06/24/2006 – Dennis Creek Tributary

Launch: Cliffs in Baldwin County off Hwy 225. Fee: Free. Route: North about 2.5 miles on the Tensaw River, then split right into Dennis Lake, then about 2 miles to an unnamed tributary branching off to the left, then back to the launch site. Distance: 11.5 miles round trip. Average Speed: 2.5 mph. Time: Approx 4.5 hrs. Pace: Slow. Weather: Warm temps, partly cloudy early, then mostly cloudy. Tide low.

(1) Above left. An early morning start allowed me to experience another nice sunrise. (2) Above right. After the sun had finally risen over the tree tops, the sky turned a beautiful gold color.

(3) Above left. Nothing much to report on this paddle except for the high number of wasp nests clinging to branches in the trees and swarming yellow flies at the end of the tributaries. (4) Above right. Some trees appeared to be sad today. (Turn your head sideways to the left to see the sad looking tree).

(5) Above left. Yellow pond lilies were out in large numbers along the Tensaw. (6) Above right. There were also signs of how dry it is around here by the dry, cracked soil. Going very slowly along the banks made this an enjoyable paddle.