Otter Creek

Twice this summer we went kayaking on Otter Creek in Vergennes, Vermont. The first time, we met up with Carol and Bill who were completing the Little Loop route in their sailboat Interim (they had to remove their masts for the trip).When the wind really blows on Lake Champlain, this is a very protected place to dock. Vergennes is a great town to walk around with many small shops and restaurants, and the free public docks are at the base of the water falls.

We kayaked down from the falls a couple of miles on this trip, watching all the turtles and herons basking in the sun.

The second time we went kayaking here, Jim Ryan was with us. We started at a small launch ramp about halfway between Vergennes and Lake Champlain, and paddled until we could see the big lake.

Right after we had put the kayaks in the water, a Vermont police boat was launched. The outboard engine on it was really unusual looking, so we stopped to talk to the officer about it. The officer was kind enough to explain about how it is called a Pro Drive and can be driven in the mud, weeds, and other vegetation. The lower unit turns 180 degrees so you can go in reverse at full power!
They use this patrol boat for going back in the marshes to check for fishermen and licenses.

Next time we go kayaking in this area we will be sure to check out the backwater wilderness of Dead Creek, which flows into Otter Creek. It winds its way through marshes and high grasses, and looks quite interesting. Perhaps we’ll even get to see some otters!

FYI....In order to get to Vergennes, we had to take the free 24 hr. Crown Point ferry across lower Lake Champlain. The old condemned bridge spanning this area was blown up and removed last winter, and a new bridge is being built. Until the bridge is completed in late 2011, the ferries will run for free. It is amazing to see the ferry docks that were quickly built in the middle of winter, and put into service to accommodate the many vehicles that travel between New York and Vermont.