Class of '55 Kayak Trip

The tide was high, the wind was moderate and the cloud cover and temperature was perfect. Four kayaks pushed out from the ramp at Back Creek Park and leisurely moved toward the mouth of Back Creek, passing the docked trawlers of the Seaford Scallop Company and on out into the Chesapeake Bay. The wind picked up and we paddled into a slight chop. As we cleared the channel markers and entered the lee of Goodwin Island the water smoothed and we drifted to the edge of the marsh. This was an opportunity to try our hand at fishing or just hanging with those who brought gear. Soon we headed south and turned the corner of the island to locate the hidden inner passage. Using GPS points, the narrow cut was located and we all paddled easily from one side of the island to the other. Large numbers of egrets and herons call the island home, and at times an eagle has been spotted searching for food. When we exited the calm twisting passage on the north side of the island, we were in the York River facing a NE wind of several knots. The waves were breaking hard on the beaches and paddling was a little more difficult for the beginners. We eventually cleared the end of the island and turned toward the mouth of Back Creek where the friendly wind nudged us forward with little effort on our part. After four hours of exploring and fishing, we finished the last mile of the seven mile trip and pulled out, tired, hungry, and happy.