Point Judith Pond with RICKA – July 28, 2019

Through the Narrows

I was scheduled to lead the RICKA Meeting on the Water at Point Judith Pond last Monday, but I had to cancel due to the threat of thunderstorms (something that I rarely do). I decided to reschedule it for Sunday.

The weather was beautiful with a slight wind from the south that increased as the day went on. We had 8 boats with folks who had all done the trip before. We headed out into the Upper Pond from Marina Park, through the Narrows, and out into Congdon Cove. From there, we headed down to Gardner Island where we crossed the boat channel and headed over to Jonathan Island.  

The crew at Horseshoe Point

With a strong south wind and lots of boat wake, we decided to paddle down the east side of Great Island, which we hoped would be less busy and sheltered from the wind. That way, we would have the wind to our backs as we paddled back up the west side of Great Island. 

As we crossed over to the top of Great Island at Horseshoe Point, Michelle out and was able to get some pictures of the crew. As we paddled down Great Island we were sheltered from the wind until we got well into Bluff Hill Cove. We decided to stop for lunch at the boat ramp in Galilee.  

Through the Port of Galilee

After lunch we paddled under the Great Island Bridge and into the Port of Galilee. With lots of boat traffic, we stayed out of the main boat channels. We paddled around Little Comfort and up the west side of Great Island. With the wind at our backs, it was a quick trip past Harbor Island and back to the Narrows.  

The toughest part of the day is often launching or taking out at the boat ramp at Marina Park. There wasn’t a lot of traffic when we launched, but it was busy as we were taking out. We got out of the way quickly, but still managed to aggravate some motor boaters who thing they own the launch, and the water.

Our route - 8-miles

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My Pictures

Marina Park from Rhode Island Blueways

Galilee Boat Ramp from Rhode Island Blueways