put some kind of guide marks on the boat, so I can align the frames well.

I didn't notice any heavy current. If I don't do any paddling, the boat will go very, very slowly downstream. Otherwise, I don't see any current at all. That's nice. I paddled upstream coasting alongside Haddam Island State Park. It is quite sizable. Rather elongated. I noticed some structure on the island. Some kind of toilet facility? Perhaps you can walk inside? I hung around at the north end of the island for a little bit of rest. Very little current.

Another 15 minutes, and I went past a tiny island. Nothing there at all except birds. The water was murky, so I pretty much didn't see anything in the water, which was disappointing. As I floated a long, the birds were watching me. I saw a "For Sale" sign on the other side of the river. I'd check that when I get back.

The people on the river was quite courteous. I was the only one paddling. Everybody else was using motor boat. It's not too crowded, though, and they always slow down when near. Very little wake was present. Speed is not indicative of wake size.

1 hour 15 minutes, and I came by a small bridge. There was "Higganum" painted on the side. Another boat was investigating it. I decided to follow suit. It turns out to be a railroad bridge spanning Bible Rock Brook. The stream goes on to Higganum Reservoir. Very little current, and the water was shallow enough for me to see the bottom. I didn't see any fish, but I do see little floating bugs whizzing around. It was quite, shady, and peaceful. I decided to have a little lunch there. I might was well resting, too. I ate my food and put up my feet up on the deck, and just laid back and enjoy the scenery.

A problem with travelling alone is that there is no one with whom to share such a nice place. I made a couple phone calls, thanks to the miracle of modern technology that lets people call from the remotes places. My place wasn't that remote. Cellular phone works fine. I called up my landlady, who mentioned that the dog needs feeding and that would I please come back at reasonable hour to feed the dog? Selfish lady, I know. Shouldn't have called her. Oh, well. A little more nap time wouldn't hurt.

There was a knotted rope ladder on the bridge. I wondered what it was for. I floated back out to the river. I wished I had a map with me. There was a camping site up north that I wanted to check, but I didn't know how far it was. I was hesitant, but by this time, 2 hours have gone by. That's long enough break, I think. The weather was cloudy and windy. Very nice and pleasant.

Going back turned out to be a cinch. This time, I detected no current at all. Must be half way between tides. I decided to check out the "For Sale" sign. There was quite a lot of boats under the sign, but it wasn't a boat sale. It was a real-estate sale. I'm guessing that is for houses along the river. Some of the motor were 115 hp. Quite sizable motor for river cruising. Harbor park is 15 miles upstream. I guess if you want to get there in a hurry you'll need a big motor.

I floated down on the other side of Haddam Island State Park. This time I see benches and chairs. Chairs? Not a good place for picnic, I think. I floated down to the sandy beach. I saw tiny slivers of fish darting to and fro. Very nice. I put my feet up and finish up my food. A couple on a motor boat got the same idea. They anchored up close by and ate their lunch.

A little more floating down the stream, and I came across a sand dune. Seagulls were resting there, and I saw one ate a fish. I wished I had brought a camera with me. The fish wasn't particularly big, about a little longer than my hand span, and relatively thin. I wonder if fishing on the river is any good. I really didn't see any big, edible fish so far.

The final strech was quite peaceful. By this time, I was tired. Need to bring more water next time. I developed a paddling technique that can be described as "falling paddle". I basically let gravity do the paddling for me. I hold out my paddle out in such a way that when I let it fall, the weight of my arm will pull the paddle in, and push the boat out forward. The cruising speed was quite solid. Very little effort was required.

I careened too close to shore. I skimmed over some underwater reeds. A little course adjustment later, and I was on the way to the dock. Alongside me, a little motorized inflatable was zipping around merrily on its way to the dock. Very little wake was produced, so I didn't mind.

At the dock, there were a couple boats. One was the forementioned little inflatable being loaded into a pick up truck, and the other was a handicapped person. I tied my boat to the dock and pick up my car. I wished I had a lighter boat. Feathercraft Kahuna (35 lbs.) or Pakboat Puffin kayak (22 lbs). Maybe I just need a boat cart. Will have to check that later.

Gah! Almost broke my back carrying the boat. So I resorted to pick one boat end after the other. A nice person offered help, but I already got it to the car, and the foam was still in the car. I was undecided about what to do. I can put the boat out on the car, or I can wait until it dries and pack it in. I decided to just pack it in. I took out paper towels and dried it out. It didn't take long to dry, the boat being water proof, and that it was windy.

Going home was uneventful, that is to say I didn't get lost. Packing the boat down to basement completes my adventure for the day.