The Lewes Historical Society and Quest Fitness of Lewes Beach co-sponsored the First Annual Historic Lewes Kayak Trip this past Saturday, May 11. Putting in on Canary Creek at New Road, the 25 kayak/history/nature enthusiasts enjoyed a beatiful paddle through marshes and brackish streams. Paddling into the conjunction of the Lewes & Rehoboth Canal, the Broadkill River, the University of Delaware's mooring area and Roosevelt Inlet, the group encountered rough seas that prohibited them from heading out into the bay to their intended destination of Lewes Public Beach at Savannah Road.

Gretchen and Jeff Pattison, of Alexendria, Virginia, made the trip to Lewes for the Kayak Trip. "It's amazing out here," Jeff said, "so peaceful. I can't believe how much history happened in Lewes, and it's just a daytrip from D.C."

To learn a little bit more about the spectcular views, the group was able to listen to LHS Executive Director Mike DiPaolo speak on Native American and colonial history of the area. At the beginning of the trip, the kayak fleet made its way past the famous "Dutch Dike." There is still ongoing discussion about what group to attribute the earthwork that remains visible southwest of Lewes. Some say it was a dike or causeway built by Dutch settlers to control the small creek and a way to gain access to land south of the marshes. Others suggest that it is part of a Native American trail that connected seasonal settlements on Delaware and Rehoboth Bays.

"This was a great trip," Mike DiPaolo said, "to be able to talk on Lewes history for a while in a gorgeous setting, it doesn't get any better than that. I think a lot of people who weren't familiar with the Society had a chance to learn a little bit about us and a little bit more about where we live. This was a great opportunity for families to come out and enjoy their local historical society and younger folks to become actively engaged in a Society program."

The Society wants to continue the Kayak Trip on an annual basis. "Quest fitness is a great partner, to be able to visit these sites back in the marsh, head out onto the bay or ocean or explore the Inland Bays - not just for the natural beauty but to learn about the area's history, it's just the best way to experience it." The Society and Quest Fitness have scheduled May 10, 2003 for the Second Annual Historic Lewes Kayak Trip.

For more information please contact us at events@historiclewes.org, call us at 302-645-7670 or fax us at 302-645-2375.

©2002-2005 The Lewes Historical Society