Sunday Afternoon Float

Sunday October 23rd.

Went out for a few hours on Sunday afternoon. Didn't catch any fish, but was able to capture this sunset - which is almost as rewarding.
On the way out, I happened to see some things floating in the water. Tis' the season for falling leaves so I let it go at first. While paddling past some of the debris, I realized that these "floaters" were the result of careless human disposal. This has always bothered me, as I make a point to carry a bag for my own trash - so that it doesn't get blown around; especially into the water. Debris in and around our waters create a huge negative impact on animals, fish, and those who enjoy rivers and lakes.
The Catawba has occasional "River Sweeps" sponsored by various groups - who will eventually get MOST of the trash (The last Wylie sweep yielded over 20 tons of debris - and over 1000 pounds of that was trash & recyclables. Go to http://www.catawbariverkeeper.org/ for more info).
Although the River Sweep makes a great impact and many volunteers come out to help, there is so much more we can do. Personally, I pledge to do the following EVERY time I visit the water...
(1) I will be responsible for my own trash and items
(2) I will leave the water with a minimum of 3 additional pieces of trash
(3) I will encourage others to do the same

Simple; right? Absolutely! But if everyone took the same pledge, our waters would be cleaner than ever, and our resources would be around for our children and our children's children to enjoy for years to come. Will you take the pledge?

The Catawba River Incident...

Took a (well-deserved) day off from work to decompress and spend some time on the water. It was a Thursday morning and I knew there wouldn't be many people on the water. Ahhh serenity!
I got up early, loaded the kayak in the truck, stopped for some bait at the local gas station and got to Copperhead Island at 07:33. Pulled down to the landing and the gates were closed. I found out later that due to low water levels and some damaged props, County parks & rec had to close access to the landings. In a kayak, there are no issues. Since the gates were closed, I had to carry the kayak a little further but I wasn't going to let that end my expedition before it started.
At 07:44 (after 3 trips to the truck) I made it into the water. I paddled deep into one of my favorite coves, baited my hook, and casted into the depths. As I was enjoying the peace & quiet, I leaned back and watched the tip of my rod - waiting for the all-familiar bounce. I guess it had been about 5 or 6 minutes when there was a tug at the line. I lifted the rod in expectation of the strike. Just as the rod started bouncing, it hit me. No, I mean it REALLY hit me. A strong "thud" in my left shoulder sent a shock wave through my entire body and I thought I had been shot! I quickly landed & released the fish, paddled out of the cove - looking for the culprit and checking my shoulder for blood. As I exited the cove (in reverse) I saw a few large splashes in the water and thought maybe someone was throwing rocks at me. It wasn't until I had gotten completely out of the cove that I realized where the shot came from. I had come to rest under a walnut tree and had made myself the target of playful squirrel bombardiers.
I only caught 2 fish that day, but a lifetime of laughs. Watch for squirrels in goggles and bomber jackets!
~H2~