Eco-Tourism in Pamlico County
By Kellas Metcalfe, Staff Writer
The sun had just come up over my shoulder and I had the
creek to myself, or so I thought. I had pushed off early in my kayak to explore the hidden
coastline of Pamlico County, North Carolina. Laced with small creeks, guts and bays,
Pamlico County is a paddler's paradise. There are plenty of easy access points with a wide
variety of experiences available. Protected water, open fetches or combinations of the two
are easily included in a paddle route.
Gliding effortlessly around a bend in the creek, I unexpectedly touched off a chain reaction. A Great Blue Heron fishing in the shallows squawked as he took off, this in turn caused a family of otters to stop their cavorting and give me a cautious glance. Then it was my turn to be surprised as an otter surfaced almost within reach of my paddle. He had a huge fish in his mouth. I could easily imagine him saying, "look what I've got!" He watched me for a second and then slipped beneath the glass calm water not to be seen again. A troupe of turtles had a grandstand view of these activities from their perch atop an old log on the bank. As I stopped and considered how foolish I might look to them, my ear to ear grin gave way to a laugh.
The
term eco-tourism has been tossed around a lot lately but it strikes me that paddling in
Pamlico County may fit with the best definitions. Most of the definitions seem to promote
these key elements: travel that produces economic benefits, promotes understanding of the
cultural and natural history, safeguards the integrity of the eco-system and encourages
conservation. John Hinners, a volunteer and chair of the Rural Development Panel in
Pamlico County has embraced these points. He has been instrumental in the development of a
system of paddle trails in Pamlico County. John and his group of volunteers have compiled
an extensive list of trails with descriptions, courses and maps. Working in conjunction
with the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation, the group has received a grant
that will allow them to print the information and make it available to eco-tourists.
Jay Winston, owner of the Inland Waterway
Provisioning Company, strongly supports the group's efforts. "There has been a rising
demand to identify good paddling sites for some time now. Since we rent and sell kayaks,
canoes and supplies many people have asked us where the best places are. Now we'll be able
to refer them to the map," Winston explains. His store is located on the water in
Oriental, North Carolina. The bright colors of the small boats on display out front act as
a beacon to those interested in the pleasures of paddling.
The Oriental Marina Motel and Restaurant
has become a popular staging spot for paddlers who like to return to creature comforts at
night. "I love seeing all the boats on roof racks in the parking lot," says
Frank Swain, the Motel co-owner. Frank and his partner, Bob Daves, have been known to give
motel guests permission to practice rolls and wet exits in the motel swimming pool.
"Paddlers are some of the most interesting guests we get", according to Daves.
"They sure are among the most fun to watch", he adds.
Pamlico County paddling popularity is evident by the growing numbers of participants in the annual Pamlico Paddle. (Say that 3 times fast.) Started in 1997, the Pamlico Paddle gives paddlers of all levels an opportunity to explore a different area each year. Guides offer beginner, intermediate and advanced level groups a planned tour. Food is available and vendors offer demonstrations of equipment adding a nice social touch to the day. Sponsored by the Pamlico County Rural Development Panel, the spirit of the paddle is summed up by one of the Sierra Club's Ecotourism Policy Principles: Take home memories, photographs when appropriate, and leave only good will.
Watch this site for expanding coverage of paddle sports on "the Hidden Coast".
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