bike the boat
Yesterday I worked; today I played.
Even though it is the first official day of spring, it felt more like summer. Eighty-plus degrees and sunny. The heat makes me want to ride to the river, and I figured I may as well try to do a little paddling. I have a nice set-up to tow my boat with my Xtracycle, and it’s a happy combination to be able to ride and paddle on a beautiful day.
My put-in is just up the road from our house, about 4 miles. Getting there was a breeze, literally. Gently rolling with an overall downhill grade, and I had a nice tailwind. It was definitely the easy part. Arrived and locked the bike along the guardrail by the bridge, and was reminded again of the mess that has been made of this river by Olin and their mercury dumping – which thankfully will be ending soon, with their commitment to converting the plant to mercury-free processing.
Meanwhile, I still cannot comprehend how people are still willing to fish – and keep their catch – despite the clearly posted warnings of high levels of carcinogens in the fish. Completely baffles me. I’ve discussed it with several fishermen before, but I have learned to just keep my mouth shut. There is no changing their minds; they perceive the risk as negligible. (And I secretly shudder and shake my head).
I paddled away most of the afternoon, exploring and trying to navigate the very shallow water. In places, I was paddling in only inches. The Hiwassee River levels are regulated and controlled by TVA, and at this time of year they don’t typically release water upstream for recreational use in this inlet. Hence, the lake that is filled and sparkling blue in late spring through summer, is filled with stumps and shoals and islands over the winter and into early spring. The locals call this inlet Stump Lake. A fitting name.
Dozens of Great Blue Herons were my company; I love to just sit and watch them fishing in the shallows. Turtles were out sunning on stumps and logs, but would quietly slip into the water as I raised my camera lens. One of the fishermen said he had seen a Bald Eagle near the bridge. Sadly I missed it. It was peaceful, quiet, and a beautiful afternoon to be on the water … and “pedaling” my arms rather than my legs for a change.
Having had enough sun and with fatigue setting in on my shoulders, I headed for home in the late afternoon – this time against a headwind, with a more uphill grade, requiring a bit more muscle to tow the boat. I will confess my wimpy-ness by saying it felt good to get home. Dinner was salad and veggie pizza. Not fish. Definitely not fish.
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shebicycles 
Beautiful photos – thanks for sharing! Nothing like a great day to play:)
Thank you. It was a lovely day, for sure.
sigh…I need a kayak…and a trailer
Yes. To both. 🙂
Here’s to Mercury free water! And to your efforts! 😉
I seems to me that cycling with a small boat on the back of your bike could be considered “work” to some people (like me).
Wow. Looks like fun. Now I know it’s possible to transport a boat by bike.maybe I will think about getting a kayak.
Reblogged this on DYNAMOBIKE and commented:
Pedal and paddle for a perfect day! Read this excellent post of shebicycles then plan, pack and pedal!
We are just simply envy you 🙂
And shared your post!
Thanks
Me too (need boat and trailer),LOL! Awesome pics,my friend 🙂
The DC
PS: Maybe the eating of contaminated fish has affected the intelligence of the fisherman? :p
Brilliant set up! Too bad about the river. I feel sorry for all the wildlife feeding out of the contaminated water. Has the dumping stopped? I forwarded your link to many of my biking pals. Keep up the good efforts.
Oh how I love your set up- I wish I could bike tow my boat from my house but I live at the top of a mountain and have several >7% grade hills between me and the water. Would be a real fitness builder on the ups if I could keep my brakes from burning out on the downs. Awesome photos, makes me want to paddle.
to experience a wonderful sunny day outside and be that close to the many wonders of nature is truly special! i wish I was brave enough to bike and paddle a boat by myself!
That looks absolutely fabulous! Lovely pictures.
A Surly AND a boat. Clearly you are living well!
I read this while sitting in my office. I wanna go play now!