Our trip began at 5:00 p.m. as we started paddling for Bangor boat ramp. The route meanders through countless twists and curves of river trail riddled with stumps and branches reaching out of the water creating an amazing haven for all sorts of waterfowl. Along many of these passages were enormous section of rock that had been mined out of this area countless years ago creating plentiful options for camping or just taking a break. The trail totaled 9.4 miles in length, but as we approached our break point, we were presented with a major dilemma.
It was 8:55 p.m. as were stepped out of our boats to stretch our legs at Bangor boat ramp. My GPS informed me that the sunset was scheduled for 9:10 p.m., and from the looks of things it would be right. Should we go ahead and make camp, or continue the push for the last 3.5 miles to Paragon knowing that we will be paddling in unforgiving darkness. Onward it was.
Our final stretch was without a doubt one of the most peaceful experiences I have ever had. I had to stop and put my paddle down for several minutes as I stretched back and gazed upward toward the heavens. The view of the heavens from this location and time of day was more than I can describe. What we thought would be a troublesome mistake, turned out to be the best decision we have made.
We paddled into Paragon at 10:00 p.m. completing our 13 mile trip in 5 hours. Quickly ditching our boats, we drove to get my truck and returned to the campsite. After setting up our Hennessy Hammocks, we enjoyed a victory drink of ice-cold Gatorade before retiring for the evening. While this trip may not be for every paddler, it was a wonderful and breathtaking trip not to be forgotten.
Location: Licking River
Lat/Lon: N37 58.479 W83 23.726
Trail: Blackwater - Bangor - Paragon
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