Flat Island Cookout Party - Paddle Rhode River from SERC (5 miles)
Details
SERC is a living laboratory for environmentalists and scientists to study and monitor the plants and animals living in the estuary ecosystem. There is also a nice ramp where you can launch directly into the less developed side of the Rhode River.
We will turn right from boat ramp heading southwest somewhat hugging along the shoreline and kayak up Muddy Creek which gets narrower as we kayak further upstream. We may see some wildlife including waterfowl, birds, muskrat, etc. After about two miles, we will turn around, go past our put-in, and go another half mile to have a cookout on Flat Island. The island and sand bar are a terrific hangout spot, and a good location to practice your rescue skills. The plan is to have a picnic for maybe two hours (maybe longer), but folks are welcome to paddle back to SERC whenever they like.
Joe and I will pack our our grills. Be sure to pack enough beverages for yourself if you plan to hang out for a while. I will attempt to bring the sun canopy and NOT sink this time. We will be back in the vicinity of the dock by 11:30am, though we hung out until 5:00 a few years ago. It is a short, straight paddle back for anyone that wants
This is event is suitable for paddleboards (including iSUPs), recreational/touring kayaks, and canoes, but not inflatable kayaks. Shorter boats are recommended since we will be heading up a narrow creek. Everyone must WEAR, not just bring a USCG-approved life jacket or PFD.
We'll launch at 9:30 so please give yourself enough time to unload your gear and park.
Directions: Please stop at the guard gate. The guard may provide a piece of paper or waive you through. Drive pass the Reed Education Center to counter clockwise loop. At the tip of the loop is the boat ramp. Please pull to the side of the road or down the boat ramp to unload your craft, then proceed to park at the Reed Education Center. There is a nice bathroom facility at Reed Education Center and some cool humming bird feeders to see. Pets are not allowed at the facility.