Mason Neck, VA (USA)

Went to check on my kayak this morning - high water has sometimes dislodged it from the storage platform. On the way, I decided to take a walk on the Potomac Heritage Trail that parallels the entry road for Mason Neck Park. Parked at the NWR (0845) and walked about 2.5 miles to the west, into the State Park and right up to the shore of Belmont Bay. The weather was awesome - the temps (mid 50s), clear skies and lack of wind made me really glad I’d ventured outdoors again. I watched lots of animals enjoying the Spring day and spotted several birds and squirrels in their hidey-hole nests. Happily, I didn’t see any people for the outbound leg of my walk. I did occasionally hear cars on the road, though, indicating the place might get crowded. When I reached the parking lot at the Visitor Center (closed), it was clear that was the case... Headed back towards my car immediately. I stopped to enjoy a moment in the woods on the way and was surprised by a stampede of deer (lots of them!) that crossed the trail about 25 yards away - they must not have seen me. Even more startling, though, was a dark, wolf-like shadow that was swiftly following them. Fortunately, HE didn’t see me either. I watched him give up and turn around - it was only after he stopped to sniff the air as he re-crossed the trail that I saw a collar... He then headed back towards the crowds and I was alone again. I got greedy after reaching the NWR again and decided to hike out to Gunston Road. It was about 1015 when I reached the blacktop - I was shocked to see a continuous stream of cars, all headed to the Park. I quickly backtracked (encountering bikers and other walkers on the way) and left the area as soon as I could. Drove further down the Neck (east) to where my friend lets me keep my kayak. Pohick Bay was quite inviting! I then remembered I’d brought everything I needed to take the kayak out on the River. This included some new gloves I’d found at an REI Garage Sale over the winter. For the next hour (1100 to 1200), I paddled on almost perfectly smooth water and took breaks in the practically current-less channel. The water temp was pleasant too - only a little chilly. The waterfront homes were visible but I was able to turn away from them and, at times, feel like I was all alone on an endless sea. Except for one boat (two fisherman), my kayak was the only watercraft out on the Potomac. Unless I count the nesting ospreys - there were plenty of them and they were very worried whenever I came nearby. Would have stayed for several more hours if I could have but my upper body wasn’t up to much more and I’d neglected to bring sunscreen. Met some more neighbors (at a distance), who told me they wished they had also gone out in their boats (“too busy”). On the way home, passed even more cars - yikes. Definitely will return to Mason Neck soon (in the morning, of course) - Trail and River time like this is unbeatable!