Packrafting The Parker River

"The Parker River Wildlife Refuge is 4,662 acres of upland and wetland habitat with sandy beach and dune, shrub, thicket, bog, swamp, freshwater marsh, saltwater marsh and associated creek, river, mud flat, salt panne" and some dude with a coors between his feet.
The idea comes across my mind quite often to packraft the Parker River, find the perfect perch (seen below), sling a hammock, listen to the tide drag barges of marsh debris along its banks and the sound of piping plovers wings tap tapping on the water as they scurry off

"The Parker is a feeding, resting, and nesting habitat for migratory birds. Located along the Atlantic Flyway, the refuge is a vital stopover for waterfowl, shorebirds, and songbirds during pre- and postbreeding migratory periods."

The Parker river isn't "wilderness" but its blocks away. The quiet you feel on the Parker is tangible. The birds, whether you're an aficionado or not are amazing, almost as amazing as a beer and a hand rolled cigarette, your legs hanging over the edge of your boat, your feet skimming the surface of cool water.

photos by Rick Beaty