04/14/2012 - Great Drift 2

Scenes from Dog River Scenic Blueway's 2nd Annual Great Drift.

Header image showing some of the 50+ colorful kayaks participating in the Dog River Scenic Blueway's Great Drift.

Lining up kayaks in preparation for the Great Drift.

An outrageously loud motor boat goes speeding by making all conversations stop because no one can hear each other.

Paddlers getting on the water for the 1-2 hour trip up in Halls Mill Creek. Kayakers launched from Schwartz Park. 

There were quite a few support boats on the water.

The Great Drift is underway as kayakers start paddling up Halls Mill Creek.

The Great Drift is underway as kayakers start paddling up Halls Mill Creek.

Yellow Pond Lilies, also known as Spadderdock were in bloom (Nuphar luteum).

Yellow Pond Lilies, also known as Spadderdock were in bloom (Nuphar luteum).

The kayak route passed by Hippie Beach where about a dozen boats were anchored. It was a beautiful day to be kayaking.

Participants did get to experience a little of the breezy conditions where Dog River got wider.

Dr. Crozier and his son in their Hobie pedal boat were about to land at the end of the trip back at Schwartz Park.

Nick Matranga out in his boat warning boaters to slow down for all the kayakers. Thanks to all the support boats kayakers had no problems with boat wakes. However, some did get lost but thanks to Lee, the tail kayaker, everyone made it back safely. A good time was had by all.

The River Shack restaurant was the original destination but high winds and a small craft marine warning prompted last minute course changes. Kayakers did go to the River Shack after the Great Drift to party.

A fisherman on the wharf threw this pelican a catfish which it promptly tried to eat. The catfish barb prevented the pelican from eating it and after a brief struggle, the pelican spit the catfish into the water.