paddler's paradise

merchants millpond state park in gates county, nc is one of my all-time favorite places to visit. it is a paddler's paradise ---nature and wildlife abound. i have been going every year since 2003 and i just love it. this spring i've been able to camp and paddle there twice. ground breaking has begun for a new visitor's center due to open winter '09. i've donated my photography to be in the permanent exhibit and a few shots from previous visits are on my website under 'travel + editorial'.

if you are lucky enough to be in a kayak or canoe often you can sneak up on the wildlife. this egret was fishing along the cypress trees and allowed us to follow him along.



and i was lucky enough to hook this largemouth bass... and i thought i was snagged on a log :-0.