Day celebration offers an opportunity 

 for folks to test one of the Albemarle 

 trails with fellow canoers. Sterritt, 

 who calls the trail system "The Great 

 29," has organized an outing for two 

 years, and more than 100 watercraft 

 have participated. In 1995, paddlers 

 ventured down part of the Little River, 

 and in 1996, they explored the upper 

 reaches of the Pasquotank River. 

 Organizers provide lunch for the half- 

 day event, and they also offer canoes 

 and kayaks for the day. 



Sterritt says the celebration is 

 important not only to bring attention 

 to the trails, but also to give people a 

 sense of ownership and responsibility. 



"If we as citizens and users 

 continuously pollute the waterways 

 and if we block that out of our minds, 

 they're not going to be there in years 

 to come," Sterritt says. "The celebra- 

 tion is intended to develop an aware- 

 ness of and appreciation for these 

 water trails." 



Novices as well as experts can be 

 part of the flotilla. Sterritt says the 

 organizers take care to ensure that the 

 event is safe and enjoyable for 

 paddlers of any skill level. 



If you decide to set out on your 

 own, however, you'll need to keep the 

 following tips in mind. 



Before Your Trip 



Select your access point for 

 entering and leaving the water and 

 plan to spend about an hour for every 

 two miles of trail under normal 

 conditions. Don't forget to figure in 

 your driving time, including dropping 

 off a car at the end point and shuttling 

 to the starting point. 



Tom Potter, eastern North 

 Carolina trails specialist, recommends 

 that at least two people canoe together 

 and even suggests taking two canoes 

 so that one person can get help 

 quickly if an emergency arises. Also, 

 a friend or relative should know your 

 itinerary and when to expect you back. 



A weather check is another 

 precaution you should take before 

 setting off on your canoeing adven- 

 ture. If heavy rains occur before your 

 outing, high and swift-moving water 

 could make waterways hazardous. Or, 

 if conditions have been dry and the 

 water level drops, your trip could be 

 hampered by exposed logs and 

 stumps. You'll also want to check the 

 weather forecast so that you can avoid 

 windy, stormy or very cold days on 

 the water. 



Finally, choose a canoe trail that 

 matches your ability. If you are a 

 beginner, opt for slow-moving creeks 

 and shorter trails. 



What to Take 



In addition to the obvious — 

 boats, paddles and life jackets — you 

 need to carry some other items to 

 ensure a safe and comfortable excur- 

 sion. Place anything that you don't 

 want to get wet in plastic bags or 

 containers, and tie down all items in 

 the boat to secure them. Take only 

 the essentials; overloading a canoe 

 can cause it to tip more readily. 



Carry plenty of snacks for short 

 trips and substantial meals for day 

 trips. Include bottles of drinking water 

 — at least a quart per person. 



Always carry a first-aid kit 

 and add sunscreen and insect 

 repellent. Additional items may 

 come in handy in case of an 

 emergency: good walking shoes, 

 knife, whistle and waterproof 

 matches. 



Other necessities include toilet 

 paper, extra dry clothing, money and 

 sunglasses. Don't forget to stow away 

 your car keys. A zippered jacket 

 pocket is a safe bet so that you won't 

 lose them in the event of a dunking. 



Take along a map or description 

 of the watercourse if available. And 

 don't forget to include an implement 

 for bailing water, an extra paddle and 

 a flashlight with spare batteries. 



While on the Trail 



Though the streams and rivers 

 comprising water trails are in the 

 public domain, the associated land 

 generally is not. Much of the surround- 

 ing banks and countryside is privately 

 owned, and you should explore or 

 camp in these areas only with the 

 permission of the owner. 



Respecting the land is another 

 must. Pack out your trash, and don't 

 pour or throw anything into the water. 

 A camp stove is the preferred cooking 

 method, but if you must use a campfire, 

 take care when building and dousing it. 

 Avoid cutting live trees because they 

 are someone else's property. 



Owners of the adjacent lands are 

 not the only ones deserving consider- 

 ation during your outing. Wild animals 

 abound along many of these trails, and 

 you should make sure that no one in 

 your party bothers them in any way. 



You may come across potentially 

 threatening animals — in this area, 

 snakes and bears. To avoid a close 

 encounter with a cottonmouth water 

 moccasin or other snake, don't canoe 

 under limbs overhanging the water. If 

 you spot a bear nearby, canoe quietly 

 past or stop and wait for the animal to 

 mosey along. 



Says Potter, "Encounters with 

 aggressive animals are extremely rare. 

 If you run across wildlife, remain calm 

 and give the animals as much room as 

 possible." 



Finally, keep safety foremost in 

 mind. Make sure that each person in 

 your party wears a life jacket — simply 

 having it available in the canoe is not 

 enough. And leave alcohol and 

 horseplay at home. The best way to 

 enjoy your canoeing experience is with 

 a clear mind and a peaceful spirit. 



The National Trails Day celebra- 

 tion for 1997 is in the works. For more 

 information on how to participate, 

 contact Sterritt at 919/335-0821, 

 extension 212. □ 



COASTWATCH 17 



