It's not often you find an open group paddle in these parts, but you can find one this Saturday at high noon on the Neuse. It's the first-ever-hope-to-be-annual Canoe-a-thon, sponsored by the N.C. Wildlife Federation's Capital Chapter.
Truth in advertising: This is the Neuse, but a section just downstream from Saturday's scheduled paddle. The subliminal purpose of this photo is simply to get you thinking, "Gosh, I wish I were in a boat right now. Or if not right now, because my computer might get wet, then at least this Saturday."
The flotilla will launch from just below the Falls Lake dam at 12:30 p.m. and float to the Buffaloe Road takeout, about a five-hour trip. A $50 donation is requested, with proceeds benefitting conservation efforts along the Neuse. If you've never paddled this stretch, you should. The Neuse below the dam winds through some of Raleigh's most ... exuberant development. Yet save for the occasional, distant beep ... beep ... beep of a piece of heavy equipment backing up, you might as well be deep in the woods. The river is protected by a small but effective riparian buffer that blots out the urban world beyond.
You'll need your own boat at this point (the rentals are spoken for), and you'll probably need to arrange your own shuttle (though check with info@ncwfcapital.com to see for sure). Snacks and drinks provided.
Alas, I probably can't make it. If you go, send me a picture, would you? A vicarious thrill beats the heck out of none.
