Whiteoak Creek

Whiteoak Creek is a minor feeder into Moss Lake. From Google topo maps, it appears to originate just above Waco. From our sculling runs, we already like the cove that leads up to it. With the leaves starting to turn, I thought it would be a good tripto make, so we headed out after lunch to take advantage of a pleasantly warm fall day. Kathleen's fractured finger isn't impeding her much - except when she catches it on the bow handle when we trying to flip the kayak over!

Very few boats on the water this afternoon. Somewhat cooler temperatures and football season seem to keep most power boaters ashore. Some fisherman. And a few boats with couples just sitting out in the middle of the water. I wonder whether they're taking a nap or ???

The trees are a very nice mix of colors. Some red maples have turned. The sweetgum trees are their full rich dark red. Most trees are yellow so far. This particular cove has many wooded lots - either no houses or owners who didn't strip out the trees to clear their view. Too bad I forgot the camera.

As we approached the creek, we took a closer look at some of the submerged (narrow) tree stubs, two abandoned partially completed beaver dens, and what looks like a guard rail in the middle of the water. The guard rail is not metal, but plastic with reflective strips on it. It's pretty secure in the water. When we first came up here with the shell, it would have been a disaster to hit it. Lots of ducks up here; all mallards. I haven't recognized a wood duck yet.

We couldn't go far up Whiteoak Creek. We could get about a hundred yards past the submerged trees before the creek petered out. After a little inspection, I realized a beaver dam was blocking the creek! I didn't try getting out to see if we could portage up and go further. On the return, Kathleen pointed out that another half-blocked spot on the creek was due to a half-dam. What fun! Except, I suppose, for the folks who had the their trees gnawed off by the beavers. ;-)

This trip was another 3.5 hour paddle. We covered more distance than last Sunday, but didn't explore nooks and crannies much to be able to make time.