Paddling NB

Description

Note: Weather conditions can drastically vary the speed and difficulty of your trip. Please plan accordingly.

It was one of those evenings where I just had to get out. It didn't matter where or for how long. Charlie Lake is only about 25 minutes from my house so it was a good option. I drove back and forth trying to find the narrowest section or woods between the road and the lake. I then found a wide place to park. I could see the lake through the trees but still walked it before putting the kayak on my head. There were a few downed trees that I had to avoid but otherwise it was a clear shot. I took pictures of the wildflowers that were in bloom.

There were a few small rocks on the shore making it easy to put the boat in the water. It was a breezy evening and the water was choppy. I made my way along the shore to the left, which provided some protection. I came to a rocky point and then no longer had protection from the wind. I paddled directly into the waves. The waves splashed off the bow of the kayak and the wind blew the spray into my face. It was cold but I just had to get out. I was heading for the island at the end of the lake. I figured once I got there I would have a bit of protection from the wind and could rest.

I made it to the island and was surprised to smell smoke. When I got closer I could see that the island was burnt over and it was still smoldering. I am guessing someone camped there on the weekend and didn't put out their fire adequately. It could have been a lightning strike but there wasn't any storms in the past week.

As I sat and rested by the island I watched a large loon float by in the wind. It was preening and I don't even think he saw me. I watched him for a while and then continued up stream and into the wetland. I wanted to fly my drone so I found a small channel on the side of the wetland to park in. After checking out the area with the drone I decided that I had a bit more time to continue up stream. The stream was still wide and meandering with very little current.

I went through a narrow channel that cut across a corner of the stream. I put my paddle in the bushes on either side of the narrow channel as I took out my camera. After fiddling with my equipment for a bit I looked up and saw that I had floated about 100 metres from my paddle. I had to pull on the grass next to the channel to make my way back to the paddle. I then had a good laugh and decided it was time to head back. I probably should invest in a backup paddle.

The sun was almost below the trees. It was much quicker going back with the wind at my back. I didn't even paddle. I just let the wind take me and steered until I got back to where I started. The evening was a bit of a struggle but as always I was glad that I got out.

Directions

On Route 2 from Fredericton take exit 223 onto the Ritchie Road (old highway). After 1.7 kilometres turn left onto the Charlie Lake Road.

If you are coming from the Woodstock direction take exit 212 towards Meductic and go down over the hill towards Meductic. At the bottom of the hill turn right on the Temple Road (old highway). Drive for 9 kilometres and turn right on the Charlie Lake Road.

Continue on the Charlie Lake Road. Drive for 5.5 kilometres and you will drive through a house and several garages and buildings. You will see the first of Charlie Lake in front of the house on the right. Continue past these buildings for another kilometre and find a part of the road closest to the lake with somewhere wide enough to park. From here you will have to portage your boat 65 metres through the woods to the lake.

When you put in keep along the shore on the left to make your way towards the island and the wetland.

Other Routes nearby

• Benton Deadwater Routes
• Shogomoc Cove
• Town of Nackawic Routes

Trail Last Hiked: May 23, 2023.

Page Last Updated: November 18, 2023.