Terry Wild Goose Chase ride

[Velobambina]

I want to meet up w/everyone too. I will be driving out the morning of the ride. Well, my husband will be driving--I hope to be snoozing. Just tell me a time & place. I'll probably be wearing my Amici Veloci gear or a Velogirls jersey.

Regina, I'm really looking forward to riding w/you. I hope I can keep up.

[withm]

I swung by Blackwater yesterday and did a little scouting. I was really short on time but did pick up the water trails map, most of which is laminated onto a big sign at the launch area. Here's a couple of photos showing the launch area, and the map. I personally think we should follow the "green" trail which sends us north up the Blackwater River around twists and turns through the marshlands. It goes north about 4 miles and then you turn around and paddle back. We can go at any pace we like, current should not be an issue and with all the twists and turns, I'd think wind should not be so bad either unless it's blowing a gale.

It's hard to take pix in the sun because it renders the display on the camera invisible and I'm afraid the green route does not show up very well. But in the lower part of the upper third of the map, you can just make out the words "You are here." The green route starts there and meanders north.

Something that may dictate our paddling route and distance - there are no porta potties at the launch area, and no stopping allowed anywhere along the banks of the river. Don't know how well that's enforced if at all, but damn inconsiderate. Oh, and the brochure recommends bringing 1 GALLON of water per person for paddling..... (and a covered container for use a a latrine). LOL

So we would definitely want to meet at the Visitor Center and make use of the facilities before launching. 10 am at Visitor Center?

[divingbiker]

Thanks for checking it out, Martha!

But why in the world would I take a gallon of water to drink if I can't go to the bathroom???? Peeing in a kayak...I don't think so.

This sounds a bit tricky!

[withm]

well I'm told the kayak racers just "let her rip" and sponge out the boat after. Ewwwww. I don't understand parks that don't have potties.... It's like they are telling you to go in the woods, which is of course exactly what they don't want you to do. Does not compute.

[Kalidurga]

Blackwater's not a park, it's a wildlife refuge. There's a big difference in how the two are set up, amenities-wise.

Public use at Blackwater

[divingbiker]

Blackwater's not a park, it's a wildlife refuge. There's a big difference in how the two are set up, amenities-wise.

Good point, Tam. Thanks for the reminder.

I think I've solved my dilemma of how to secure the kayak to my car overnight. I did find a very thin channel on the edge of the seat that I can string a cable through, or I can buy a "lasso lock" from REI. Whew, I feel better now.

[Kalidurga]

Y'know, Janice, I was thinking about your kayak just the other day, wondering if there would be space to store it in your hotel room. But then you'd have to check out before heading over to the Terry ride, so you'd have to put it back on the car for that and I don't know where all of our cars are going to be during the ride.

I'm glad you figured out a solution, I was working myself into a tizzy, too! That lasso lock is similar to what I have for my 'yak.