First paddle of 2015!

Saturday, June 13, 2015--Quiet Waters Park, Annapolis, MD

http://www.aacounty.org/RecParks/parks/quietwaters/index.cfm

Late start to the kayak season but the first paddle was definitely worth the effort of getting on the water.  About an hour drive from Washington, DC taking Rte 50 East.  We left midday Saturday arriving shortly after 2 pm.  The park entrance was easy to find with plenty of gas stations, stores, etc. nearby.  Park fee was $3 per vehicle but I think the sign said the fees were going up to $5 as of July 1, 2015. 

Once inside the park drive about .5 miles to the parking lot, staying to the right at the forks.  From the parking lot you need to unload and carry your gear/kayaks about 1/3 of a mile to the boat launch.  Although it doesn't sound too far, it was very difficult to carry our kayaks and gear.  At the end of the path is a kayak rental place with a dock.  The non-rental launch is to the left of the dock/rental shop.  No launch fee, easy small beach type of launch.

After launching, we paddled to the left which was a small cove type of area with houses/docks on the opposite side and parkland on the near side.  Lots of boats of various sizes docked with people swimming, lounging, partying, etc.  We saw some very large yachts, sailboats and small fishing boats.

The cove opens up to the South River.  We paddled out of the cove along the shore where there are some very nice houses and what appeared to be small private beaches.  We continued past the houses to a small beach at the tip of Persimmon Point.  Stopped for awhile for some swimming and lunch.

We ended up going back to the cove area and Chad got out to swim next to the boats.  Very relaxing but very populated area.  After awhile we decided to head back and mentally prepared for the trek back to the car.  The trek back was slow as we had such sore arms we had to take a lot of breaks.