Up The River Without A Paddle

When we started RVing we did not realize how many wonderful people we would meet. This past week is a testament to that statement. Reaching down to pat a dog on the head is always an icebreaker especially when the dog looks so much like one we use to have. As we stood talking to the owners of "Holly" we learnt they were from Hamilton, a place I worked and lived for 30 years and Susan was born and raised there. As the conversation progressed Murray & Laurel invited us out on their pontoon boat. New experience I'm all in but I'm not sure about Susan. Fast forward two days and I'm stepping on the boat at the marina and behind me all I can hear is OMG. Turning around I see is a smile from ear to ear. Good sign. Susan gets on the boat and away we go. But first dolphins are swimming beside us before we even pull away from the dock. Awesome.



Murray, Susan, Holly, & Laurel



Our escort down the river

A pair of Osprey keeping an "eye" on us

 

Taking pictures of birds and wildlife up close while on the river is wonderful. They don't seem to be afraid, maybe because hundreds of boats pass them every day. As the morning progressed pelicans were sitting on the navigation posts everywhere. Herons were in the mangrove while cormorants were sunning themselves on tiny islands in the river.

 Travelling along the river you can't help but notice the large and small houses. Most had docks on their property with the capability to lift their boat or yacht out of the water. 

As we made our way down the river the mangroves diminished and the beach appeared with its white sand and crystal clear water.

Holly had to get off the boat to do her business so this gave me an opportunity to stretch my legs and grab some more pictures.


Holly playing with a dead fish



Susan grilling Laurel about pontoon boats

Everyone was getting hungry so we decided to stop at Little Hickory Grill which is right on the water. Just pull your boat in and eat. Holly was allowed outside on the patio which was nice. She was served a large bowl of ice water before we were. Now thats service.

  

All great things must come to an end but not before we travel back down the river. After docking the boat it was nice to sit and enjoy a glass of wine with two wonderful people who shared their love for the water with us land lovers. What a great day and amazing experience.