03/28/2010 - Golden Club Paddle

Launch: Buzbees on Bay Minette Creek

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1) Despite a dreary forecast a day or two early, the rainy weather stayed away and the day turned out nice for the paddle that I led for the kayak club today.

2) John in his "Storm" kayak is about to pass under the hard to see hanging sign that says, "Slow Ahead."

3) Golden Club flowers (the highlight of this trip) were lining the bank of Bay Minette Creek.

4) A closer look at a Golden Club flower, also called Never Wet (Orontium aquaticum). What may appear to be an oil sheen on the water is actually the reflection from a bridge. Golden Club contains calcium oxalate which even a small bite will cause intense sensations of burning in the mouth and throat, swelling, and choking. If greater amounts are ingested, there will be severe digestive issues & breathing difficulties, and if enough is consumed, convulsions, coma, and death.

5) There is a small area near Bromley Road bridge where we got out and had a short lunch break. I thought it was 6 miles to the bridge but it was actually about 4.5 miles.

6) There are some trails leading into the woods near the bridge that could be hiked. Wildflowers like this violet were abundant. Spring is finally here!

7) We decided to explore Bay Minette Creek north of the bridge and managed to get about half a mile upstream before approaching log jams like this.

8) North of Bromley Road bridge, the current also picks up and the water becomes clearer.

9) On the way back we crossed paths with several kayaks and canoes. Winds increased out of the southwest meaning we had to fight a headwind on the way back.

10) This was a wonderful day for getting outdoors, even for Dogs.

To see the track of this trip, Click Here.