Author: Bob Benz

cloyd_creek

Originally uploaded by Suffering the Benz

I intended to do one of my usual paddles today, but I was feeling pretty good when I hit the daymark at mile 608 and I kept going. I passed Leapers Bluff and went into a south shore cove that is fed by Cloyd Creek. I’ve taken the bowrider up there a few times but always stopped at the Unitia Road bridge. Clearance was low and I didn’t want to risk banging up the boat going through.
But in the kayak I pressed ahead amid moonlight-lit fog, paddling past trees spun with spider webs. I went as far as I could before downed limbs forced me to turn and head back.
Overall, a great paddle that really helped clear the cobwebs out of my head. I figure I managed about 9 miles this morning.

sunrise_09_17_08.jpg

Originally uploaded by Suffering the Benz

My friend Tom was over on Tuesday night, and we were marveling at the moon. It’s started to wane, and Tom noted it’s a gibbous moon and that the light the moon casts across the earth is called the moonglade. Needless to say, that was on my mind before sunrise Wednesday when I was paddling through the light of that gibbous moon as it reflected off Lake Loudon.
I really wanted a photo of the moon. It was impressive. But I had to settle for this sunrise. Not a bad bargain, I guess. But I really wanted a shot of that gibbous moonglade.
I paddled Prater Flats again, focusing on center islands and stumbling across a few shallow coves I’d yet to explore. Probably put in about 6 miles or so.