Smith Creek

After a quick call to the office at Northwest River Park to open the gate, we arrived at the Baum Road launch and within minutes we were set up and ready to go! We are headed out for an exploratory paddle on Smith Creek to observe the fall foliage, collect some geocaches, possibly place one, and to decide if this paddle was going to be a new addition to our Inland Adventure kayak tours.

And we are off! The water level is low at the launch area due to the strong Northeast winds but there is plenty of water to head out on this beautiful secluded creek.

Every bend and turn was just as beautiful as the next. The fall colors were beginning to appear as we approached the wider opening of Smith Creek.

We had some good luck finding most the geocaches along the way but this one had me stumped, until I realized it was right above my head. Look closely, its right there!

On the way out of this small offshoot creek I passed by many turtles sunning themselves on this beautiful October day.

The next one had us scratching our heads. We spent some time searching but now its time to move along.

I had to exit the boat on this one but its all a part of the geocaching experience, sometimes you have to get a little dirty.

We are off to stretch our legs and use the restroom at the landing park at Northwest River Park. Along the way we discovered a Needle Nose Gar that had met his early demise.

We have arrived at the landing for some much needed stretching and a quick bathroom break.

We are headed back to the launch at Baum Road now. On our paddle back we find something we love showing our customers to help explain the shallow root system of the Bald Cypress, an overturned large Cypress with large Cypress knees.

Returning we stopped at a beautiful offshoot of the creek to place our own geocache in a nice secluded area.

Its going to be named Hang Ten if its a successful placement, and you can see by this picture hanging ten on your yak is the only way your gonna grab this one.

 Well we could stay out on this beautiful creek all day but sadly we must head back to the launch. Along the way we got the pleasure of saying hello to a passing cottonmouth, out enjoying this sunny October day just like us.

Well we are back! Absolutely beautiful paddle, the seclusion here is priceless, and we are definitely going to be adding this trip to our Inland Adventure schedule and we look forward to sharing this place with clients for years to come.

  Another day well spent, taking the world on with a paddle. See you on the water!