Saturday, November 19, 2005

11/19/2005 – Converse Reservoir (Big Creek Lake)

Launch: End of Howells Ferry Road (East Side Landing). Launch Cost: $5. Route: Pedal south to the Tanner Williams Road dam and back. Distance: 9.7 miles. Average Speed: 3.2 mph. Time: Approx 3 hrs. Pace: Leisurely. Weather: Sunny, in the 60s, winds calm to variable - perfect kayaking day. No tides or current.

(1) Above left. At the launch site there is ample parking and a nice firm sandy bottom to launch kayaks. It is a pretty safe area too, because, the building has multiple security cameras recording activity and there is a clean porta-potty. I was impressed with the cleanliness of the waters. (2) Above right. Yellow aster like flowers blooming on the bank in late November – I love Mobile! The water here is still warm enough to wade around in your bare feet.

(3) Above left. End of the trip south - Tanner Williams Road dam. (4) Above right. Every time I kayak it is like spending time with the Creator. This unusual clump of grass added to the spiritual experience.

(5) Above left. Converse Reservoir has many branches, nooks, and little forks all over the place. Most forks lead to shallow areas with clear water allowing you to see fish and turtles. (6) Above right. This little turtle was getting a little sun.

(7) Above left. I saw a wide variety of birds, including Killdeer, Hawks, Gulls, Sparrows, Wrens, and plenty of Coots. Wish I had brought binoculars… (8) Above right. Hamilton Creek was off limits to boaters for unknown reasons.

(9) Above. Wish I had not waited so long to try kayaking Converse Reservoir. I highly recommend this beautiful lake to kayakers! Its pine tree boundary offers a different backdrop to the usual cypress trees or marsh grasses. At the current water level, you can get out to stretch the legs almost anywhere as the banks are of solid sand. It is really a clean place with very few boats, yet it is big enough that you can get lost.

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