Pierless Blog - 2026-05-25 - Von Donop Inlet (Rest Day- Weather)

 May 25th Monday - Waiting out weather in Von Donop

Due to high winds and rain, we decided to sit the day out in Von Donop Inlet and explore the lagoon near our anchorage.  We saw a  boat anchored at this location last year and thought it would be a great place to take a break.

 
Von Donop Anchorage looking into the lagoon

We slept in for a change (what a treat!).  There was rain and wind overnight, but no where near what others experienced in the area.  It really felt like we were in a micro rain shadow.  Compared with last year when there were around 12 boats in the inlet, this year we saw two other boats.

After eating, we set to work inflating and rigging our two paddleboards for use.  We both have rigid paddleboards, but they can not be stowed below deck, so we decided the inflatable type would be better since they can be stowed below.  They are also more stable which worked well for me as I am new to the paddleboard experience.  Dave is much more competent!

The lagoon we wanted to explore has a narrow inlet (see photo above).  During most of the tidal range, it flows out through this inlet.  At higher tides, water flows in to fill the lagoon.  If you time it right, it is possible to paddle against the outflow to gain access to the lagoon.  This is best on a rising tide to ensure you can exit easily on the water rather than carrying.  We have been using out phones for pictures, so I don't have any of our actual paddling adventures yet...  Once we figure out or GoPro camera, we can take more pics.

Von Donop Inlet and Lagoon

Dave went first and I followed after rigging my board.  The trip in was challenging and fun.  The outgoing flow was right at the edge of what we could overcome by paddling.  After a bit of ferrying, we made it through into the lagoon.  It was windy, so progress in took sustained effort.  We stopped at a small island on the west side of the lagoon for a break and to explore.  We had to be cautious around all the oyster shells!

Lagoon Island

There were signs of deer and some human activity.  The most interesting thing we found was a plant growing in or among the sea asparagus.  It was bright orange and seemed suspended in the sea asparagus rather than touching the ground.  After returning to Pierless, we did some googling and learned it is a parasitic vine:

"The orange, stringy, tendril-like plant you see wrapped around sea asparagus is saltmarsh dodder (genus Cuscuta, often Cuscuta salina), a specialized parasitic vine. It is known colloquially by dramatic names like witch's hair, wizard's net, or the wetland vampire."

Neither of us had heard of or seen this plant before.  We also did not see it on any other beach in the lagoon.

We continued on and paddled around the large island in the lagoon, then turned back toward our anchorage.  The wind was still blowing strong, so we stood up, lifted our paddles and "sailed" all the way back.  We were surprised how fast we could go in a brisk wind with just our bodies and paddles for sails!  It was great fun.

We returned to the boat for a restful evening and planned our morning departure to Blind Channel.  This trip would include traversing three areas with dangerous rapids, so we checked and double-checked the route, tides and currents before retiring for the night.