Jug Bay: Lyons and Mataponi Creeks from Selby's Landing

10:30 is the on the water time. Make sure to arrive by 10:00 AM to unload and pack your kayak. You will need at least a 12 foot boat with sealed bulkheads. Make sure that you can keep a pace of about 3 miles per hour for this paddle.

History of the Jug Bay area

Rivers must have been the guides which conducted the footsteps of the first travelers. They are the constant lure . . . the natural highways of all nations. - Henry David Thoreau

Flowing through a densely forested landscape, the Patuxent was indeed a natural highway for travelers: Native Americans navigated the river in dugout canoes, and Europeans explored unknown territory in ocean-going vessels. As colonists gradually cleared the land, the river remained the most convenient, economical means for travel and commerce. Sailing ships loaded with hogsheads of Maryland-grown tobacco set out for England. Warships, steamboats carrying passengers as well as freight, and rail hunters in shallow boats traveled the Patuxent channel and its creeks. Not only did the Patuxent River and its abundant resources guide the course of local history, but the course of events also greatly affected the river. http://www.jugbay.org/about/history

For this paddle, we will be exploring two creeks not too far from Selby's Landing. Mataponi is slightly downstream and to the right. We will meander through the creek seeing beaver dams, camp sites, fire towers, and an abundance of wildlife. Lyons creek is down stream and directly across from Mataponi. This creek travels back and forth through the marshes and was a wonderful discovery for me. High tide is in the morning on Saturday, so we might be able to get back pretty far on at least one of the waterways before the tides change. We will stop halfway for lunch in the middle at a campsite. Total paddle time should be over about three hours for a total distance around 8-9 miles, plus time for lunch and breaks. Make sure that you are able to keep pace at around 3 miles per hour to attend this paddle since we will be cover some distance. Bring a wide brim hat, water, sunscreen, and snacks or lunch.

ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST WEAR A PFD AND BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN PERSONAL SAFETY

You must have your own equipment and kayak for this paddle. The Organizers and Event Hosts of Wicked Fun Kayakers look out for our paddlers, but we are not trained experts in rescuing paddlers. All trips are organized by volunteers who are experienced kayakers but not professionals or qualified rescue experts. You are responsible for your own personal safety.