06/15/2010 - Whiskey Ditch

Launch: Riverdocs on the Causeway
Destination: Whiskey Ditch
Distance: Approx 5 miles
Paddle time: Approx 2 hours
Weather: Hot and humid (90s) with nearby thunderstorms.
Track: To view or download the GPS track of this trip, Click Here.

Header Image

1) Picked up the Necky Looksha 17 Outfitter kayak that I ordered back in March today and had to try it out despite nearby thunderstorms. There was a distinct and sickening smell of petroleum in the air related to the BP oil spill.

2) A yellow crowned night heron on a post in Pass Picada with the Oyster House Restaurant in the background.

3) An eye catching wildflower in the Pea Family on the bank of Pass Picada. 

4) The flower of the Swamp Dock in the Buckwheat Family (Rumex verticillatus) which had many medicinal purposes in the past.

5) Higher up on the stream bank the white flowers of the Crimsoneyed Rosemallow are visible.

6) A closer look at the Crimsoneyed Rosemallow (Hibiscus moscheutos). It is a large sized flower.

7) Peering inside the flower, you can see where the Crimsoneyed Rosemallow gets its name.

9) Floating Primrosewillow or Water Primrose (Ludwigia peploides) - this plant can literally clog streams. The color of the Water Primrose flower matches the color of the new kayak.

10) At the end of Whiskey Ditch is a small pond and at times it is full of surface scum that is teaming with microscopic life.

11) Another thunderstorm forming nearby meant it was time to head back to the launch site. Overall the Looksha Outfitter handled well although I need to make some adjustments to improve seat comfort. I got this kayak to use in open waters with larger waves. It is suppose to handle a 4 foot chop.