The Holiday of Champions

An intense battle of tug-o-war with the fishing net

Day 27, July 21

Relaxed and refreshed, we woke up in the comfortable and air conditioned community center off of Chuckatuck Creek. It was a slow morning as we finished off leftover tacos for breakfast and packed up the little gear we had had to take out. Leaving the community center with plenty of thanks for our hosts, we went on to board a Chesapeake Bay Foundation Boat.
There, Captain Jimmy and Yancey began by telling us about the rich 150 year long history of the area; ranging from shipyards to oyster houses. We then set off for the Elizabeth River, which is a tributary to the James, learning many things along the way.

We were able to enjoy the boat and relax as we cruised on the water. Our captains kept us very
entertained with many activities. Along with scientific tests we have been doing along the way, we
also got to throw out fishing nets and pick up crab pots to identify the different aquatic wildlife in the
Chesapeake. We were subject to yet another day of the infamous PB&J tortilla wrap. However, we
enjoyed our lunch knowing that this would probably be our last day of eating our “favorite meal”. After a hot and humid day, all of us were glad to be dropped off for refreshments provided by Dominion in a very air conditioned room.

Here, students talked of the trip and what they were taking from it in front of an audience that included
delegates and “Princess Elizabeth”. Much to our surprise, the city of Norfolk proclaimed July 21, 2011
the official “James River Expedition Day”. Still excited from our ordeal, we toured a very environmentally friendly barge built to educate young children of the river and green building techniques. With such an activity filled day behind us, we were glad to reach our camp and unwind, trying to not let the humidity and bugs get to us on our last night together. We enjoyed a gourmet seafood dinner, cooked by our very own cooks and Mama Claire, along with songs by the fire. Feeling sad as realization hit that this was our last night together, we went to bed with bittersweet thoughts of arriving on Fort Monroe.

A kiss for good luck

An oyster-toad a.k.a. the Mother-in-law Fish

Chillin' in the Cool Corner

Fish C.P.R

Looking off into the Distance

Last Day!

WE DID IT!
We woke up this morning in high spirits after surviving the massive attack brought on by the bugs last night and packed up our gear for the last time. Claire took some of us to the pier to wait for the awesome Jimmy and Yancey to come and pick us up and while we waited, we worked on writing nice things for each other so we'll never forget each other. (Like we would...) Once the rest of the crew got there, we hopped on board and started our last trek across the water, still working on our nice thoughts. Sooner than we would have wished, we met up with our amazing land support and launched off one more time. Anyone who crossed our path were welcomed by our custom "how y'all doin'?!" followed by lots of cheering. As we crossed the water, there was an air of excitement yet a little tension since we knew this would be the end of our journey as the official JRE. For only about the 2nd or 3rd time, we were early, so we rafted up underneath a bridge right across from Fort Monroe and had a history lesson regarding our destination by Gabe and then we had snack time, which was of course granola. As we paddled across to Fort Monroe, we were all so unbelievably excited and under Isaac's leadership, we burst into our song. We paddled our canoes to the beach and were greeted by our friends, family, and admirers. We cheered and hugged as we came to realize the enormity of the feat that we had finally accomplished and then we split up to go and hug our real families. Time began to fly by as we chit chatted with everyone and told them our stories while still hugging each other periodically. Finally, Gabe and Jessica presented us with certificates and we presented them, along with the land support, with a signed picture of the crew on the first day. We loaded canoes, life jackets and paddles onto the trailer and then hugged some more. We hugged one last time and didn't say goodbye, but see you later and went our separate ways, but rest assured, the official JRE is over, but we will always be J-R-E!

Who are we? JRE

Sunrise Over The Ghost Fleet

Day 26, July 21st

While the cicadas were still wide awake, and the moon was in full view, our crusty eyes began to creak open at 4:45 in the morning in high spirit for our 24 mile paddle. As tents were quickly broken down and granola bars were passed around, all the canoes were loaded and ready to launch. As the sun began to rise above the slumbering ghost fleet and the moon began to disappear in the dimly lit morning sky, dozens of jellyfish began to appear around the canoes as we paused for a short pit stop near a large buoy. After a quick pep talk, our canoes began to glide over the glassy surface of the wide calm river.  Miles seemed to pass by like minutes as the sun began to warm the river water and air around us. With the tide carrying us out to sea and the calm wind pushed at our backs we eventually reached our 8 mile checkpoint on a small beach protected by a riprap around 8:30. As the sun began to warm our backs, and the winds began to pick up, we kept paddling till we reached a small beach a mile or two before the 5 mile long James River Bridge. With bellies full of everything ranging from turkey, chicken, basil pesto, peanut butter, jelly and hummus, we left for a long awaited nap underneath the bridge ahead of us.

Slowly, the group began to arise from our afternoon nap. Whether we woke up from the crashing of waves from the incoming tide or the mischievous tricks from our fellow crew, we were ready to take on the other half of the day. Or so we thought.  Angling our canoes into the 3 foot high surf was the easy part, keeping the canoes steady was another story. While facing headwinds of 15 mph today we realized how spoiled we were in the upper James. As a team we can face anything this river gives us, but entering fierce water is overwhelming.  Courageously our canoes took a rest on a nearby shore and those who arrived first aided the paddlers who were struggling. After quickly recollecting ourselves and switching up canoe partners, we took on the tidal James like never before. Singing songs and encouraging each other got us through the paddle as we approached our home for the night. We were happy to arrive yet sad as we took in our last major paddle together.

Graciously we were given a feast of tacos and burritos. We loaded up our stomachs and enjoyed desserts as Hampton students were interviewed by a local newspaper. To end our day we were provided with a pool open after hours just for us. We almost felt guilty swimming in water that wasn’t the James River but appreciated it all the same. As we wind down our night on a high note, it goes to show that even after a muscle wrenching day we are able to look back on our day with laughter and great memories.

Written By Caleigh Remocaldo and Eric Hahn

An Early Start to a Hot Day

Chillin With The Jelly Fish

Naptime!

24 Miles Comes To An End

 

Fresh To Salt

Racing By The Ferry

Day 25, July 19th

We woke up at 6am for a long day of paddling. We were on a bit of a time crunch to make it to a workshop meeting regarding the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Water Trail. We broke camp and set off to our destination. About halfway on our journey we neared Jamestown. We dug deep to beat the Williamsburg ferry that was just about to depart at 10am. Just past the Jamestown settlement, and a sweet NOAA buoy, we were met by Bill Street and Joel Dunn to have a quick “meeting” on water preservation and the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Water Trail.

We continued on our way to met up with land support so they could transport us to our workshop. At the meeting we met many different people and got an opportunity to answer questions about our trip and how we could improve access to the James to encourage use by our peers. We said goodbye to Rebecca Henderson and Grant Gibson, who were chosen to talk at a meeting regarding the future of Fort Monroe after it is decommissioned. Before getting back on the water we stopped at a gas station to pick up a few treats. Gabe was kind and grabbed some for the teachers, who were waiting back at the canoes, as they were unable to attend the meeting, due to lack of space in the vehicles.

 Once back out on the water we prepared to make our longest river crossing of the trip, two miles!! Our good friend Chuck helped us cross the river to get to camp. By the time Chuck left us we had done about fifteen miles, the expected amount for the day, but we were told we still had about four more miles to go. We all paddled hard towards the Ghost Fleet. As they came into view we rafted up and relaxed a little. We reached our camp and were surprised by a pile of dead fish where we docked. This did little to dampen our spirits and quickly set up camp. We ate an early dinner of pesto pasta, prepared by Isaac and Jessica (Frazier). Then we packed up and went straight to bed for an extremely early wake up time of 4:45 am, so we could catch a favorable tide for our last large paddle day! Twenty- two miles, here we come!

Written By: Cara Chiocca (Open High) & Isaiah Ralph (Bethel)

Everyone in Front of the John Smith Memorial

Rafting & Relaxing

 

Day 24, Monday July 18th

Eric & The Hogchoker

This morning everyone woke up late,

but it was alright, because we knew the day was going to be great.

We had skiffs pick us up, Chuck, Bill, and Matt,

Matt studies sturgeons at VCU, Bill’s the JRA Executive Director, and Chuck, the river keeper, you already knew.

We took a sneak up Chippokes Creek,

 Racoon’s Tail and Spiny Niad grasses did we seek.

but then we saw a house that looked rather wealthy.

No sediment control and lots of erosion,

the bank looked like there’d been an explosion. Next we motored across the James to Chickohonomy River, straight up Morris Creek,

Frazier and Isaac Identify Gras

Bill talked about freshwater tidal marshes, man knows what he’s about, he’s a superfreak!

We know marshes are more productive than a fertilized cornfield, providing a nursery for crabs and fish, otherwise known as a baby shield.

We saw places with more biodiversity than a rainforest or coral reef,

Bill showed us Marsh Mellow and Pickerel weed leaf by leaf.

Some few minutes later we pulled up an otter traval and collected lots of blue catfish,

Matt says they make up 81% of the James River biomass, the guy’s so smart and pretty you wanna give him a kiss.

Some native species we found were hogchoker, flounder, and perch,

soon learning there was more in the James than lots of River Birch.

We found out about bioaccumulation,

toxic pollutants in older fish that makes them unsafe to eat and raises everyone’s frustration.

Visiting the River’s Rest Marina, we got a break to buy some sweet sodas,

and while learning about trade between John Smith and the Indians on the Chickahominy River Trail sign, our reporters took some sweet photas.

We got greeted with barbeque by JRA Executives at the James City County’s Chickahominy Riverfront Park,

our visitors staying to chat, and leaving just before dark.

After playing volleyball and getting squeaky clean,

Gabriel played us all a few soothing lullabies, proving to everyone that he’s not all that mean.

Derrek and Lena

Chuck Loves Aquatic Grass

Bill Explains the River

Faster than Canoes

The Beautiful Chickahominy

From Plantations to Pocahontas

Emily: 1    Chicken: 0

  Day 23, July 17th

We were greeted this morning by a breathtaking view of the river and by one of our gracious hosts, Fred, who invited us up for breakfast in the Westover Plantation. As we walked up to the plantation house, he told us stories of growing up in the house. At the house, Muschi, our other very gracious host had a gourmet breakfast waiting for us which consisted of farm eggs that were fried to perfection, fresh sausage, garden picked tomatoes that were roasted and seasoned excellently, toasted English muffins and bread with sour cherry, raspberry jam and strawberry preserve toppings, all complimented by a glass of milk, orange juice or water.

 We carefully loaded up our antique plates and took them to the front steps of the house, where we ate and enjoyed good conversations with our hosts. After we ate, Fred took some of us on a tour of the inside of the house; showing us everything from the exquisite window panes, to paintings of past generations of his family to a replica of John Smith’s map of Virginia. The other half of the group went with Muschi to chase down over a dozen chickens to transfer to a different coop. We were all shown the ice house, the garden, and the well.  There was a ladder in the well that lead to an underground tunnel.  If you followed the tunnel to its end, you would pop out at the bank of the river; Fred mentioned legend has it that the tunnel would have been used to escape attacks by American Indians.  After seeing all of this, our group was very curious to see this tunnel, so Fred showed us and Isaac being Isaac, he had to get in it, and of course, we had to pull him out by his feet.

 Following the extraction, we thanked our hosts many times.  We then got in our canoes and hit the water energized to knock out 15 miles. Our spirits were high since the tides and our amazing land crew were with us.  However, as the tides began to turn against us, we lost our drive. So, we took a snack break, which of course helped boost our spirits, and after a quick dip in the river, we were ready to take on the tidal James until we hit camp. However, since we’re driven by food, we had to take lunch before camp, which led to nap time for most of the group. It seemed like that was just what we all needed because when we woke up, we were full of energy and made it to Fort Pocahontas before 4:30. Once we got camp set up, Gabe initiated pier jumping which was a blast and fun way for us to bond even more. Even though there was much fun to be had, there were still things that needed to be done like cook some awesome burritos and take mandatory baths.

 Later that day we were joined at dinner by Wayne Adkins an America Indian from the Chickahominy tribe, one of the 11 tribes recognized by the state of Virginia. The team learned a great deal about the history of the tribe and the tribes that surrounded them. We learned that his tribe were one of the first in contact with the English settlers and traded corn for copper items.  Wayne also spoke about his vision for the future of the Chickahomoniy and the role that it could play in helping his tribe become more economically viable.  We concluded the night with thorns and roses, s’mores and a wonderful night’s rest.

Written By:  Alex Kincaid and Kelvin Tyler

Accidental Fishing

Sailing Through Cyprus

Eastward to Westover

Silly Group Shot

Day 22, July 16th

We awoke today in fear (if only for a moment) thanks to a prank pulled by some Expedition members- they must have been possessed by a ghost of the Weston plantation, our campsite for the evening. After a comforting meal of oatmeal we began paddling to the Rice Center. 

The Rice Center, run by VCU, is a conference space and environmental education center that is open by request.  We meet with Holly, a steam ecology expert, who first told us about the green products that were used to build the center.  Some examples include: solar power, leftover denim for insulation, rain water for the toilets and garden water, green roof (planters on the roof to reduce runoff,  improve insulation and produce oxygen) and geothermal heating and cooling.  Then we went outside to the mesocosms and looked at the diverse macro-invertebrate habitat that developed from just rainwater. Two buckets were filled with fresh and one with salt water and left alone.  These mesocosms were then left and rain water brought in algae.  Then the tanks began to flourish with many different types of aquatic life, such as: tadpoles, dragon fly larva, backswimmers, beetles many others.  We fished out different organisms and looked at them using in the tray but also using a microscope. 

After we finished with the macro-invertebrates we sat down in the cool air condition room for lunch. When lunch was done we took a walk down to the marsh land that used to be cut off by a dam. Once there, Holly told us about the history about the land, that it used to be a hunting club, then a YMCA, and finally into the Rice Center. We also talked about the wildlife that now lives there. A surprise visit came from Cindy Balderson (Dominion) and her family, who walk around with us awhile.

We were then met up with our loving land support team, Sadie and Claire, who paddled with us the rest of the way to Westover Plantation.  There we meet Mr. and Mrs. Fisher who are active JRA members and lovers of the river.  This amazing couple is graciously allowing us to camp in their front lawn.  The team seems pumped about getting out tomorrow and kicking some more Tidal James butt as we paddle our canoes to the bay.

Written By: Jessica Frazier, Emily Betts, Isaac Schumacher

Dipping in a Mesocosm at the Rice Center

Claire & Isaac Arrive at Westover Plantation