Kayaking in Pocahontas SP

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TRIP REPORT

POCAHONTAS STATE PARK KAYAK TRIP

May 14^th, 2013

 
It was a cool, calm evening with no one else on the lake, however a few people were walking on the trails near the lake and a couple of fisherman on the shore as the trip started.

The trip started on very still waters headed upstream, passing under a steel and wood footbridge, then through a shortcut passage with leaning trees requiring a modest duck of the head.  Getting back to the main body of water, the sounds of birds could be heard on either sides of the stream.  Soon enough two beaver were spotted and after identifying us as possibly unfriendly, they slapped the water with their tails.  Within 50 yards a beaver den was visible and their heightened concern was evident.  They kept the slapping the water with their tails in order to keep us moving.

The trip headed around a bend with a long straight-away as several pairs of geese flew overhead squawking to each other.  Another beaver pair was spotted who then slapped the water with their tails as a warning to keep moving onwards.  Once beyond them it was very quiet with only a Pileated Woodpecker as the main source of nature to observe, however, in the shadows of the trees if you looked carefully were deer cautiously watching for ever-present danger.

The trip continued on with squirrel, Tufted Titmouse, Chickadee, Blue-Gray Gnatcatchers and various woodpeckers providing the sounds of forest.  Before long a convenient turn around point was hit and we headed back.

I have one extra kayak for someone to use! 

A very relaxing trip on a smooth lake and streams feeding the main lake at Pocahontas State Park, Chesterfield Co, VA.  (ref http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/poc.shtml)

There is plenty of nature to watch:  Beaver, Bald Eagles, Great Blue Herons, Deer, Ducks and Canada Geese to name a few.