Catawba River Paddle

I went to my usual place to put in by Rt 27 in Mount Holly. The air temp was a mild 76 degrees and the water was refreshing and cool to the touch. I headed up the Mount Holly shore line towards the I 85 bridge and explored a few tributaries along the way.

As I approached the shore along the Tuckaseegee park, I noticed a peculiar site of a man fishing directly over the return line from the water treatment plant. Not sure I would catch and eat there, but to each their own...

Slightly further up, the water was shallow and clear for at least 20 yards from the shoreline. There was a noticeable absence of creatures under the water surface until I came upon a lone turtle scurrying along the bottom. His shell was covered with the same mud lining the bottom, so he was only distinguishable by the green head and feet protruding from the shell.

After paddling up along the Tailrace Marina, I stopped for a break on the island across from the US National Whitewater center. The island was obviously covered by visitors from the previous day because of the messages scribed in the sand with the date of 9/12. I got back on the river and paddled up past the USNWC flatwater dock, where they were preparing for a busy day of visitors.

Heading back up the river towards Rt 27 there was a strong head wind to contend with, but I was able to keep close to the sheltered shoreline to keep my momentum. The later I was out there, the more the boat traffic was picking up. There was also an increasing number of paddlers who were obviously using rented equipment and out enjoying a beautiful day with the family.