June 14, 2013 The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch Page 37 Give Back Bays A Try When Wind A Factor OCEAN CITY – If you are looking for a place to escape the winds, SUPing Ocean City’s back bays, like Turville Creek, might be perfect, as it’s a beautiful paddle. Spring’s blustery winds just don’t seem to be willing to turn us loose yet. Until they do, it may be time for you to head over to more protected waters, see some new sights and take a break from the crowds (and winds). The headwaters of Turville Creek are located at the intersection of Racetrack Road (Route 589) and Gum Point Road. This beautiful creek is bound on its south side by the Ocean Downs racetrack (now casino) and on the north side by the residential community of Gum Point. Access is by the public boat ramp just a short hop down Gum Point Road on the right side. It is an awesome place to paddle and protected from all but heavy East winds. As you head east down the creek, the Glen Riddle residential development and gold course is on your right. This property, originally owned by Samuel Riddle till his death in 1951, was a horse farm that produced some incredible horses. Man O’ War, American Flag, War Admiral, Crusader are names you might remember. The stables still stand, now housing a Ruth’s Chris Steak House (lots of memorabilia) and the concrete mass that you see on the water’s edge used to be the salt-water swimming pool for the grooms. On the opposite side of the creek is the Paddle Inn Marina and Paddle Club. Club members keep their SUP boards there and organize group paddles. Check it out on Facebook. Lots of wildlife all over the area, as blue heron, eagles and osprey abound. Once you get to the area of the creek where it begins to make an “S” turn, you have paddled about a mile. Continuing through “S” turns, you will approach the entrance to Herring Creek on your right and you will see the development of Ocean Pines on your far left. Due east in front of you, the Ocean City skyline will be on your horizon. If you head up Herring Creek you are 1.5 miles from the Route 50 Bridge that passes over the creek. At the moment, there are two nesting osprey on the channel markers on your way to the bridge. Please give them a wide pass. Once they sound the alarm, move a little further away – you’ll still get a great air show. Before you go, Google “osprey.” These magnificent birds have an amazing story. If you get to the bridge, you’ve completed about 2.5 miles. From where you dropped your board in the creek, the entire shoreline on your right has been part of the original Glen Riddle farm. Under the bridge, the backwaters continue for another mile and you’re almost certain to spot an eagle or two that seem to always fly from left to right along the shore. If you think a five-miler may be too much for you, I’ve given you a few markers along the way to shorten it up a little. This is not a race. Carry your hydration pack, camera, extra sunscreen, food and snacks. Take a break; sit down on your board and be in the moment. Wear a hat and leave a “float plan” with someone who loves you or better yet, you owe money. Next Saturday is the 10-mile East of Maui ocean race, hope to see you there. Aloha. – Sandy Deeley Special To The Dispatch (More information on Walk On Water and all it has to offer can be found at www.walkonwatersupco.com.) Walk On Water instructors Beth and Sandy Deeley, Ron Gossard and Corrine Banks are pictured. File Photo Welcome Firefighters And Fathers $26.99 ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT SEAFOOD BUFFET Choose From Such Tempting Items As: Snow Crab Legs, Steamed And Fried Shrimp, Fresh Clams And Oysters, Mussels, Local Clam Strips, Clams Casino, Crab Imperial, New England Clam Chowder, Delmarvelous Baked Chicken, Carved Steamship Round Of Beef, Country Ham, Roast Turkey, BBQ Ribs, Broiled And Grilled Fish, Fresh Fruits And Vegetables, Potato, Taco, Soup And Salad Bar, Raw Bar, Pasta Bar And Ocean City’s Largest Dessert Selection Experience Our Great Seafood Buffet In The Uniqe Setting Of An 18th-Century Whaling Tavern FULL A LA CARTE MENU ALSO AVAILABLE $2 SEAFOOD OFF CHILDREN UNDER 4 EAT FREE BEER, WINE AND COCKTAILS SERVED Discover Our Pasta And Raw Bars Featuring Fresh Seafood, Sauces And Pasta Cooked To Order And Fresh Clams And Oysters Shucked And Steamed To Order BUFFET WITH COUPON • VALID UP TO 4 ADULTS ORDERING SEAFOOD BUFFET NOT VALID DURING EARLY BIRD OR ANY OTHER OFFERS • EXP. 12-31-13 • MCD OPEN DAILY AT 4 P.M. BOARDWALK AND 26TH ST. • FREE PARKING LOT ON CORNER OF 26TH ST. AND BALTIMORE AVE. • 410-524-CRAB (2722)