Hamhed
Well-known member
The chill of winter in the North Carolina mountains finally forced us into reporting our trip from early May. A twist in this report is that it was 98% written by my wife, Liz, her first. I filled roles of chief editor, eBird and photo organizer.
Hamhed
05-01-21 After days of preparation and much anticipation, we set out for our South Florida and Dry Tortugas adventure. This trip was cancelled in 2020 when Florida and most other states issued shut down orders for businesses due to the Covid-19 pandemic. With kayaks and car loaded we drove to Rincon, Georgia for our first of 2 nights at the Turtleback Farms Cottage. We chose this location for it’s proximity to Ebenezer Creek, which we had paddled a few years ago. About 6 hours later we found ourselves back in Effingham County. The Airbnb was convenient, in need of further upgrades but spacious and on property that had decent birding. Habitat included lot’s of Live Oaks and other fringe habitat. Besides frequent views of a Great Crested Flycatcher, another pleasant surprise were two Mississippi Kites. A few warblers were also in the spring migration mix. The property itself is on a well traveled road, so not always quiet. The chimney/fireplace provided audio at night when Chimney swifts settled in at dusk.
05-02-21 Up early and ready for paddling. The launch area was quiet but not as visible as our prior visit as the creek was high. We met a local guide waiting for some customers and had our choice of parking. We decided to go upstream from the boat ramp (Tommy Long Rd.), instead of towards the Savannah River. A lovely paddle on this bucolic creek with several Prothonotary Warblers and a total of 26 species observed. One highlight was a Swallow-tail Kite giving excellent views. No snake sightings this time, but the temperature was pleasant, and minimal bugs were a plus. Eventually we did see a few other kayakers but otherwise a quiet paddle. It took us a few minutes to realize the “flagged” branches were the easiest path for paddling while the water is high. The majestic cypress kept us in awe of the landscape. After paddling to Long Bridge we returned to a busy boat ramp. The take out was easy without much waiting.
Dinner was Chinese takeout from “China Delight”, enough for 2 meals each. After some post dinner walking on the property we crashed early after prepping for next the next day’s drive.
Lexington Ave, Rincon, GA
Lexington Ave, Rincon,GA
Tommy Long Boat Ramp
Lexington Ave, Rincon, GA
Hamhed
05-01-21 After days of preparation and much anticipation, we set out for our South Florida and Dry Tortugas adventure. This trip was cancelled in 2020 when Florida and most other states issued shut down orders for businesses due to the Covid-19 pandemic. With kayaks and car loaded we drove to Rincon, Georgia for our first of 2 nights at the Turtleback Farms Cottage. We chose this location for it’s proximity to Ebenezer Creek, which we had paddled a few years ago. About 6 hours later we found ourselves back in Effingham County. The Airbnb was convenient, in need of further upgrades but spacious and on property that had decent birding. Habitat included lot’s of Live Oaks and other fringe habitat. Besides frequent views of a Great Crested Flycatcher, another pleasant surprise were two Mississippi Kites. A few warblers were also in the spring migration mix. The property itself is on a well traveled road, so not always quiet. The chimney/fireplace provided audio at night when Chimney swifts settled in at dusk.
05-02-21 Up early and ready for paddling. The launch area was quiet but not as visible as our prior visit as the creek was high. We met a local guide waiting for some customers and had our choice of parking. We decided to go upstream from the boat ramp (Tommy Long Rd.), instead of towards the Savannah River. A lovely paddle on this bucolic creek with several Prothonotary Warblers and a total of 26 species observed. One highlight was a Swallow-tail Kite giving excellent views. No snake sightings this time, but the temperature was pleasant, and minimal bugs were a plus. Eventually we did see a few other kayakers but otherwise a quiet paddle. It took us a few minutes to realize the “flagged” branches were the easiest path for paddling while the water is high. The majestic cypress kept us in awe of the landscape. After paddling to Long Bridge we returned to a busy boat ramp. The take out was easy without much waiting.
Dinner was Chinese takeout from “China Delight”, enough for 2 meals each. After some post dinner walking on the property we crashed early after prepping for next the next day’s drive.
Lexington Ave, Rincon, GA
Lexington Ave, Rincon,GA
Tommy Long Boat Ramp
Lexington Ave, Rincon, GA
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