Just about six years ago, while making my editorial rounds at White Rock Lake, I noticed a shiny trailer in the parking lot at the foot of Scout and East Lawther section as it comes under the Mockingbird bridge. When I got out and was walking up to the trailer, there was this young lady with a pink baseball cap and her pony tail dropping down through the adjustment strap on the cap. Now, at the beginning of the sixth year at White Rock Lake, Amy, the pony tailed, pink baseball cap wearing, owner of the White Rock Paddle Company has become a dear proxy friend through her staff, although I don't get to see her as much now. As in today, I missed her by about an hour, but the Paddle Co was operating never-the-less. It was, however, operating at a different location at Big Thicket.
Actually, the new location has much more to offer than the former bank of the parking lot across from the dog park between the pedestrian bridge and the Mockingbird bridge. The new location has a large surface mat that is even and much easier to load and unload. There's a great view of the downtown skyline, a dock, a picnic table with both a water fountain and a spigot for filling bottles or bowls for the dogs. Parking is much more evenly distributed. All-in-all, it's just a paddle around the first boat marina then under the pedestrian bridge for those that like to paddle or kayak up White Rock Creek. For others, that want to paddle the open lake, you are right there from the get!
Since we are mostly creatures of habit, it's only going to be about one trip from the new location until things begin to settle back into a routine and nothing will seem strange or awkward from then on. To make it even easier, the White Rock Paddle Company has a sign right next to where they were in the past at the Nautical Area sign. Just turn left and head around the curve toward the Big Thicket Building and the Sailing Boat Marinas (when you pass the first one, get ready to turn in to the old boat dock). There is an orange tent by the trailer to help you zero in on the new digs.
*************************Click on any image to open all in a larger view******************
 |
| This is Garrett, one of the staff. He'll be watching for you! |
 |
| The boats on the new mat launching area, and I hear there are a lot of new boats this year too. |
 |
| Now, here's the landmark. It's just like being in the old place but much better overall! Enjoy you summer and do some serious boating from White Rock Paddle. Say hello to Garrett, too! |
