First Paddle in a Long Time

I see the photos of the pond and I am captivated. The cypress trees that look as if they have been there for hundreds of years, the black water, the spanish moss, the alligators. This paddle appears as if it would be both an adventure and a sublime experience. How cool would it be to paddle the pond (really, swamp) in the fog just as the day breaks? What does the foliage look like in fall? What part of the year are the gators present? 

Merchants Millpond State Park has been on my list of places I want to paddle for quite a long time. The park is located just south of the VA/NC border directly below Suffolk, VA.  At this point I just need to try paddling there.  I've been out of the cockpit all this year.  I was on vacation the first weeks of warm weather then I pulled my lower back in early June that has kept me out of the cockpit ever since.  I am embarrassed to admit this and even more embarrassed when I realize my favorite kayak has been stowed in the garage, hanging on the wall, and being used as a repository for my power tool chargers and boxes of snack cakes that I hide from my wife (sorry honey).  I have gained weight through the past 18 months of working from home due to the pandemic and I think I need an easy yet fun paddle excursion to recharge my batteries.

Which boat should I take?  My 15 ft. Liquidlogic Inuit is my favorite, however the line from the cockpit to the rudder is broken.  I certainly would not need a rudder in a completely flat, sheltered pond , but I like the idea of taking my flat bottom 10 ft. blue boat (I don't remember what brand or model it is, but I doubt it is still being manufactured).  It was my first boat and I haven't taken it out in years....on second thought maybe I should try it out somewhere without gators before taking it into the "wilderness."

I think I'll try this Saturday.  It's again hot as balls outside so early morning is going to be the most comfortable.  Need to pack lightweight clothing, bug spray, deck bag, camera. Can I get up early enough to make the 1 hr. 20 min drive?