Over the hot, sunny and mostly windless days of Friday through Monday on June 14 - 17 the Twin Rivers Paddle Club and New Bern Outdoor Adventure Clubs jointly sponsored a camping and paddling trip to Goose Creek State Park near the town of Washington, NC. Approximately six club members camped. About another ten members drove up separately Saturday morning to paddle.
Bob Laney and Janet Smith waited too late to reserve their campsite and were left without a place to put up their tent. Terry and Becki Rich graciously shared their site.
On Saturday morning when Bob and Janet arrived, they set up their equipment for the first time camping together; and the first time using most of this new equipment. Bob did not pace himself slowly enough and started to get heat exhaustion. After sitting in the shade with some ice water he recovered fine.
Terry, Becki, Bob and Janet shared their respective homemade desserts, including Becki’s delicious brownies and Janet’s scrumptious carrot cake with cream cheese icing.
Saturday morning the kayakers were led by a TRPC club member and paddled several miles up Goose Creek. Bob, Terry and Becki did not paddle due to the men’s recuperation from medical issues.
Sunday was casual with several short hikes within the park done by several members. By Monday Bob and Janet were mostly acclimated to the conditions and had a relaxed, enjoyable morning sipping coffee under the shade of a tarp; or sleeping late. The rest of the morning was spent packing up camp by the 12-noon checkout time.
The main down side was Janet being bothered by many chigger bites, some mosquitos and a couple ticks. The Rich’s were kind enough to tell us their preferred bug repellants for clothes and skin that we will purchase for future trips.
A good time was had by all.
