Several of them those stumps were nearly as wide as my kayak was long. I was also amazed at the large size of the tree stumps found in and along the river and channels that we paddled. The only thing we saw was a quick glimpse of them scurrying away as we paddled around the bend. How had the island changed or better yet, what would I find around the next bend? Already this morning we had paddled up on several smaller alligators. I found myself lost in my thoughts of what it was like when the first settlers came to this reason and explored this island. For being so close to Wilmington, it was amazing how quite it was. The thing that amazed the two of us was that it was so quiet and the amount of wildlife we saw. James and I spent the next 3 hours paddling the island and exploring every channel and ditch that we found. We saw firsthand what Eagle Island had to offer great opportunities to view wildlife in their natural habitat, too explore marsh land that for the most part remained untouched for the last 100 years or so and a cool location. It was hard to believe that such beauty could be a few minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Wilmington. Soon we began to see this island for what it was, a natural wonder and a gem. It was not long before we were lost in the natural beauty of the island. The Alligator River is one of the few navigable entrance points into the island. Once at the river, we turned south to make our way across the channel to northern entrance to Alligator River. We began by putting our kayaks in at Sturgeon Creek and making our way down to the Brunswick River. So we headed out for our day of discovery, it some ways we both felt like Lewis & Clarkâs Corp of Discovery. It is sad to say that we had kayaked for many years in this area, but never taken the time to really explore Eagle Island. Several weeks ago James Maclaren, a kayaking buddy, and I decided to head out and explore Eagle Island. Kayaking under the US 17/74/76 bridge on Eagle Island I can say that for me it was some of all three of these reasons, plus the thought of kayaking in some place that I have never been before that I liked. So why the intrigue of kayak through this island that seems to be nothing more than tidal marsh land that has very few trees? Maybe because it is there mentality perhaps it may be the thought of kayaking under Hwy 17/74/76 bridge to watch all the cars and truck pass over as you lazily paddle by or it may because you hope to see one of the large alligators rumored to be one the rivers in the island. I also found that most people had little knowledge about who owned the property and how get access to the island without having to leave busy Dram Tree Park kayak launch at the foot of the Cape Fear Bridge. What I found out is that it seems that everyone I talked with about Eagle Island had the same desire, to go and explore it. This island has always intrigued me and I could not help but wonder what one would find as you paddle through this island. Eagle Island, where is Eagle Island? You know, it is that island that hundreds of us drive over at least once or twice a week, coming to or leaving Wilmington. Every since my family and I moved to Wilmington, I have always wanted to kayak through Eagle Island.
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