Paddling in the woods after dark
 

Don't know how many have tried this, but if you havn't, I recommend it.
There is a rather heavily wooded area near my home with a small river running
through it. I've had the pleasure of paddling through there after dark a
few times and... if you like being "creeped out", this is the way to do it :)
Everything changes once the sun goes down. You notice the insect population
seems to increase substantially (bring "juice"), owls start calling, coyotes
howling... you find yourself looking over your shoulder a lot. You hear
things moving through the trees that aren't there in daylight - things you
can't see... *big* things :)

In spite of the creepy feeling you get, it ends up being absolutely peaceful
and quiet with nothing but the light of the moon to guide you back home.
And fortunately for me, I live in an area where the most dangerous animal
you're likely to encounter in the woods at night (besides humans) is a deer.

--
Man is the only animal that laughs and weeps, for he is the only animal
that is struck with the difference between what things are and what they
ought to be.

Professional Target ) writes:
Don't know how many have tried this, but if you havn't, I recommend it.
There is a rather heavily wooded area near my home with a small river running
through it. I've had the pleasure of paddling through there after dark a
few times and... if you like being "creeped out", this is the way to do it :)
Everything changes once the sun goes down. You notice the insect population
seems to increase substantially (bring "juice"), owls start calling, coyotes
howling... you find yourself looking over your shoulder a lot. You hear
things moving through the trees that aren't there in daylight - things you
can't see... *big* things :)

I get the same feeling sitting in my basement with the lights turned off. :)


In spite of the creepy feeling you get, it ends up being absolutely peaceful
and quiet with nothing but the light of the moon to guide you back home.
And fortunately for me, I live in an area where the most dangerous animal
you're likely to encounter in the woods at night (besides humans) is a deer.

There is actually a "noise" effect on the nervous system during the day
from solar radiation, probably because humans are so oriented to visual
sensory input. I've been out paddling at night, also cross country
skiing alone in the hills under a full moon, and sensed something like
rapture, senses and judgement become impaired. Came close to dying from
skiing too far. During a night paddle I drifted into a large beaver who
dove, slapping the water, and getting me wet.

My favourite paddling time, however, is dawn when there is no wind and the
water is smooth as glass. But then I'm an introvert who enjoys sensory
deprivation. :)

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GROSS!

JDJ


"Garrison Hilliard" wrote in message
...

(William R. Watt) wrote:

During a night paddle I drifted into a large beaver who
dove, slapping the water, and getting me wet.

Hmm... usually I drift into large beavers at closing time,
after all of the hot chicks have left.


p.s. Yes, there is some slapping and wetness involved!

(William R. Watt) wrote:

During a night paddle I drifted into a large beaver who
dove, slapping the water, and getting me wet.

Hmm... usually I drift into large beavers at closing time,
after all of the hot chicks have left.


p.s. Yes, there is some slapping and wetness involved!

"Professional Target" wrote in message
...
Don't know how many have tried this, but if you havn't, I recommend it.
There is a rather heavily wooded area near my home with a small river
running
through it. I've had the pleasure of paddling through there after dark a
few times and... if you like being "creeped out", this is the way to do it
:)
Everything changes once the sun goes down. You notice the insect
population
seems to increase substantially (bring "juice"), owls start calling,
coyotes
howling... you find yourself looking over your shoulder a lot. You hear
things moving through the trees that aren't there in daylight - things you
can't see... *big* things :)

In spite of the creepy feeling you get, it ends up being absolutely
peaceful
and quiet with nothing but the light of the moon to guide you back home.
And fortunately for me, I live in an area where the most dangerous animal
you're likely to encounter in the woods at night (besides humans) is a
deer.

It's definitely not a match with my own clock, but I have to say the best
thing is to head out in the dark and paddle about until sunrise. My wife and
I did this at Lake of Two Rivers. It happened to be foggy as well, which
really screws up the sound of things. It's the time of day Michael Runtz
(amazing photographer and naturalist) raves about.

Professional Target wrote:

Don't know how many have tried this, but if you havn't, I recommend it.



I also recommend learning to walk through the woods at night -
especially when there is NO moon (or limited moonlight). It's
astonishing how much one can see, feel & hear in *the dark,* since it's
seldom truly full dark. It may take as much as 30 minutes for your eyes
to become fully dark-adapted (sometimes accellerated by wearing red
glasses if one must be active prior to going out). Then, once you're
comfortable with a trail or piece of land in the dark, try going
blindfolded. One's senses become greatly heightened & it's a rush like
no druggie will ever find.

Yours in the north Maine woods,
Pete Hilton (Reg. Me. Guide) aka The Ent

--
Either everyone has rights or some have privileges.
It's really that simple.
Walt Kelly

"Professional Target" wrote in message
...
Don't know how many have tried this, but if you havn't, I recommend it.


Did it the night before last... 13 miles, 3/4 moon. The narrow waterway
lined with trees on both sides framed the reflection off the water. Very
surreal. My paddling buddy in the bow said it looked as though he would
fall forever if he fell out of the boat. [And there was one beaver
encounter (involving the hairy type. You know... the buck-toothed type.
Um... I mean the rodent.)].

Good paddling,
Bob Scott




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On Fri, 24 Sep 2004 14:46:46 GMT, Professional Target
wrote:

Don't know how many have tried this, but if you havn't, I recommend it.
There is a rather heavily wooded area near my home with a small river running
through it. I've had the pleasure of paddling through there after dark a
few times and... if you like being "creeped out", this is the way to do it :)

I was about a mile offshore on Lake Michigan last night; southerly
breeze was freshening, the waves were starting to build, and I
realized I had no lights. That was definitely creepy, especially when
a powerboat would come near....

(But with a waxing half-moon riding high over the Chicago skyline, it
was pretty darn splendiferous, too. I'll remember the light next
time.)

bw

When I met my wife she used to worry about my safety. We lived in an area
that was perfect for having a nightcap and then going out walking late at
night (I prefer the dead of winter, especially after or during a snow). It
is something that I miss where I live now. When you see the sun start to
rise you have been out too long and your spouse will be worried.

--

"PMH" wrote in message ...
Professional Target wrote:

Don't know how many have tried this, but if you havn't, I recommend it.



I also recommend learning to walk through the woods at night -
especially when there is NO moon (or limited moonlight). It's
astonishing how much one can see, feel & hear in *the dark,* since it's
seldom truly full dark. It may take as much as 30 minutes for your eyes
to become fully dark-adapted (sometimes accellerated by wearing red
glasses if one must be active prior to going out). Then, once you're
comfortable with a trail or piece of land in the dark, try going
blindfolded. One's senses become greatly heightened & it's a rush like
no druggie will ever find.

Yours in the north Maine woods,
Pete Hilton (Reg. Me. Guide) aka The Ent

--
Either everyone has rights or some have privileges.
It's really that simple.
Walt Kelly

"Kenneth McClelland" ) writes:

.. going out walking late at
night (I prefer the dead of winter, especially after or during a snow). It

I like to tie on a pair of calf length moccasins to walk in fresh snow.
Normally you'd think of slogging through snow but in lightweight mocassins
it's like being in bare feet. An interesting experience when you can't go
paddling.

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