New Year’s Day Paddle
New Year’s Day Sunrise Paddle
Morse Landing to Murrells Inlet
Left Morse Landing in Murrells Inlet in the dark with Frank Eaton, David Thebeau, Julie Bostian and Pamela Duncan Heins and paddled the Roxo Paz to the mouth of the inlet to watch the first sunrise of 2011.
Tide was falling, so got easy ride out, then a real pull that had us well out in the mouth of the inlet with some nice swells coming in and a fog bank. Been there many times but was a little disoriented in the fog and predawn light.
We realized the strength of the tide as we watched it race pass the green buoy and wisely decided not to paddle out of the mouth of the inlet. I doubt we could have returned until the tide changed as strong as it was moving.
I always like a few clouds during sunrise to spread the light and add some color, but we had a few too many this morning. It was nice just not spectacular.
We took a break on the beach watched a sailboat leave and head into the sunrise and out to sea as pelicans zoomed overhead. A light rain started to fall so we began the paddle back, knowing that we would be cutting it close on having enough water to get back to the landing.
The current was strong and the water was really clear with the bottom easily visible, clearly showing us the oyster beds that we were clearing by inches. Every turn through the marsh meant being hit by a rush of water racing to the sea, it was a real workout paddling back, knowing that time was no on our side.
Once in sight of the landing Frank deployed the sail he got for his kayak and we did a photo shoot. I was glad we didn’t have wind, the tide was enough. I really like the sail and may add one to the Roxo Paz.
After loading the boats we headed to Prince Creek Diner for a hearty breakfast.
3.66 miles
4.5 mph max speed
2.0 mph average
1:48:00 moving time
38:23 stopped
