#Tour De Tar - Sound Rivers

Epic Adventure Tour de Tar

Pamlico-Tar Riverkeeper Jill Howell and Environmental Projects Coordinator Clay Barber launched their kayaks into the Tar River on Thursday, October 8th, for a journey called “Tour de Tar.”

Jill and Clay paddled the length of the Tar, pulling out at High Water Social in Washington on October 17th.

Jill and Clay paddled the Tar not just to have a great adventure, but also to bring attention to the beauty of the river – and why it should be protected from threats. That’s what we do here at Sound Rivers – and if you’re interested in supporting our work, you can sponsor Jill and Clay’s paddle – all proceeds will benefit our Water Quality Monitoring Fund! Like many non-profits in 2020, we’re facing a funding shortfall due to canceled events, like our 35th Annual Oyster Roast. Your sponsorship of any amount will help us keep your Riverkeepers working for clean water, and working for you!

More info, including their musings, videos, tips, and answered questions, below! And on social media, facebook.com/pamlicotar and facebook.com/soundriversnc

10-17 Triumphant Return!

Last morning – update from the Cypress Hideaway Platform

And they’re done! Tour de Tar 2020 is in the books!

10-16 Day 9 – Almost home!

Jill and Clay give a tour of the Cypress Hideaway platform, their resting spot for their last night on the water!

Jill has made a new friend

10-15 A chilly start to one of the final paddle days!

Jill and Clay answer questions about bugs, bathrooms, and more!

10-14 Getting back out on the water and talking about the ACP

Jill and Clay sat down by the water with our friends at Tarboro Brewing Company for a fun beer tasting. Check it out here!

The paddlers talk with Sound Rivers friend Marvin Winstead about the Atlantic Coast Pipeline, which was proposed to cross his property before it was cancelled earlier this year. A huge victory for clean water!

10-13 Refreshed and well-rested

Jill and Clay had a great night on Nancy’s dock, and to start the day Jill gives a bit of info about Nancy’s turtle rehabilitation project!

Tonight the paddlers are staying in one of the River & Twine Tiny Homes at Rocky Mount Mills! Watch for a fun tour:

10-12 A special place to stay for the evening!

A wonderful friend of Sound Rivers, Nancy, offered Jill and Clay a place to camp! They are a day behind because of storms but Jill thinks they can make it up – she says not to tell Clay…

10-11 Safety on the water and change in plans

Clay and Jill give a weather update and explain a change in plans, and why safety is key!

Evening update: rainy day and Jill’s tacos by the river

10-10 (Rainy) Morning and Evening Check In After 20 miles

What are the paddlers eating and drinking? Jill gives an overview!

Clay gives an evening update and talks about stormwater!

10-9 Evening Update – Making Camp

10-9 Starting the day at McGhee Platform and passing Tabbs Creek

10-8 Launch Day!

Jill and Clay are off! More to come once they’ve had a chance to get some miles paddled.

10-7 Packing Day!

How much can Jill fit in the drybags that have to fit in her kayak? We think she needs to host a packing tutorial after the paddle…