I haven’t kayaked in over 600 days. My boat has been stored under my deck since June 2016 when I learned I was expecting my son. I took one trip down a section of the Neuse River and had to hide my nausea and fatigue from my kayaking group. I sure hope the spiders and snakes have enjoyed their temporary shelter in my kayak because I’ve got a great welcome back to adventuring trip in the works!

Merchants Millpond State Park is located in the upper northeast corner of North Carolina. My husband asked me what town it was near…it’s not near any town. Located two and a half hours from Raleigh, Merchants Millpond State Park regularly pops up on must-visit lists for kayakers because of the unique camping facilities. This state park features not one but three kayak camping options.

I’ll be leading the swamp girls back through murky water with a two night stay at the high ground campsite along Bennett’s Creek. It’ll take a 4.5 mile paddle to get there, but this campsite features a picnic table and fire pit. Luxuries we don’t typically see on a trip like this. By staying for two nights, we’ll be able to spend Saturday exploring the park, which features a paddle trail through the millpond and hiking trails on land.

I’m also going to reward myself with a handful of new gear for this trip. I’ll be buying and testing out some water shoes, an inflatable sleeping pad, and a compact lantern. I also need to think through some logistical challenges for food prep, fire maintenance, and water supply. And of course, coffee for two mornings.

Over the next six weeks, I’ll also need to shake out my forgotten gear. I’d like to get a coat of watersealer on the tent, pressure wash the spiders out of my kayak, and dust off my PFD. I also need to install the crossbars on my new car. I’m sure I’ll pack, repack, and then pack again before the trip finally comes along in April.

Until then, I’ll enjoy this planning phase and dream of swampy adventures.