Sea Kayak - Henderson Inlet

06/03/18 -SUN –SK II+—HENDERSON INLET W/ SHUTTLE TO BOSTON HARBOR, APPROX 10 NM

SIGHTED: SEALS,  CORMORANTS, GREAT BLUE HERONS,  EAGLES, DEER

 All paddlers were on time, arriving at the put in at the Woodard Bay Reserve boat launch (open April 15-Sep 1) and quickly unloading.  I stayed with the boats as the shuttle was run with everybody returning in Susan’s car. We had a huddle and then launched about ½ an hour after high tide at approx 0915. We went under the bridge and after a radio check back up Woodard Creek as far as we could go before turning around and heading back out.  The birds were calling and we could see lots of nests up in the trees. Once we were out in the channel we rafted up and after a short discussion we crossed to the east side and headed south as far as we could comfortably go.  We were likely within 1 nm of the back of the inlet but the water was 2’ or less at about 1045 we turned around.  The current was now with us and we continued up the west side. Just after 1130 we stopped at the state park adjoining the Woodard Creek Reserve, eating our lunch at the picnic tables where we were almost stampeded by a doe and her twin fawns.  They jumped into the trees just to the east of our table and we were able to see them hopping around in the bushes before they disappeared in the forest. There is a bathroom facility as well as a trash can at this site with information stations along the trail.  We stayed there about an hour before continuing on up the east side of the pilings to avoid disturbing the snoozing seals on the docks and logs. Seal sightings were plentiful, including a very tiny baby that flipped under the surface a short distance from my boat. The slight breeze became stronger as we approached the mouth of the inlet. Nobody opted to stop until we cleared the inlet but we stopped a few times for a floating snack and/or a pause before continuing on. Once around the headland a couple of potty stops were made out of sight of the houses above.  Susan had requested some instructing of the heel hook reentry method so we stopped in a protected cove for Patrick to assist her to successfully do so on her first try.  We then proceeded on back to Boston Harbor to arrive at the very bottom of the empty boat launch about 1500.  Some of us had brought wheels and assistance was coordinated to bring up everybody’s boats as Jess took Susan back to get her car. After loading up we had a post trip huddle.  No complaints or concerns, everybody seemed content and all of us except Bill went to the Fish Tale Ale House for dinner.  All paddlers performed well with excellent group dynamics.