Picnic Paddle to Cacaway Island Near Chestertown - Advance Rentals Available
Details
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http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/4/5/4/event_204517972.jpegThis is another great kayaking and picnic adventure near Chestertown and Rock Hall on a tributary of the Chester River!
Our group had a fantastic time last August paddling from Shipyard Landing up the western branch of Langford Creek to Cacaway Island.
This year, we'll be launching from Broadneck Landing to explore Langford Creek's eastern branch. The Chester River is generally friendly and safe, and the scenery is varied with many beautiful homes, woodlands, and abundant birdlife along its shores.
Capt. John Smith never made it up the Chester River back in 1608, but these days many boaters enjoy hanging out there because its on protected water near the Chesapeake Bay.
Meetup at Broadneck Landing
We'll meet up at the public boat ramp that's located at the end of Broadneck Rd (Rt. 446), a side road off MD Rt. 20 on the left about one mile after leaving Chestertown. Go all the way to the end of the road to the ramp. There is free parking there and along Broadneck Rd. The gravel ramp will launch us right onto Langford Creek.
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You can bring your own kayak and gear, or you can rent top quality equipment from Chesapeake Kayak Adventures. Chuck will be there at the ramp with rental kayaks for those who've made an advance reservation. Scroll down to see the details about how to rent a kayak.
Full information on Broadneck Landing can be found on the Chester River Water Trail site:
http://crwt.org/chester-river-trail/points/broadneck-road-public-landing
The Paddle Up Langford Creek
Our kayaking route from Broadneck Landing will go at a relaxed pace that takes us to the left for a few miles up Langford Creek, and then back again toward the Chester River. The ultimate destination will be Cacaway Island, a small uninhabited island with a nice beach in the middle of Langford Creek. The island is a protected nature preserve that's popular as a boating rest stop and anchorage for sailboats.
Total roundtrip distance for this paddle will be 7-8 miles. All of the photos here are from our paddle in August 2012.
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Anyone with basic kayak paddling skills should do fine on the protected waters of Langford Creek. You should be prepared for the possibility of choppy water around Cacaway Island where it nears the larger Chester River.
Our group of recreational kayakers look out for each other, but we're not certified experts at rescuing novices. SHR paddling events have been very successful so far because we stick together as a group in case anyone needs assistance. So stay with the group and everyone will be safe and things will work out fine.
Bring a wide-brim hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and plenty of cold water to stay hydrated.
The Picnic at Cacaway Island
Cacaway Island is a small privately-owned island that serves as an undisturbed habitat for birds and other wildlife. People are not allowed to enter the island. Last year, our SHR group found a nice beach area where we can land the kayaks and have a picnic by the water without treading on Cacaway Island. We will respect the rules and NOT go onto the island itself, so plan accordingly.
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Bring something good to eat and drink in your kayak for our picnic. We never tell people what to bring, but they always make each picnic a special and memorable experience. There's always plenty to share, so nobody goes home hungry (or thirsty). Great al fresco dining is one excellent benefit of having a creative and fun group of members in Second Half Rally!
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Following our picnic at Cacaway Island, we'll paddle the short distance back to our starting point at Broadneck Landing. We should be back at our cars by 4:00 pm or so.
Renting a Kayak From Chesapeake Kayak Adventures
If you don't have a kayak, you can easily rent one from Chuck McMillin at Chesapeake Kayak Adventures. He rents high-quality new Liquid Logic kayaks with a life vest and paddle at $50 for the whole day, and will also give you a quick lesson on how to paddle if you need it.
Chuck is friendly, experienced, and definitely the right guy to get you safely and happily on the water. He handled kayak rentals for Second Half Rally members at the Chestertown Tea Party and several other paddling events last year. You can see his kayaks below:
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The easiest way to arrange for a rental kayak is to email Chuck at chasm@ckayak.net so he will have your email address for contacting you. Chuck will send PayPal invoices via email to those requesting rentals so they can conveniently pay online using their credit or debit card.
The charges are 100% refundable if the group cancels the event due to weather or if the participant cancels with more than 24 hours notice prior to the event. If you have questions you can call Chuck at 443-280-3434.
IF YOU NEED A RENTAL KAYAK, YOU MUST RESERVE ONE IN ADVANCE WITH CHESAPEAKE KAYAK ADVENTURES.
If you don't, you will not have a boat because Chuck won't bring a kayak and gear for you.
Final Meetup Details
As this is an outdoor event, it depends upon good kayaking weather to be successful. A little rain won't stop us and can add to the adventure, but we will not paddle when lightning and dangerous storms threaten our safety. Please call Jake at 703-798-8435 with any questions. I'll post a notice here by 9:00 am on Sunday morning if we need to change plans or cancel due to the weather.
I hope to see you there!
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