Mike paddling along the West Branch Brandywine Creek on his 90th birthday. Photo by Irina Beal.
Written by Irina Beal
What does a sailor do for his 90th birthday? Why, paddle down the Brandywine, of course! Mike and his daughter Irina launched from Harvey’s Bridge Road in kayaks from Northbrook Canoe Company on a pleasantly warm Sunday in May.
Our launch began with a grounding on a pebbly point bar as the water level was low, given the prolonged drought Pennsylvania has been experiencing. The stream gage near the launch location read 3.50 feet —low due to severe drought in Chester County (D2).
Drought Map for Pennsylvania via U.S. Drought Monitor. Data Valid 12 May 2026 at 8 am EDT.
The Creek quickened where it shallowed and narrowed, and slowed when it widened and deepened. We enjoyed a variety of gentle, still reaches broken up by exciting riffles. Each riffle required reading the stream to ‘see’ obstacles below the waterline. For example, a small rooster tail signaled a submerged boulder or log slightly below the surface; miss this sign and you’ll be grounded on this invisible obstacle.
Along the calmer stretches, birds bathed near shore, dipping their heads into the water along the stream bank and letting it cascade down their feathered backs. Robins, Gray Catbirds, and Sand Pipers were spotted along the shore; geese with their ducklings grazed along the banks; and mallards paddled in the shallows. We saw evidence of eagles nearby–a massive nest high in the trees–but alas, the residents must have been out on their own adventure.
Kayaking from Harvey’s Bridge to Northbrook Canoe Company covering 5 miles over 2.5 hours.
Our smooth paddling was soon broken by the sound of rushing water—spillage at an upcoming dam, which we were warned about. We ungracefully extracted ourselves from our kayaks onto a platform before I carried both kayaks to the stream re-entry point – a worn-out, steep embankment with a knotted rope tied to a tree. After bringing down Mike’s kayak and securing it on the rocks in the shallows, I guided his foot placement as he abseiled back down to the creek. With him safely launched in his kayak with paddle in hand; I scurried back up the cliff, gathered my own kayak and paddle, and nimbly relaunched myself, quickly catching up with him to continue our journey.
Further along the Creek we came upon two young men fishing for trout. As the water was a cool 50 degrees, I wished them the best of luck and told them we would direct the downstream fish up to their location. I did spot a trout just beneath the surface further down the stream, but it swam off before I could relay my message.
As we continued our 5 mile, 2 ½ hour journey, we grew more adept at choosing our path through shallow sections. I found that staying on the outside bend – along the cut bank or in the thalweg – allowed for deeper water and, when the channel did narrowed from debris or sediment, the increased velocity gave us the thrill of a personal log flume ride.
Evidence of previous high flows came along the cutbanks where trees had fallen into the creek, forcing us to steer correctly or risk upsetting our kayak. Other trees fell out of the river showing its expansive root systems like a mirror to its canopy. The trees still standing upright offered less shade this time of year, as the leaves were small or just sprouting – likely due to the combined stresses of the drought and recent freezes.
Entering ChesLen Preserve owned by Natural Lands. Photo by Irina Beal.
As we neared the end of our journey, we caught up with a platoon of canoers with the youngest in front and the adults steering. The youth had been enthusiastic upon their initial launch, but now, three hours into their trip, they were content with watching the scenery go by. The adults were content with their passengers not paddling backwards.
Upon our arrival at the Northbrook Canoe Company dock, our family and friends watched us glide in. Unfortunately, they also witnessed our second ungracious kayak exit. We both greatly enjoyed our time out on the Brandywine Creek and were happy to have a current flowing in the correct direction – allowing us to sit back, let the world slow around us, and simply take in the scenery.
On a side note, for those riding motorcycles, the route from Baltimore Pike / Route 1 in Chadds Ford up Creek Rd to South Creek Road to Northbrook Canoe Company is a scenic and winding ride. For those interested in walking trails and picturesque scenery, Natural Lands’ ChesLen Preserve sits to the west by Embreeville and has waterfront access.
Mike kayaking the West Branch Brandywine Creek in May 2026. Photo by Irina Beal.
