Thursday, July 31, 2014

Fort Wetherill – July 31, 2014

Newport Bridge
I had worked my way through all my usual paddling spots in Narragansett – Point Judith Pondthe Harbor of Refuge, Pier 5, the Narrow River and the URI Bay Campus - so I decided to head over to Jamestown to paddle at Dutch Harbor.  I thought the water would be relatively calm, and I could get some pictures of the Dutch Island Light.

On the way over, I caught the sunrise over the salt marsh at Zeek's Creek and had some great views of the Newport Bridge. The only access to Dutch Harbor that I know of is at the town boat ramp at Fort Getty, and the guy at the gate wanted to charge me $30! So instead I drove down to Beavertail to see the Beavertail Light, and then went to Fort Wetherill. 

Beavertail Light
Fort Wetherill is former coastal defense battery and training camp located on 100-foot high granite cliffs across the East Passage from Newport and Fort Adams State Park.  I put in at the boat ramp at around 7:30 – high tide was around 11:30.  The paddle was great - 1 to 2 foot rolling waves, and absolutely beautiful scenery.

I know this is a popular spot for the sea kayakers, but flatwater paddlers (with the right skills and equipment) would love this trip as well (in the right conditions). 

View from the Put-in at Fort Wetherill
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