Getting lost kayaking Hammocks Beach State Park, NC

Pelican at Hammocks Beach State Park, NC

   I mean, I wouldn't say we were lost...maybe just momentarily turned around. You could call it extensive exploring of the salt marsh. Hey look, a pelican!

   In our continued exploration of our new homeland (North Carolina), we spent an afternoon kayaking Hammocks Beach State Park. I've actually kayaked from here a while back, but hadn't explored the area near the park (and Bear Island in the distance). We set off from their over-the-water launch.

We spied a dolphin right away!

   We turned here, then again, a right, a left, a...wait, maybe it was a right? Huh. Lost. However, you're never lost if you can retrace your steps, even though that meant a lot of paddling in this case! Luckily I brought my kayak sail for some downwind help once we rediscovered the main drag.

   Although we didn't paddle all the way to Bear Island (where the park has 14 primitive campsites!), we had a good time finding our way (after loosing it!). Warm breeze, salty air, wildlife around every corner...not bad North Carolina.

   Some NC paddling challenges on this trip were the wind (it's always windy here, man do I need a sailboat!), the lack of localized current information, and the combination of shallow water & sharp oyster beds on our inflatable kayak (although our Innova is pretty tough and had no problem on this trip). It will be interesting how these challenges mingle with our future aquatic travels.

  Make sure to check out Hammocks Beach State Park on their website and/or call 1-877-7CAMPNC to make reservations for one of those Bear Island campsites!

   ~Paul & Amber   ETC