A Pettaquamscutt State of Mind

With sun and warmer temperatures predicted for today I had to at least try to find a better climate...preferably one without humongous snow banks.  My plan was to find that better climate some 90 miles to the south in the Rhode Island towns of Narragansett and South Kingstown.  Just as a precaution, a snow shovel was brought along, in the event I needed to shovel-out a parking space for my car at the boat ramp.  Thankfully, the shovel wasn't necessary as snow amounts had been greatly reduced in this part of the Ocean State.

Shortly before reaching the Pollock Ave boat ramp, I saw the marker for Pettaquamscutt Rock alongside Middlebridge Road...

I walked up the path to where the rock could be seen through the brush...

...and a few minutes later was enjoying the view from the top while thinking of the significant role this spot played in dealings between the Narragansett tribe and the first European settlers of Rhode Island.

My hunch would be that it was the Narragansett people who chose such a cool spot for conducting business.

Once launched into the Pettaquamscutt River I headed south, passing under Middle Bridge Road where the only other paddler was encountered.  She was on a stand-up-paddleboard and heading in the other direction.  I continued into Pettaquamscutt Cove until reaching Gooseberry Island (opening photo) where a little lunch provided enough energy for the short climb to the island's highpoint...

A retreating ice sheet could be seen at the cove's south end.
 
The strong breeze out of the southwest soon helped me reach the Sprague Bridge where the river narrows before emerging into a lively Narragansett Bay...

Many folks were enjoying a walk to the north tip of Narragansett Beach and it was close to high tide.

Before reaching the breaking surf I turned about and headed back to Middle Bridge where I landed at the bridge's west end...

A short walk to the west along Middlebridge Road brings one to the stone marker for Jireh Bull's trading post/garrison house...

During the conflict known as "King Philip's War" this site was to be used as a staging ground by an 1100-man military force from Massachusetts, Plymouth, and Connecticut whose purpose was to destroy the Narragansett tribe in December 1675.
The Narragansett burned the garrison before it could be used by the invading force, but were unable to prevent the Puritan army from locating and destroying their main village 7 or 8 miles to the west.

Once back on the river, I continued north until reaching another ice sheet a short distance above Bridgetown Road...

The ice terminated my upriver journey and, after turning about, I began paddling against the wind to my takeout at Pollock Avenue.

There my very modest trash haul enjoyed a little beach time...

Not much trash in these waters...only 7 recyclables and 8 pieces of misc. rubbish. 
YTD = 246

So, all in all, it was mission accomplished and the Ocean State has, once again, provided salvation to this winter hating paddler.

Helpful maps and information by the Narrow River Preservation Association and Rhode Island Blueways can be found at these links:
Upper Pettaquamscutt River
Lower Pettaquamscutt River and Cove