Church Creek and Wonderful Get-away
On Friday, May 4th, Billy Beals, my friend, fellow guide and instructor, and I took a group of ten friends paddling on Church Creek. My previous report on Bogles Wharf - ENNWR paddle provides a way to get to Church Creek from the public ramp at Bogles Wharf. We were launching from a private residence located on Church Creek.
The launch was delicate - one boat at a time. While Billy saw to the launching I circled those already launched and provided additional instruction and practice. Once assembled we paddled from mid-point in Church Creek, south toward the mouth of the creek and the Eastern Neck Narrows. (Last year we took the same group up the creek while providing basic and advanced instruction.)
Tide is an essential factor in paddling through the Eastern Neck Narrows as at low tide it is nothing but sand and mud flats. The almost non-existant channel is difficult to find and navigate. We were on a rising tide. We fought the current of the rising tide toward the Chesapeake bay turning into long cove about fifty yards beyond the wooden bridge over the narrows. This cove is a protected meandering cove. (Good fishing for perch, catfish and in the fall, Rock fish.) The narrows opens to the Chesapeake Bay on the west side and the Chester River on the east. One could paddle around Eastern Neck Island (a ten mile paddle), north up the bay shoreline to Tolchester and points north depending on length of paddle. Or paddle the Chester River shoreline north toward Chestertown (about a 15-20 mile paddle) passing Cliffs City (the Corsica River on the Queen Annes side of the river), Quaker NecK and other points of interest along the way.
I mention all of these paddling opportunities because the place from which we launched is a beautiful six room cottage that, for a group of paddlers willing to share the cost, is an incredibly beautiful place to rest your head at a very reasonable price. The cottage, Riverside House at Alton Farm, looks out over Church Creek, Napley Green penninsula and on into the Chester River. For more information on cottage rental call J.P. Ridgely at 410 639 7970 - ask for Miss Julia (tell her Howard, the kayak guy referred you.) Believe me the location and accomodations are worth the call. Rock Hall has many fine bed and breakfast accomodations as well - with several public put over points.
I hope to get out Wednesday of this week - possibly Southeast Creek. Have a great day. HEM