07-Feb-2012 -- Super sunny day, and not a cloud in the sky. Temp about 35-40°. My friend Joe Connolly had just been out there and joined me in the adventure as my guide through the marshes. We departed from the parking area at about 10:45 and headed first south and then west, following the frozen water channels. It made for a pretty easy hike for about the first mile. I can't imagine how hard it must have been for those that came before us, not having this frozen trail to follow. The phragmites and cattails surrounded us on all sides and were at one time 12 ft tall, but got shorter the further west we tromped. As the water got saltier and the day warmed up we found the ice getting thinner and thinner. By the time we were .8 miles from the confluence we were breaking through the ice on every step and into the 6 inch deep mud below. It made for slow going, but my feet were dry in my waterproof boots. All was well, and we made it to the coordinates by noon. There was nothing man made except our tracks for over a mile in any direction! We stomped an X into the mud at the zeros and snapped a few pics. The return trip proved to be even more sloggy and muddy. The ice was now covered with a layer of freshly sun-melted water, making it extremely slippery. I fell once, splashing and cracking through the ice into the murk. Really funny, actually. Made it back to the car by about 2 pm all in one wet/ muddy piece.

If you try this one bring a change of clothes so you don't have to drive home filthy! All said it was a great days trip and well worth the experience. WOOT!