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Thanks Betty Wiest for a great trip on an unknown (to me that is) creek only 15 minutes from my house. Martin |
Belcher’s Creek
South Shore of Greenwood Lake
by Betty Wiest
Sunday, May 31, 2015
Frequently, as life would have it, many of my trips are very last minute. When I posted a trip early Saturday morning on the 30th , I really didn’t expect 6 people (and after several emails late Sunday and Monday, there would have been more). And as I stated in the email…..just show up if you’re interested in paddling this creek.
I got one email from a member, “It’s just the paddle I was looking for”. …something quick easy and close to home.
In attendance: Janet L., Lori B., Monique S., Martin W., Teri R. and me.
As I was driving, the rain started as I was approaching Skyline Drive from the east. By the time I got to the top of the mountain, it was really raining so I stopped, pulled over and texted Janet….”how about just having breakfast.” She replied, Betty, it’s just a little drizzle.” Then I got a phone call from Lori, “It’s not raining here at the South Marina.” Okay, I just committee myself to actually paddling this morning.
By the time we all assembled, even Martin and Teri who just decided at 9 a.m. to join us, the skies were bright. During our entire paddle not one drop of rain fell.
We meandered through Belcher’s Creek, which is a nice stretch and fairly clear. A few down trees and branches littered the creek, but did not inhibit us from getting through. We did not have to get out of our boats…. you wouldn’t want to because of the poison ivy.
We saw a few turtles, but the most exciting wildlife was a great blue heron who posed for us repeatedly and for a time seemed to be blazing our trail.
While we did not have the usual delectable, we did share some delicious macaroons as a treat.
Janet and I went for a bite to eat at a local West Milford diner. The heavens opened up….we were glad our timing was perfect.
Betty