Paddling NB

Description

I first visited Nashwaaksis Stream when checking out the trails at Nashwaaksis Stream Park. The trail follows the muddy shores of Nashwaaksis Stream, through a floodplain of beautiful hardwoods. On my first visit I saw a great horned owl in one of the trees next to the stream. Paddling this stream is a similar experience. The hardwoods hang over the narrow stream and only leave a sliver of sky visible. Just enough to catch a glimpse of a bald eagle taking flight. For most of the year there is very little flow in this section between Sunset Drive and the Wolostoq (St. John) River.

I put the kayak in and turned right. I wanted to see how far I could go upstream, and wanted to see how far I could go in a side channel that led out into a field. After going into a small side channel that didn't go very far I kept to the right and continued upstream. I would paddle for a bit and then just let myself float, taking in the peacefulness. During one of these floats I started to notice movement along the shore. I looked closely and saw several spotted sandpipers making their way up and down the steep, muddy banks of the stream. Their brown and white coloring made them difficult to see. They were so camouflaged that my camera couldn't focus on them. I watched them for a while but never did figure out why they were going up and down the shore.

I continued on to the rapids just below the stone bridge on Sunset Boulevard. This was as far as I could go. The shallow water trickled over the rocks and into the flat water of the lower stream. I returned to check out the side channel. Before I got there I noticed a doe deer up on the bank on the right. I quietly turned the boat around so I could get a good picture. The doe was keeping an eye on me when a small fawn came out of the bushes to get attention from his mother. I just floated and took pictures while his mother gave him that attention. It was a very special moment and I felt privileged to be a part of it.

Eventually the doe moved away from the fawn. I took pictures of the fawn as he ate near the shore. I didn't want to make any sudden movements to scare him. I turned around to see where the doe had gone and noticed that she was with a second fawn. I slowly backed up to try and get a picture of both of them. The movement made them curious about the long red thing floating in the water below. I was more in their line of sight now. They smelled at the air and one of them stomped his feet to try to scare me off. Very cute. They weren't alarmed. They were just doing what their mother had taught them. I decided it was time to leave them to their evening meal.

I turned the corner into the side channel and noticed another long, straight, narrow channel on the right. It was so narrow that the trees overhung it completely. It looked like a storm drain. I decided I should check it out. I was kinda hoping the deer would make their way over this way. I soon came to a log across the channel, and I could see the culvert that fed the channel so I turned around. I didn't see the deer again.

I checked out the side channel and was hopeful that I would get out into the field. After scaring some ducks in the tall grass, it became too shallow to continue. The sun was getting low in the sky and it was now time to check out the part of the stream that flows into the Wolostoq (St. John) River.

I made my way back to where I started, passing by several goose families. I just caught a glimpse of a bald eagle flying from one of the trees above. After turning the last turn I could smell smoke in the air. When I got closer I could see that someone was living in the woods and the smoke was coming from their fire. I waved but I don't think they saw me. I continued along the straight stretch leading out to the river. I started to see holes in the muddy banks so figured there must be muskrats around.

The water around me started to have little splashes. I looked closely and could see small fish were jumping out of the water. I floated and watched. The small fish must have been having the last hunt of the day. I am not sure what kind of fish they were. I am alway in awe when I get to watch these natural spectacles. This one was subtle but still amazing to watch.

While watching the fish I saw a green twig swimming across the channel. At first I didn't know what I was seeing. I zoomed in with my camera and could just see the nose of a muskrat behind the twig. I was glad that i wasn't hallucinating in the dim light. I watched as this muskrat took the twig into one of the holes along the bank.

I made my way out to the mouth of the stream and parked the boat beside a log on the right. As I approached I saw another muskrat on the log. When he noticed me he decided it was time to make his way up along the river shore. As I sat there I watched him explore the shore. I sat and enjoyed the views of the city in the evening light. A great way to end an evening paddle.

Directions

From the Westmorland Street Bridge drive on Main Street towards the Superstore. After passing the Superstore, turn left onto Johnston Avenue. Drive to the end of the street and park in the parking lot between the ballfields. Park here. At the far end of the parking lot you will see a trail sign. From here, portage your boat on the trail behind the trail sign. Take the trail to the right, enter the woods, and walk down the hill. At the bottom of the hill turn left to get to the edge of the stream. Use caution. The mud at the edge of the stream can be slick.

Other Routes in the city

• Barkers Island (Nashwaak River)
• Nevers Island (St. John/Wolostoq River)
• Kaine Creek (Nashwaak River)
• South Waterfront (St. John/Wolostoq River)

Trail Last Hiked: July 13, 2023.

Page Last Updated: November 25, 2023.