The drift to Selden Neck, Day 3, is a much easier paddle. For one, the distance is about half of the day before (see Connecticut: Fight the Tide). Plus, timing the 11 mile distance with the tides can allow you to drift almost the entire way to Selden Neck. This is where Selden Creek, an offshoot of the Connecticut River creates a island. Selden Island has just 4 primitive campsites, so make reservations early. Campsites are only accessible from the river. However, Selden Neck State Park can be accessed for bird watching, camping, fishing hunting, and hiking. Over a century ago, the island’s red granite stones paved New York City streets. Selden Neck continues to be a wonderous place where the wooded forests give way to the marshlands as the River makes its way to Long Island Sound.
Setting Out for the Day
By the third day our cooler was certainly easier to move. By this point, we had consumed about 2/3 of the food we brought. For this trip we invested in a pretty serious cooler and our ice was looking good. We were certainly happy about that. With 18 or so hours left, we still had to be sure keep the top closed. This next day’s forecast was particularly hot.
It was a lazy morning. We drifted by the state parks in Haddam and the Salmon River. Soon enough we approached the majestic East Haddam Swing Bridge and Goodspeed Opera House. We followed the east bank of the river anticipating quick turn into Chapman Pond. This section of the River is particularly busy with motorized vessels in the summer and Chapman Pond is a calm area more friendly to paddlers. Then, all of a sudden, a cigarette boat blazed by causing monsterous waves. We turned our bow head on. Slap! The hull came down with fury. The stern, where Tony sits, was pretty calm. Amanda, on the other hand, held on for dear life. We almost capsized. Amanda clentched the side of the boat. Tony laughed. Luckily, we were just a short distance from our target.
Chapman Pond to Selden Neck
Any paddler can tell you that one of the hidden treasures of the Connecticut River are its “back alleys.” Chapman Pond and Selden Creek are both considered back alleys, each with considerable historical relavance. Chapman Pond is like being transported to another time. The narrow Northern inlet is easily passable. Once in the pond, pristine grasses and curious fowl engulf your imagination and wonder. We drifted there for what felt like an eternity and an instant all in one. As our interest waned, we exited through a small southernly passage back to the River. A refreshing break from the hustle and bustle of the lower Connecticut River. Just a few ticks south, passed Gillette’s Castle, the Chester-Hadlyme Ferry lumbers from bank to bank shuttling cars along Route 148. Gillette Castle State Park is an amazing place to hike, picnic and explore with plenty of trails and tours of the Castle.
We paddled with excitement looking forward to camping at an expansive site with a private beach, thrilling rock faces, and Ospreys gallore. As we made our entrance to Selden Creek we noticed that our site was packed with speed boats, jet skis, and Kayaks. Just a bunch of people enjoying the River like were were. Weset up camp and the people were very friendly. Also, our friend, Kelly, came to visit via kayak. As the sunset for the day, the “visitors” went on their way. It was clear, however, that all the sun and improper hydration took a toll as Tony fell asleep on the beach. Glad we had the place to themselves.
