12/29/2006 - Briar Creek

Launch: Brynes Lake in Baldwin County off Highway 225.
Launch Cost: Free.
Route: West out Brynes Lake, across the Tensaw River to Gravine Island Sandbar for a break. Then northwest toward Mobile River, then north into Big Briar Creek up to the first tributary to the right, then returned to launch site.
Distance: 11.1 miles round trip.
Average Speed: 3.1 mph.
Time: Approx. 3.5 hrs.
Pace: Leisurely.
Weather: 65-70 degrees, sunny, and light winds.

1) Taken from the top of the sand on Gravine Island.

2) A variety of Lichen blankets limbs of trees.

3) The palmetto plants provide a bit of green in an otherwise drab environment.

4) The waters were slick on Briar Creek Tributary.

5) A variety of Lichen blankets limbs of trees.

6) The sun lowers on the horizon on the trip back, only to be hidden by the trees later on.

7) A rather interesting tree structure.

8) Several times, the otter would pop up on the right bank ahead of me, then slowly cross the creek on an intersecting course.

9) As I got closer, the otter would slap its tail and disappear under the water, only to pop up on the right bank again to repeat the game.

10) On Byrnes Lake, an otter darts out in front of me.

So ends a year of great kayaking adventures on the Mobile area waterways. I look forward to breaking in 2007 on the waters. Hope to see you out there next year. 
Happy New Year!

Nature is the greatest teacher and I learn from her best when others are asleep. In the still dark hours before sunrise God tells me of the plans I am to fulfill.
-George Washington Carver