RE: [Paddlewise] See, and I've been thinking paddling in the winter was impossible.

> Unfortunately, the quieter protected waters here are also the places
that
> are last to thaw out.  
 
That's not really a problem down here.  The creeks will freeze, but it's
generally a very thin ice, and only lasts a few days at a time.  This
year has been a bit of an exception, though.

> Sounds like a good place to practice your reverse paddling skills.

It has been :-)
 
> Essentially, you're reducing the risk by reducing the distance that
you
> could survive a swim although it's still worth noting that if you've
> paddled a couple of miles up a narrow creek and somehow did managed to
> capsize and safely swim to shore, you'd still be wet and possibly a
couple
> of miles from somewhere where you can dry off and warm up.  Do you
pack an
> extra set of dry clothes in a dry bag in your bulkheads?

Yes, I do pack extra stuff in the winter.  I always have my survival kit
in the boat, no matter what (fire starting kit, medical kit, VHF Radio,
flares, etc), and in the winter I throw in a dry bag with a full change
of cloths.  I thought I was going to have to use them once, but my
skills surprised me in the pinch.  That was very gratifying.

But, another point is that these creeks are very "twisty", which is why
I call them "rabbit trail creeks".  Or, think about the cartoon "Family
Circus" where they draw the dotted line everywhere where that little boy
has been. I can paddle a mile up a creek, and still be a 100 yards from
where I started, as the crow flies, just because the creek is
exceptionally "zig-zaggy".

The creeks out around a local NWR (Plum Tree Island) would be isolated,
with no way to get back to someone who could help, without wading
through a large marsh and crossing the creeks many times (most likely,
anyway).  But, there are other places where houses are always in sight
and easy walking distance  - I just have to remember that if I wet exit,
to go to shore on the side with the houses, otherwise, I'll be getting
wet one more time.  :-(

My winter routes are about to change, though.  Any day now, I expect to
order some sort of wet suit.  I just need to find the right post season
sale, the right type, size, etc. and stash it away for next year.
Because, as all experienced Paddlewisers now - choosing a reasonably
safe route doesn't excuse one from dressing for immersion.... just in
case. :-)  I've played the odds and come out on top for three years, but
I'm not pushing my luck any longer.

I haven't been out much this winter, though.  I've been in my dry dock
(formerly, my garage) building my Outer Island.  I haven't touched it in
two weeks, but I'm sanding the deck in preparation for the first section
of glass.... can't wait to get that puppy in the water  :-)  :-)  :-)  

Rick

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