Peche Island, is an uninhabited, currently 86-acre Canadian-owned island in the Detroit River, at its opening into Lake Saint Clair. It is 1.2 miles east of U.S.-owned Belle Isle, and 360 yards from the Windsor shore. Wikipedia
Several years ago my paddling buddy and I kayaked over to Peche Island for the day. We'd been told to launch from Kayak Cove just off Riverside Dr. We must have driven by this tiny little spot three times before we finally saw the sign.
It was a hot day so I was very happy to get out of her old car and unpack our gear! I couldn't wait to get on the water!
I was surprised how strong the current was as we crossed to a little inlet. Once we entered the inlet it was calm and beautiful.
Seeing this swan made me hopeful that our day of "paddle-birding" was going to be fruitful and it was.
Within five minutes of entering the inlet we found a Great White Egret.....well frightened him really.
After about 15 minutes of very stealthy paddling we came across this Green Heron...I wish that stick wasn't in the way but that's what happens when you're birding. Half the time I'm just lucky to get a shot.
A little further in we found what appeared to be a weather monitoring station.
Everywhere we looked it was green and lush even in the water.
We discovered an old dock....it may have been sturdy enough to tie a boat to but we wouldn't recommend it.
Moving further inland the underwater vegetation became quite thick.
As the vegetation thinned we found a small channel and decided to explore. A few minutes up the channel we found this bridge.
We knew a little history about this island. The last people to have lived here was the Hiram Walker Distillery family and we were told that the remains of their mansion was still here. This bridge told us we were close ....and also not alone. LOL! We found a canoe on shore and decided to land and look around. We didn't find the mansion......to be honest we didn't want to leave our gear for too long.
The bridge fascinated me.... no idea why.
We continued paddling the channel for quite some time. Interestingly the channel runs up the middle of the island. It was quite green and beautiful!
Once we were back out into the river we explored the exterior of the island. You could see where people had come over for picnics and LEFT THEIR DAMN GARBAGE. We ended up landing at a little beach and collecting up a bag full.
We decided it was time for lunch and found a nice spot to sit.
We finished up and figured it was time to get back. It was about this point, on the U.S. side of the island that a HUGE barge came through. I have to tell you, it scared the crap out of us but we laughed our heads off and paddled on. I've never been that close to a boat that size....it really moved the water!
It was a pretty uneventful and relaxing paddle back to the main land.
We were so hot when we landed. I would have killed for a swim....lucky for my buddy there was a beach just down the road and it was heavenly to sink into that cool water.
On the drive home we decided to take a detour to the Hillman Marsh...but I'll save that story for another day.
Until next time friends...