RiverQuest Kids Cruise

Over the past weekend, I had the pleasure of joining the RiverQuest crew as they set out from Eagle Landing State Park on the maiden voyage of their "Kid's Cruise". Even though I am an East Haddam native, I learned quite a bit about the area and had a really fantastic time.

Captain Mark came up with the idea for a kids cruise to help familiarize a younger audience with the great natural treasure we have here in CT. The CT River Valley is an area rich in wildlife and he hoped that a cruise for children would serve as a springboard for them to get inspired and involved about nature conservancy and the like. He started off by introducing the children to the boat, showing them their port from their starboard (left from right) and their stern from their bow (rear to front). For some, this was their first time out on a boat, and they were excited to learn the new ship jargon.

The children took part in a scavenger hunt as we sailed on the river. Things to look for included the Goodspeed Opera House, as well as many other locations, and types of birds like eagles and ospreys. As we sailed toward north the East Haddam Swing Bridge, the kids got their first look at baby ospreys, which were poking their heads out of the nest as we sailed closer. Off the bow, a few fish jumped, so First Mate Mindy turned on the depth/fish-finder to get a better look under the waves. From the comfort of the observation deck, parents and kids got to watch the boat pass over the bottom. The large screen gave hi-tech readings for depth, temperature, and location. On this particular day, the water was about 76F, but the highest it's been this year so far is 82F.

As we turned around and headed south down the river, we got to pass by a surprise that no one expected: a downed tree was hung-up on a buoy and the children gawked as we slipped past the monstrous piece of wood. Off of shore, an egret was perched, watching us as we marveled at the landscape around us.

The most exciting part of the cruise came right at the end though, when we were lucky enough to see not one but two bald eagles perched in trees near the State Park. The birds were so magnificent, and I don't think I've ever been closer to one. It was an experience that I strongly recommend having.

RiverQuest's Kid's Cruises will sail again on July 28th, and on select dates in August and September. Tickets are $5 for children, and $15 for adults (13 to 100), under 2 is free. The cruise leaves at 10:00am and gets back around 11:00am. You can visit RiverQuest's website for more information on this cruise and on their other cruise tours.

www.ctriverquest.com