As I drove up the lane toward the restored early nineteenth century house on Winter Harbor where Jan and Shawn Towne reside with their three children, kayaks filled the yard. After all I approached The Bay Trails Outfitters’ Kayak Farm. However I realized spring shipments had arrived ahead of me. Shawn does long hauls with a large UPS truck, and he hadn’t arrived home from the day’s work at the time of my visit. The three children were visiting elsewhere, but Jan, with whom I needed to talk, welcomed me.

     Inside the cozy home, I felt that I was anywhere else but on a kayak farm. However, our conversation turned in the direction of kayaks and canoes. The new shipments brought their total to 200 boats, and it’s growing. You will find kayak systems by Eddyline, Perception and Wilderness plus Old Town boats stored in the red barn. The Townes don’t leave you with just a boat but stock accessories as well: wet-suits, neoprene booties, fishing rod holders, life jackets and more. 

     If you are vacationing in or near Mathews, you may want to rent a kayak from the Bay Trails Outfitters’ Kayak Farm, on Winter Harbor, for part or all day to cruise the waters on your own—with a map of course. The Townes will insist you paddle around their waterfront in as many boats as you like before you choose one. Or better yet, if you live in the area or near water elsewhere, perhaps you would prefer purchasing a boat. You will have it anytime you desire to relax, whether after work, on a weekend or during vacations.

     There are even more tours than previously for us who need a guide: Colonial Creeks and Cattails explores the stillness of a secluded tidal creek, just minutes from historic Williamsburg. Local tours include: Lighthouse Island Tour, Marshes and Mansions, Wetlands Wonders, Full Moon Tours, Overnight Island Excursions. Two new tours added in 2001 are Blueberry, Boats and Bivalves (demonstration of oyster farming) and Seashore Scenes that includes star gazing from the boats with a telescope on shore to view the constellations. 

     Your kayak tours are stable in safe and comfortable open-cockpit kayaks with professional guides. Bay Trails furnishes all necessary gear. The tours are suitable for ages six and up with no prior experience necessary. Prices are reasonable and discounts given for groups of six or more. Call for specific times and locations or to arrange custom tours.

     Bay Trails Outfitters is hosting a fund raiser, Milling Around, for the Leukemia Society in Middlesex, Saturday, June 23rd, 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.. The boats will leave from Wake Landing and tour Mill Creek, Parrot Island and Rappahannock River. You need to preregister for this tour. Call 888-725-7225 or 804-725-0626 for registration forms and to be added to their mailing list for tours.

     On July 7th Bay Trails Outfitters’ Kayak Farm on Winter Harbor, near Onemo, will be a-buzz. It’s time once again for the second Picnic and Paddle day. The proceeds go to the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters located in Norfolk. If you haven’t kayaked before, this will be the perfect time to start. You will receive a chart of marked routes, a catered lunch, T-shirt, raffle ticket for a free kayak, post paddle refreshments and a chance to enter the silent auction. Rest stops with refreshments will be marked on your chart. Cruise tours will begin at 9 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Come join the fun. To rent kayaks for the occasion, call the numbers given above. The event is designed for all levels of expertise.

     When I left the lovely home an hour later, I wondered how long it would take Jan and Shawn to stock the new boats in the red barn. They live a busy life but beam when they talk about it.

    See our ad located in the Mathew Virginia Shopping section of ChesapeakeStyle.com

© 2001 Catherine C. Brooks All Rights Reserved