By Peter Clayton
About 12-13 years ago, The Admiral (Peter Spoehr) and I paddled our namesake creek – about which I didn’t remember much – but on Wednesday seven of us (Bud, Ellis, Mike, Stan, Chris, Greg and I) enjoyed a memorable outing on it.
The launch is where Black Creek meets the St. Johns – an hour’s drive from Marsh Creek and just north of Green Cove Springs – a town highlighted by its courthouse and administrative center. The 15-20 mph winds made for choppy water coming and going around the launch and in our face on the outgoing leg. Coupled with the overcast skies, the wind made for brisk conditions. We were in the water by 9:15, and within 15 minutes turned into Peter’s Creek where the waves subsided and the wind lessened.
As the photos from Chris and Stan show, the creek was quite lovely with stands of mature trees showing some change of color while the occasional docks and homes were new and impressive with several pontoon boats. After 75 minutes we reached Russell Rd. and the adjoining RR bridge where we turned around. The wind at our backs helped once on Black Creek but the churning water near the launch made it interesting. Five of us feasted at Woodpeckers with Chris and Greg having their initial experience.
Thanks to all participants, especially our photographers.
