The Narrows and Pettaquamscutt Cove - July 27, 2022

Rocks at Cormorant Point

It was a beautiful day, so I decided to head back to the Narrow River. I put in at the Sprague Bridge on Boston Neck Road, and paddled down to the Narrows to take some pictures of the rocks and waves at Cormorant Point before heading back and paddling up into Pettaquamscutt Cove.

Pettaquamscutt Cove is part of the John H Chafee National Wildlife Refuge. Established in 1973, the refuge includes over 300-acres of saltmarsh that provides habitat for shore birds like egrets, herons, cormorants and osprey. For many years, it was also home to the little red shack on Sedge Island. 

Sedge Island today

The little red shack was a landmark for paddlers and boaters for years. It was originally built as a summer cottage, later served as the headquarters for a small lobstering company, and after that was an overnight destination for girl scouts paddling down from Camp Nokewa on the Upper Pond.

In 2004, the US Fish and Wildlife Service purchased Pettaquamscutt Cove. While they tried to maintain the little red shack, time and exposure took its toll and it began to deteriorate. The first picture that I have of the shack is from 2011. By 2014 a hole had appeared in the roof, and by 2016 most of the south facing wall had collapsed. The shack was demolished later that year.

Little red shack over the years

Links:

My Pictures
Little Red Shack on Sedge Island

Narrow River Preservation Association
Paddle Map - Upper Narrow River
Paddle Map -  Lower Narrow River