Paddles & Pairings

New group beings together outdoor enthusiasts and foodies

Iawoke Saturday morning to what I had, unfortunately, expected; the day was wet and gray. I had been looking forward to today’s Paddles and Pairings event for weeks, but this was not a day for a several-hour kayak journey.

I learned North Carolina Eco Odysseys’ Plan B was in effect: the “Pairings” portion of the event – a dinner focusing on Gullah/Geechee culture – would still be held, but the paddling was being moved to the next day. 

North Carolina Eco Odysseys launched in December. Deena Craig, who founded the Wilmington Dining Adventurists Meetup group, came up with the concept to build excursions around outdoor activities and food themes.

This month, they plan to head to Masonboro Island for a luau, and other non-kayak events also are in the works such as a wine pairing dinner at an organic farm.

Despite the winter start, the previous monthly outings – including a Keg Island camping trip with fire-roasted chicken wings and craft beers  – hit on unseasonably warm days.

Though the weather didn’t cooperate as well this time, the trip’s food portion kicked-off without hesitation.

After arriving at Watermark Marina on the Cape Fear River, I’m greeted by Michael Bevacqua, Craig’s partner and food and drink coordinator for the company.

Within seconds, there’s an ice-cold SweetWater Blue in my hand. An aromatic crab and shrimp gumbo steams off to the side. Lined up on the counter are Hoppin’ John, grit cakes, greens, and sweet potato corn pone for dessert.

Kerry Craig of local band The Fury provides a combination of live music and recorded favorites before and during the meal. We’re given a packet of information about Gullah/ Geechee history and culture.

Bevacqua works with local caterers and chefs to create his meals, and there are plans in the works to feature local “guest chefs” for future events. He details his extensive experience with pairings, which is currently being showcased at downtown’s Fortunate Glass. After the SweetWater, we progress to a beer brewed by Greensboro’s Natty Greene.

The weather for the rescheduled kayak trip is sunny. We set off with guide Scott Schmolesky of Expedition Organization, which partners with Eco Odysseys for the Paddles and Pairings events. After a short jaunt (south) on the Cape Fear River, we dip into Barnards Creek.

The tour is perfectly relaxed. The group floats along in small bunches, chatting casually about the surroundings. Egrets ride the wind above us in daredevil arcs, and Schmolesky points out countless species of birds.

The return trip is against the current and the wind, which has kicked up a bit, but it’s a mild challenge. Schmolesky tailors his itineraries based on the day’s weather and the

experience level of the group. There’s no shortage of places to paddle in the area.

As I paddle the final stretch from the creek to the marina in the choppier Cape Fear River, I’m imagining how yesterday’s meal would be even better now in my damp and chilled state after an invigorating paddle. But in Wilmington, like just about everywhere else, there’s no predicting the weather.

To view more of photographer Bryce Lafoon’s work, go to www.brycelafoonphotography.com.