Do any of you engage in Night time Paddling ?
As a Kid ! I was Scared of the dark ! Always tried to be aware of something that might jump out and Grab me, while walking home from a friends, or movie ( They were $.20 in my day).
Once I got older, I started running Coon Hounds at night, That Fear pretty much subsided.
Floating the river at night, during the Summer was a great time to get a census count coon population.
Here in Iowa, we are allowed to paddle at night, without lights, on waters Not normally used by motor boats. Avoid doing this during Hunting seasons though !
With two rivers, I consider my Home Waters, Every Summer, if they aren't Too high, or Too low, I try to get in a few floats.
I've almost wore out these rivers in day light hours, always snaking along the banks trying to sneak up on some four legged Wildlife. Many days there is little to see.
But go at night and it's amazing. A Head light is a must ! I've been so close to Raccoons ? I could hit them with my paddle. A Blue Heron will send a Chill down your spine with their deafening Squawk. A deer silhouetted against the moon, gazing at you from a high bank, as you silently glide by . Pure Fun!
Besure to Know the water you plan well ! It's amazing how easy you can see for navigation purposes. Try it this Summer if you can !
I'd like to hear from others their experiences on a Night Paddle!
Jim
As a Kid ! I was Scared of the dark ! Always tried to be aware of something that might jump out and Grab me, while walking home from a friends, or movie ( They were $.20 in my day).
Once I got older, I started running Coon Hounds at night, That Fear pretty much subsided.
Floating the river at night, during the Summer was a great time to get a census count coon population.
Here in Iowa, we are allowed to paddle at night, without lights, on waters Not normally used by motor boats. Avoid doing this during Hunting seasons though !
With two rivers, I consider my Home Waters, Every Summer, if they aren't Too high, or Too low, I try to get in a few floats.
I've almost wore out these rivers in day light hours, always snaking along the banks trying to sneak up on some four legged Wildlife. Many days there is little to see.
But go at night and it's amazing. A Head light is a must ! I've been so close to Raccoons ? I could hit them with my paddle. A Blue Heron will send a Chill down your spine with their deafening Squawk. A deer silhouetted against the moon, gazing at you from a high bank, as you silently glide by . Pure Fun!
Besure to Know the water you plan well ! It's amazing how easy you can see for navigation purposes. Try it this Summer if you can !
I'd like to hear from others their experiences on a Night Paddle!
Jim