The Kayak Chronicles ©

by Darren Caffery

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KAYAK CAMPING AT ASSATEAGUE ISLAND

Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland

April 21-23, 2006

Just like last year’s trip to Assateague, Mother Nature reminded us who is in control and we had to adapt our plan.  We all had been watching the weather forecast the week before our planned trip to Assateague State Park &  Assateague Island National Seashore. The plan was to paddle out to the Green Run backcountry campsite which was 10 miles from the launch area within the park and to camp for 2 nights.  The weather forecast a few days before the trip wasn't looking too promising and a few paddlers dropped out from the plan only days before we were to leave.  The group of 12 dwindled to 9 and we ended up only camping on the island for one night instead of two. All in all however, it was another fun adventure. Those who want suggestions on how to prepare for a camping and paddling trip such as this should check out JSSKA member, "Wild Bill" McArthur's website.

All the paddlers arrived in Ocean City Maryland on Friday April 21st.  Our originally booked hotel was unexpectedly closed for the weekend and for the same price (50 bucks a night) we were all moved to a nicer hotel with an indoor pool, hot tub, gym and a restaurant and lounge. These turned out to be great amenities since we ended up spending more time at the hotel than we expected to.

In addition to myself, paddlers for this trip included Jersey Shore Sea Kayak Association members Tom Kelly, Jim Merritt, Barb & Mike Busch, Chuck & Joyce Allison, Corey McKellar and his girlfriend Marissa. After some of us walked a few miles of the Ocean City boardwalk on Friday afternoon we congregated at the pub for happy hour until all the paddlers arrived.  At slightly after 8 pm we all walked over to another restaurant for dinner where we set our plan for the next day. 

On Saturday April 22nd, with the threat of thunderstorms and rain later in the day predicted to last all through the night we decided we weren't going to paddle out to the campsite and instead we'd secure another night at the hotel and wait out the storm.  On Saturday morning, although we decided not to camp, we headed down to Assateague to talk to the ranger and maybe get a quick paddle in before the storms were to begin.  We were able to get a 5 miler along the shore of the bay before the storms started.

After our paddle, during the storm, we went for lunch then soaked our bones in the hot tub and the indoor heated pool until Chuck and Joyce hosted a wine and cheese party in their room before dinner. Jim, who had met us on his way back from a Florida trip decided to head back to NJ.  And then there were 8. 

On Sunday with a bit of residual rain and morning fog we drove down to Assateague and got ready for our 10 mile paddle out to the backcountry camp site.   The skies cleared later in the morning and the fog lifted by time we got to Assateague.  Once we secured our permits, the ranger, who looked like he just woke up from sleeping in the back room, read off a whole list of potential dangers regarding the weather, small craft advisories and hazardous conditions which could occur once we were out there that could prevent us from traveling safely back to the landing. In the most serious face, he told us we needed to designate a contact person or someone who could identify our bodies if something very bad was to occur.  We joked around about that, however he found none of it amusing.  

After loading up our kayaks with all the necessary gear and food we launched at Ferry Landing at about 11 am. Conditions were good. It was about 65 degrees with 5 mph winds from the southwest, sunny skies and 60 degree water temperature. It was a mildy rigorous workout paddling on the shallow bay with the slight wind, shallow water and our kayaks loaded with provisions. We saw a good deal of horses along the coastline during the 6 miles of paddling and exploring the coastline.  We landed at the Pine Tree campsite for lunch at about 2 pm.  There were a lot of tiny toads at the campsite which we had to be careful not to step on.  Fortunately there were very few flying pests like mosquitoes and flies but within the first hour at the campsite, a few ticks were found on paddlers and gear.   

After lunch and an hour of rest, we launched back and paddled another 5 miles to the Green Run campsite. The air temperature had warmed even further and most of the paddlers took off their paddling jackets because it was too hot.  We arrived at Green Run at about 5 pm and started hauling our gear up to the campsites. Although the site was on the bayside, you could hear the roar of the ocean surf just a short distance from the camp. After everyone was set up, we took a short walk to the ocean. Corey did a little surf fishing while the rest of us just relaxed in the afternoon early evening sun before dinner.

Dinner, as usual with the JSSKA paddlers, was a feast. We chowed down on grilled chicken and wild rice, cheese tortellini with fresh spinach, and spicy sausage. Barb even made little gourmet pita pizzas with grilled chicken and pepperoni using the propane griddle and a pot cover over them to cook them.  They were delicious as were the homemade brownies we had for dessert. 

As the sun went down, the temperature dropped and we hung out around the campsite picnic tables. The recent rain was not enough to help the drought conditions on the island so the campfire ban was still in effect. It didn’t matter because we had a few bottles of red wine to keep us warm. We ended up having good weather all day for our paddle and campsite socializing.

After a long day of paddling, the last paddlers retired to their tents at around 11 pm and the camp grew silent with nothing to be heard except the roar of the ocean surf. Within an hour however, we heard thunder in the distance. All through the night, a number of storms pounded the island with rain, lighting and thunder as we were bunkered down in our tents. It was an exciting day, all around. 

The next morning we all awoke before 8 am, had breakfast and started breaking down the campsite.  It was all too short a stay and no one seemed to want to leave.  We paddled back under slightly cooler and windier conditions. Winds were from the northwest at about 5-10 mph and were just enough to make the paddle seem a bit less than relaxing and more of a workout. We launched at about 9:30 and made a straight line course for the takeout. After seeing a few less horses on the coast than the previous day, we made it to the takeout at Ferry Landing at about 1:30 pm and after paddling about  10.3 miles.  Of course, after loading up, we hit up a local Sports Bar on 611 called the Greene Turtle, for a late lunch before heading back to NJ.

Thanks to all for another great paddling and camping trip. Everyone’s ability to be flexible and to adapt to the weather conditions really made for a great weekend of paddling, food, fellowship and fun.

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