Launch: Public boat ramps (triple set) just west of the I-10 crossing on the north side of the Causeway (Highway 90).
Launch Cost: Free.
Route: Northwest across the Tensaw River and Delvan Bay to Spanish River, back down to Bay Grass, and then return to the launch site.
Distance: 12.5 miles.
Average Speed: 2.7 mph.
Time: Approx 4.5 hrs.
Pace: Slow.
Weather: Sunny with temps 70-80. Rising tide and about a 1 mph current, winds 5-10 mph initially out of the north, turning calm, then turning out of the southeast.
 |
| 1) An osprey eagle nest seen on the way up to Mobile River. Unfortunately, the pedal kayak broke down again (3 major breakdowns in the last 6 trips) and I discovered not having a replacement sprocket with me. The Hobie Mirage pedal drive unit has some design flaws and is not able to handle the turbo fins. I had to change the trip plan due to anticipated strong currents in Mobile River. The Outback is not a kayak you want to paddle against strong currents. So I turned around and stopped off at Bay Grass on the way back to the launch site. |
 |
| 2) The breakdown irritated me so much that for a minute I thought I was seeing double. |
 |
| 3) Here is another alligator absorbing the sun’s warmth. |
 |
| 4) A red eye’d coot keeping a watchful eye out on passing kayaks. |
 |
| 5) Not only did the coot ignore me, they were paying no attention to the nearby danger. |
 |
| 6) There were eyes watching my every movement while up in the Bay Grass area. |
 |
| 7) There was about a 30 minute lull in wind as it was changing directions from out of the north to the south. This allowed the waters to slick off. I love kayaking on slick waters. |
 |
| 8) Thousands of people cross the Mobile Delta every day on Interstate 10 who probably don’t have a clue what lurks in the waters below them. |
 |
| 9) A white ibis in search of crabs. |
 |
| 10) Trip Track. Despite the letdown of another kayak breakdown this turned out to be a very gator abundant trip. Those type trips always add to the excitement. |
"When things are perfect, that's when you need to worry most."
-Drew Barrymore
SOME of us know pretty well what's lurking below the bayway, bro. You'll never find me leaping over the side - if I can help it! love from seestah N.
ReplyDelete