Spring Paddle Wrap-up

By Carol Kauffman, FODR Vice President
​
Day 1 splash, Day 2 splash, Day 3 splash! Starting off the spring season with three tip-overs wasn’t exactly what we had planned for 2022. The three guests who took a drink in the Dragon were unharmed and quite refreshed. Our exceptional crew, from then on, stressed the importance of not leaning sideways in a kayak. Thirtyone paddles later, we can proudly say no one else took a dip in the swamp! 

By Carol Kauffman, FODR Vice President

Day 1 splash, Day 2 splash, Day 3 splash! Starting off the spring season with three tip-overs wasn’t exactly what we had planned for 2022. The three guests who took a drink in the Dragon were unharmed and quite refreshed. Our exceptional crew, from then on, stressed the importance of not leaning sideways in a kayak. Thirtyone paddles later, we can proudly say no one else took a dip in the swamp! We had 31 tireless crew members, 252 guests, four school/youth groups, six beaver dam crossings, and a birding paddle trip requested by a member. Only three paddles were canceled because of bad weather.

The prothonotary warblers gave our guests quite a show, flying close to the water and posing for photos in the silky dogwood. Other highlights of the spring included: bald eagles, great blue herons, belted kingfishers, wood ducks, pileated woodpeckers, summer tanagers, muskrats, northern water snakes, eastern painted turtles, feather foil, and wild blue flag iris.

A special moonlight paddle for the crew was held May 17th during the full super moon. The evening adventure was spectacular with Teta Kain leading the search for “spida eyes”. It was wonderful opportunity for the crew to celebrate after completion of a successful paddle season on the Dragon!