Paddling the Neuse: A BBQ welcome in Seven Springs

After working on the WRAL Documentary 'New Trouble on the Neuse River,' WRAL photojournalist Richard Adkins takes us for a multi-day, ground-level look at North Carolina's important waterway.

Seven of us have made it past the halfway mark. We set our Sunday to paddle the Neuse River in kayaks from Anderson Point in Raleigh to New Bern. Wednesday marks day number four of seven.

We launched from our campsite in Goldsboro into a fascinating stretch of the river. Within a few miles we were at the end of the runway of Seymour Johnson Air Force base.

We had seen bald eagles along the trip over the first three days, but now we got an up close look at Strike Eagles as they flew off the runway over the river.

A bit further downstream, we came along the Cliffs of the Neuse State Park. This is the first time I’ve seen the cliffs from the river.

Our destination for the day was the small Wayne County town of Seven Springs. I’m told it’s the friendliest town on the river, and I don’t doubt it.

Ronda Hughes met us at the water. Her small campground is currently flooded by the Neuse, so she invited us to set our tents in her backyard. As we were making camp for the night, Ronda brought us fried chicken, BBQ and vegetables she pick up from McCall’s.

Later in the evening, as we sat by the river, Ronda brought us pizza for a late night snack.

If you ever get the chance to visit Seven Springs, please do. I’m telling you – it’s the friendliest town on the river.

We put in 24 miles on Wednesday and are looking forward to paddling another 25 Thursday. We'll pit in Kinston, where we are promised camping with SHOWERS!