Weeks Bay Non-Paddle -
Nancy Ward scheduled a Weeks Bay Paddle from Pelican Point on Sunday, June 20th. No one showed. This report was posted as info on oil in the area (2 months after the Deep Horizon Oil Spill)
No one showed up. Don't know if Father's Day interferred or folks were afraid of possible oil. There was none. As I waited, four paddlers from Mobile Baykeeper returned from their scheduled patrol. Two had gone south into Mobile Bay and inspected (how much of?) the eastern shore. Two had gone north into Weeks Bay and inspected the eastern shore up to the Magnolia River. They said they'd found no traces of oil, sheen, or tar balls. There's quite an encampment of workers at Pelican Point. However, the boat launch is open. We'd have launched from the grass. There are booms which cover most of the mouth of Weeks Bay leading into Mobile Bay with a gap in the center. I'm told that they leave the gap open for boats to go in and out during low tide---when the tide is going out. At high tide---when the tide would be coming in---they fill the gap with barges. I saw lots of pleasure craft on Weeks Bay, including folks pulling kids behind their boats on those inflatable donut things. I wanted to paddle but didn't want to do it alone. I drove to the beach at Fairhope for a brief paddle. Later I swam. There were lots of people in the water and no signs of oil---same conditions I'd found on Saturday when I went to Fairhope Beach to spend the day swimming.
Nancy Ward
Friday, June 18, 2010
Byrnes Lake Saturday, June 12th, 2010...
Went to Byrnes Lake with my wife Judi and our daughter. It has been a few years but much has changed. The road to the ramp is now paved all the way to the water. There is a new ramp and pier, with a sandy area to launch Kayaks. NO FEE required and plenty of parking to accommodate a very large group. Even though there were no bathrooms, the whole area has been kept up very well. The weather was perfect and we had clear water with some locals already swimming. Thanks to some very well placed fallen trees on the lake, we saw no motor boats until we hit the river. We saw quite a few birds, Terns, Pelicans, an Osprey, and several Blue Herons whose flights above us were amazing to watch. Once on the Tensaw we glided with the wind to the beach area just up river on Garvine Island. Heavy Boom gave way to protected water and broke the waves at the beach for all to swim, cool off and enjoy before the trip back. Note: Remember to bring a camera for pics in the future.
Antny Willis
Went to Byrnes Lake with my wife Judi and our daughter. It has been a few years but much has changed. The road to the ramp is now paved all the way to the water. There is a new ramp and pier, with a sandy area to launch Kayaks. NO FEE required and plenty of parking to accommodate a very large group. Even though there were no bathrooms, the whole area has been kept up very well. The weather was perfect and we had clear water with some locals already swimming. Thanks to some very well placed fallen trees on the lake, we saw no motor boats until we hit the river. We saw quite a few birds, Terns, Pelicans, an Osprey, and several Blue Herons whose flights above us were amazing to watch. Once on the Tensaw we glided with the wind to the beach area just up river on Garvine Island. Heavy Boom gave way to protected water and broke the waves at the beach for all to swim, cool off and enjoy before the trip back. Note: Remember to bring a camera for pics in the future.
Antny Willis
Little River, Escambia Co from Hwy 59 to Dixie Landing
Little River is beautiful, if you are adventurous this is a great paddle. Although it required portages around/over at least 3 log jams that I encountered it was well worth it. I do not believe I could have paddled this alone, I had a buddy of mine in his 14.5' Ultimate and I was in a 12' Manta Ray. The trip was 5 miles and took 5 hours to complete with about 30 minutes of fishing included.
Little River looked like most slightly stained rivers in south Alabama. The flow of the river for the first mile was perfect. I estimate the flow at 150 to 200 cfs and we had enough water that sandbars (and there are plenty) were not an issue. We encountered the first of 3 log jams at 0.4 miles. It was initiated by a large fallen tree that wood and debris had piled up against. The water had wallowed out the sand to ~ 6 ft or better under the jam. My friend was able to pole his way across the debris on the right side of the river and pulled my kayak across once he made it to the other side. I made my way up the right bank and around the debris to the other side. It appears at ~ 1 mile the river has been diverted from its original path and now flows to the left with increased swiftness and is much more narrow (from ~35 ft to 10 ft wide). Immediately after this turn we encountered the second of the log jams. While my paddle buddy pulled his kayak up and over the 4 or 5 ft high jam I found a path on the left side to pull my kayak around the log jam.
The downstream side of this second log jam will test your navigational skills. It is a continuous winding and turning, in and out, of fallen trees and bushes. There are intermittent deep holes and shallow sandy/pebble bottom for the rest of the trip to within 0.5 miles of the confluence with the Alabama River. The sand bars below this second jam are not as common. This section is mostly mud banks with plenty of foliage, little sign of people. For the most part the river is 20 to 30 ft wide and ~ 2 to 4 ft deep. We encountered the last and easiest of the log jams about 1 mile below the second jam. It too is made up of a fallen tree but debris has not piled up. This jam was ~ 2 feet high and only 1 large branch to traverse. We simply pulled our kayaks up and over the jam on the right side and kept going. The water was ~ 2 ft deep on both sides.
All the while we were amazed at the scenery. We saw wood ducks, mallards and many deer. In the deeper pools we saw a number of 18" to 36" gar and scores of minnows and small fish. Using my trusty fly rod I was able to coerce a 2 lb bass out of the shadows. Approximately 300 yards from the confluence with the Alabama River we encountered a swarm of Mayflies and the brim/bass were boiling the water. Again, with my fly rod I had a catch and release party with the extra large brim feeding on the Mayflies. After about 20 minutes we leisurely moved on to pull our kayaks out at Dixie Landing.
This was an incredibly satisfying kayak trip. Even though it was riddled with logjams and navigational tests, to make it through an area obviously not often traveled by humans was gratifying. I would not recommend this trip as a solo or for kayaks longer than 12 to 14 feet, the shorter the better. Bring plenty of water and be ready for a William and Clark type of adventure. BEAUTIFUL!!
Charles Barber
Little River is beautiful, if you are adventurous this is a great paddle. Although it required portages around/over at least 3 log jams that I encountered it was well worth it. I do not believe I could have paddled this alone, I had a buddy of mine in his 14.5' Ultimate and I was in a 12' Manta Ray. The trip was 5 miles and took 5 hours to complete with about 30 minutes of fishing included.
Little River looked like most slightly stained rivers in south Alabama. The flow of the river for the first mile was perfect. I estimate the flow at 150 to 200 cfs and we had enough water that sandbars (and there are plenty) were not an issue. We encountered the first of 3 log jams at 0.4 miles. It was initiated by a large fallen tree that wood and debris had piled up against. The water had wallowed out the sand to ~ 6 ft or better under the jam. My friend was able to pole his way across the debris on the right side of the river and pulled my kayak across once he made it to the other side. I made my way up the right bank and around the debris to the other side. It appears at ~ 1 mile the river has been diverted from its original path and now flows to the left with increased swiftness and is much more narrow (from ~35 ft to 10 ft wide). Immediately after this turn we encountered the second of the log jams. While my paddle buddy pulled his kayak up and over the 4 or 5 ft high jam I found a path on the left side to pull my kayak around the log jam.
The downstream side of this second log jam will test your navigational skills. It is a continuous winding and turning, in and out, of fallen trees and bushes. There are intermittent deep holes and shallow sandy/pebble bottom for the rest of the trip to within 0.5 miles of the confluence with the Alabama River. The sand bars below this second jam are not as common. This section is mostly mud banks with plenty of foliage, little sign of people. For the most part the river is 20 to 30 ft wide and ~ 2 to 4 ft deep. We encountered the last and easiest of the log jams about 1 mile below the second jam. It too is made up of a fallen tree but debris has not piled up. This jam was ~ 2 feet high and only 1 large branch to traverse. We simply pulled our kayaks up and over the jam on the right side and kept going. The water was ~ 2 ft deep on both sides.
All the while we were amazed at the scenery. We saw wood ducks, mallards and many deer. In the deeper pools we saw a number of 18" to 36" gar and scores of minnows and small fish. Using my trusty fly rod I was able to coerce a 2 lb bass out of the shadows. Approximately 300 yards from the confluence with the Alabama River we encountered a swarm of Mayflies and the brim/bass were boiling the water. Again, with my fly rod I had a catch and release party with the extra large brim feeding on the Mayflies. After about 20 minutes we leisurely moved on to pull our kayaks out at Dixie Landing.
This was an incredibly satisfying kayak trip. Even though it was riddled with logjams and navigational tests, to make it through an area obviously not often traveled by humans was gratifying. I would not recommend this trip as a solo or for kayaks longer than 12 to 14 feet, the shorter the better. Bring plenty of water and be ready for a William and Clark type of adventure. BEAUTIFUL!!
Charles Barber
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Red Maple Slough
by: Juli Day
Gene Boothe led a paddle on Saturday, March 6th 2010 to Maple Slough.
Tom Montgomery, Steve Deckler, Gene Boothe and I met at the old River Docks launch. Fantastic weather greeted us along with tides being right for a paddle up Conway Creek (with north winds gusting against us) and down into Big Beatte Bayou. I guess we all needed the workout. The colors were beautiful with the new green shoots along the bank(no flowers as of yet) and maples in bloom. We saw quite a few birds, Terns, Gulls, Cormorants, Pelicans, Egrets, Coots, Osprey, Ducks, Blackbirds and more. Disappointment set in when we arrived at our final destination as we found that Maple Slough was impassable. There was a lot of vegetation at this time of the year and that should get a lot thicker as summer nears. We ventured on anyway, but came to a halt when we were met with several trees growing in the path. A hand saw would take care of this though. The water appeared to be clear beyond the trees. Paddling back to the launch was a quick one with the wind behind us.
It was a great paddle, sad to see an old favorite spot inaccessible, great to feel a bit warm on a paddle after a long winter, and to do it with great company.
Paddle Proud.
by: Juli Day
Gene Boothe led a paddle on Saturday, March 6th 2010 to Maple Slough.
Tom Montgomery, Steve Deckler, Gene Boothe and I met at the old River Docks launch. Fantastic weather greeted us along with tides being right for a paddle up Conway Creek (with north winds gusting against us) and down into Big Beatte Bayou. I guess we all needed the workout. The colors were beautiful with the new green shoots along the bank(no flowers as of yet) and maples in bloom. We saw quite a few birds, Terns, Gulls, Cormorants, Pelicans, Egrets, Coots, Osprey, Ducks, Blackbirds and more. Disappointment set in when we arrived at our final destination as we found that Maple Slough was impassable. There was a lot of vegetation at this time of the year and that should get a lot thicker as summer nears. We ventured on anyway, but came to a halt when we were met with several trees growing in the path. A hand saw would take care of this though. The water appeared to be clear beyond the trees. Paddling back to the launch was a quick one with the wind behind us.
It was a great paddle, sad to see an old favorite spot inaccessible, great to feel a bit warm on a paddle after a long winter, and to do it with great company.
Paddle Proud.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Old Fort Bayou, Ocean Springs
01/19/10
Juli Day
Out of curiosity and the need to explore, Carol Curren and I headed to Ocean Springs in search of the Old Fort Bayou Blueway TrailL. We knew we in for a great day when we had the pleasure of seeing frozen lobster tails leading into Ocean Springs. We were tempted to stop and gather a few. Oh Well, the water called.
I had heard of the trail, they had a huge grand opening in September, but very little info has been available about the ins and outs of the trail. Unable to locate a map on the web we figured we could get one upon arrival. No such luck with the visitor's center closed due to the holiday. We knew the start of the trail was at Gulf Hills Golf Resort on Paso Rd so we went to the hotel at the resort to get a map and as luck would have it, they were out. But the stop was necessary for all kayakers or canoeists to get permission to access to the launching area. Into the car and around the property to a locked gate, drove down away, hopped the curb and on to the launch. The launch is beautiful with live oaks, and a nice grassy put in and is only available for canoes and kayaks. The locked gate was an issue, we could have called the maintenance guy, but we had already wasted a lot of time looking for a map so we hopped the curb. This needs to be asked about at the hotel when you check in.
We soon discovered that a map is very necessary since we found no signs other than #1. We paddled west toward Biloxi Bay siting several Osprey along the way and found a huge Great Blue Heron rookery along with several Osprey nests at the point of the Old Fort Bayou and the bay. Knowing we would not find the trail in this direction we headed east toward the Ocean Springs bridge. The birding was awesome with a great many Pelicans, Gulls, Comarants, Egrets,(snowy and great), Great Blue Herons, King Fishers, Terns, Killdeer, Ducks, Loons, Black Birds, and more. The area is fantastic, with the grasses and reeds and so many many nooks and crannies to explore. There were some oyster beds which were easy to navigate around . We only saw two motor boats and couple of fishermen.
There were quite a few dead fish so we talked with a local and were told there had been a fish kill due to the freeze, that the fish really froze and people were collecting the fish the morning after the freeze.
All in all this was a great trip, in the three and half hours of exploring and looking for the trail we never found another sign, but we were okay with that. All the more reason to go back.
This is a place worth exploring.
01/19/10
Juli Day
Out of curiosity and the need to explore, Carol Curren and I headed to Ocean Springs in search of the Old Fort Bayou Blueway TrailL. We knew we in for a great day when we had the pleasure of seeing frozen lobster tails leading into Ocean Springs. We were tempted to stop and gather a few. Oh Well, the water called.
I had heard of the trail, they had a huge grand opening in September, but very little info has been available about the ins and outs of the trail. Unable to locate a map on the web we figured we could get one upon arrival. No such luck with the visitor's center closed due to the holiday. We knew the start of the trail was at Gulf Hills Golf Resort on Paso Rd so we went to the hotel at the resort to get a map and as luck would have it, they were out. But the stop was necessary for all kayakers or canoeists to get permission to access to the launching area. Into the car and around the property to a locked gate, drove down away, hopped the curb and on to the launch. The launch is beautiful with live oaks, and a nice grassy put in and is only available for canoes and kayaks. The locked gate was an issue, we could have called the maintenance guy, but we had already wasted a lot of time looking for a map so we hopped the curb. This needs to be asked about at the hotel when you check in.
We soon discovered that a map is very necessary since we found no signs other than #1. We paddled west toward Biloxi Bay siting several Osprey along the way and found a huge Great Blue Heron rookery along with several Osprey nests at the point of the Old Fort Bayou and the bay. Knowing we would not find the trail in this direction we headed east toward the Ocean Springs bridge. The birding was awesome with a great many Pelicans, Gulls, Comarants, Egrets,(snowy and great), Great Blue Herons, King Fishers, Terns, Killdeer, Ducks, Loons, Black Birds, and more. The area is fantastic, with the grasses and reeds and so many many nooks and crannies to explore. There were some oyster beds which were easy to navigate around . We only saw two motor boats and couple of fishermen.
There were quite a few dead fish so we talked with a local and were told there had been a fish kill due to the freeze, that the fish really froze and people were collecting the fish the morning after the freeze.
All in all this was a great trip, in the three and half hours of exploring and looking for the trail we never found another sign, but we were okay with that. All the more reason to go back.
This is a place worth exploring.
Monday, September 07, 2009
Rice Creek to Jug Lake - Sept 6, 2009
WHAT A GREAT AFTERNOON WITH A GREAT GROUP OF OLD FRIENDS. NORM & JANICE (BLAIRSVILLE GA), JEFF & LAURA (OREGON), HARRIET, FRITZ, TRACY, DAVID, NANCY AND MYSELF. THE RAIN WRECKED HAVOC EARLY IN THE MORNING BUT CHALK IT UP TO GOOD KARMA THE RAIN CEASED AND THE CLOUDS HELD THE SUN AT BAY.WE MET AT THE STAGECOACH AND WERE GREETED BY GENE AND CAROLYN ON THEIR WAY TO VISIT FRIENDS. WE MOVED ON TO THE RICE CREEK LANDING. THE WATER WAS UP AND RUNNING AND ONCE AGAIN WE WERE GIVEN THE RICE CREEK FEEL OF AN ENCHANTED PLACE. LEATHER WOODS, BUTTON BUSHES, EARLY CARDINAL FLOWERS, ASTORS, GLORIES AND MUCH MORE WERE OUT. LOOKED FOR THE WOOD STORKS THAT WE SAW EARLIER IN THE SUMMER IN JUG LAKE, BUT TO NO AVAIL. WE PADDLED AT A LEISURELY PACE OUT TO JUG LAKE PLATFORM. THE CURRENT WAS FLOWING GOOD IN BAYOU JASAMINE AND WE WERE GREETED BY WASPS AT THE PLATFORM. NO PROBLEM. WE HUNG OUT IN OUR BOATS. WE ALL SAW BABY ALLIGATORS AND NORM AND JANICE WATCHED AN OTTER. (THE POSITIVES OF COMING UP IN THE REAR). MOST OF US SAW A STURGEON LEAP OUT OF THE WATER IN TENSAW RIVER. WOW!! THE CURRENT GAVE US A GOOD WORKOUT ON THE WAY BACK TO THE RICE CREEK LANDING AND WE WERE OFF TO ED'S SHED FOR A GREAT DINNER AND BREW. JULI DAY
.
WHAT A GREAT AFTERNOON WITH A GREAT GROUP OF OLD FRIENDS. NORM & JANICE (BLAIRSVILLE GA), JEFF & LAURA (OREGON), HARRIET, FRITZ, TRACY, DAVID, NANCY AND MYSELF. THE RAIN WRECKED HAVOC EARLY IN THE MORNING BUT CHALK IT UP TO GOOD KARMA THE RAIN CEASED AND THE CLOUDS HELD THE SUN AT BAY.WE MET AT THE STAGECOACH AND WERE GREETED BY GENE AND CAROLYN ON THEIR WAY TO VISIT FRIENDS. WE MOVED ON TO THE RICE CREEK LANDING. THE WATER WAS UP AND RUNNING AND ONCE AGAIN WE WERE GIVEN THE RICE CREEK FEEL OF AN ENCHANTED PLACE. LEATHER WOODS, BUTTON BUSHES, EARLY CARDINAL FLOWERS, ASTORS, GLORIES AND MUCH MORE WERE OUT. LOOKED FOR THE WOOD STORKS THAT WE SAW EARLIER IN THE SUMMER IN JUG LAKE, BUT TO NO AVAIL. WE PADDLED AT A LEISURELY PACE OUT TO JUG LAKE PLATFORM. THE CURRENT WAS FLOWING GOOD IN BAYOU JASAMINE AND WE WERE GREETED BY WASPS AT THE PLATFORM. NO PROBLEM. WE HUNG OUT IN OUR BOATS. WE ALL SAW BABY ALLIGATORS AND NORM AND JANICE WATCHED AN OTTER. (THE POSITIVES OF COMING UP IN THE REAR). MOST OF US SAW A STURGEON LEAP OUT OF THE WATER IN TENSAW RIVER. WOW!! THE CURRENT GAVE US A GOOD WORKOUT ON THE WAY BACK TO THE RICE CREEK LANDING AND WE WERE OFF TO ED'S SHED FOR A GREAT DINNER AND BREW. JULI DAY
.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Upper Fish River
I have been on this trip twice now since the end of June. It was an absolutely gorgeous day for the 25th of August. About 80 degrees when we launched with the sun out. We went to the take out at Big Daddy's first to leave my truck there and then I got into John's vehicle and rode to Bohemian Park on County Road 48. The first time I took this trip in June, we ran into a couple of log jams. The first we had to get out of our boats and help each other pass them over a big log and the second jam we had to get out and push our boats under a log as there wasn't enough room to sit in the boats and make it under. Recent rains must have broken up some of the log jams because we did not have to get out of our boats at all today unless we wanted to stop to swim.
This part of the river is really pretty with a white sandy bottom and clear, cold water moving with a swift current. We had plenty of obstacles to manuever around and in some places had to make fast switchbacks in order to go thru the places that were clear and sometimes very narrow passages between trees and stumps. You also had to take care that the current didn't send you into the tree limbs hanging over the river. It would be easy to see how this trip could change a lot depending on water level because of the number of obstacles and downed trees. A few inches lower or higher would make some areas not so easy to get thru so I guess we were lucky today.We had a duck that swam and flew ahead of us a large part of the trip. We saw plenty of turtles and some jumping mullet.The water was cold and refreshing. We saw a couple canoeing upriver and said they had seen a water moccasin on the river bank. We never saw any snakes but kept our eyes out. If anyone is adventurous enough this is a fun paddle. It took us around 4 to 4 1/2 hours total with a very casual pace and a couple of swim breaks and a little fishing. I'm guessing it's around 5 or 6 miles? 8/25/09 Patti Street
.
I have been on this trip twice now since the end of June. It was an absolutely gorgeous day for the 25th of August. About 80 degrees when we launched with the sun out. We went to the take out at Big Daddy's first to leave my truck there and then I got into John's vehicle and rode to Bohemian Park on County Road 48. The first time I took this trip in June, we ran into a couple of log jams. The first we had to get out of our boats and help each other pass them over a big log and the second jam we had to get out and push our boats under a log as there wasn't enough room to sit in the boats and make it under. Recent rains must have broken up some of the log jams because we did not have to get out of our boats at all today unless we wanted to stop to swim.
This part of the river is really pretty with a white sandy bottom and clear, cold water moving with a swift current. We had plenty of obstacles to manuever around and in some places had to make fast switchbacks in order to go thru the places that were clear and sometimes very narrow passages between trees and stumps. You also had to take care that the current didn't send you into the tree limbs hanging over the river. It would be easy to see how this trip could change a lot depending on water level because of the number of obstacles and downed trees. A few inches lower or higher would make some areas not so easy to get thru so I guess we were lucky today.We had a duck that swam and flew ahead of us a large part of the trip. We saw plenty of turtles and some jumping mullet.The water was cold and refreshing. We saw a couple canoeing upriver and said they had seen a water moccasin on the river bank. We never saw any snakes but kept our eyes out. If anyone is adventurous enough this is a fun paddle. It took us around 4 to 4 1/2 hours total with a very casual pace and a couple of swim breaks and a little fishing. I'm guessing it's around 5 or 6 miles? 8/25/09 Patti Street
.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Weiss Lake / Alabama Scenic River Trail June 10-13
I joined Alabama Scenic River Trails and I am so glad to have done so. Headed up to Weiss Lake in north east Alabama not knowing a soul but meeting 50 great paddlers. Arrived on Wednesday night and was welcomed into a group of about 12 campers all early arrivers for Thursdays great event. Gathered to register at 9:00 on Thursday and was very surprised to see 50 other like mined people. This was very organized and we were on the water by 10:30. The paddle that day was led by Richard Grove. He is the guy that did the Alabama River Trail in 49 days starting in Georgia and ending at Ft. Morgan. The entire event was orgainzed by Jim Felder. He is the author of a couple of books. This group comprised of very experienced paddlers to novice paddlers out for their first adventure. It was awesome to be in such large water that was fresh. Oh, to feel clean after a day of getting sprayed. The views were fantastic with Alabama mountains all around.We headed out Thursday, cut across the lake to an island with a boat loaded with Subway sandwiches, fruit, water and sodas. A horrific lightning storm came our way, but passed around us. The skies were fantastic. Just a small shower. Back into the water and on our way to the first night camp site at Alabama Belle Resort. No! we did not stay in the resort, just camped on the grounds. We swam, set up camp, visited, located facilities and ate. Due to the chance of bad weather again (which once again never came) we were served in the restaurant. That evening we were given a talk by a professor,geologist, author (can not remember his name) who talked about what would be expected and seen on the Alabama Scenic River Trail trip. We do live in a very wonderful state. We all crashed after this. We were also introduced to the couple to helps with portages around the dams on the Alabma Scenic River Trail. This group is good, I am impressed.
Up Friday to fresh coffee and breakfast, had our trip talk and were on our way. We were broken into two groups, experienced and novice. I chose the slower group since they were taking the scenic route. Wow! I was so glad. the birding was great and we came across a huge!! area of American Lotus just opening. We paddled on to lunch fruit, vegetable trays, homemade cookies and good sandwiches. I am loving it.The wind was kicking to high so all conoes and novice paddlers were shuttled to the next campsite. I joined 8 other paddlers and opted for a paddle across the lake. Winds were at 10 -12 and kicked up to 15 + it was a great workout and once again it was no nice to get sprayed with FRESH water. Yes! I was tired.Came to our campsite, set up tents. how neat to see 40 some odd tents spread out through the woods. Dinner served - bar-b-que(beef, pork and chiken), slaw, beans, cake, fruit, and then entertained by a blues grass band. What a life.Later there were about 5 campfires to wonder back and forth to. Bed around 12:00 up and out by 8:00.
For some reason that Richard Grove thought everyone needed to be awakened every morning at 5:15. could have done without that. On to our short paddle of three miles to the Yellow Falls and dragon boat races. We were in the race and trying to coordinate with 20 others was a blast. We lost. Oh well, we had fun. Had a small lunch and headed out. The fun I had was great and did I mention the cost for all of this was only 35.00 Now! that is a once in a lifetime event. Juli day
I joined Alabama Scenic River Trails and I am so glad to have done so. Headed up to Weiss Lake in north east Alabama not knowing a soul but meeting 50 great paddlers. Arrived on Wednesday night and was welcomed into a group of about 12 campers all early arrivers for Thursdays great event. Gathered to register at 9:00 on Thursday and was very surprised to see 50 other like mined people. This was very organized and we were on the water by 10:30. The paddle that day was led by Richard Grove. He is the guy that did the Alabama River Trail in 49 days starting in Georgia and ending at Ft. Morgan. The entire event was orgainzed by Jim Felder. He is the author of a couple of books. This group comprised of very experienced paddlers to novice paddlers out for their first adventure. It was awesome to be in such large water that was fresh. Oh, to feel clean after a day of getting sprayed. The views were fantastic with Alabama mountains all around.We headed out Thursday, cut across the lake to an island with a boat loaded with Subway sandwiches, fruit, water and sodas. A horrific lightning storm came our way, but passed around us. The skies were fantastic. Just a small shower. Back into the water and on our way to the first night camp site at Alabama Belle Resort. No! we did not stay in the resort, just camped on the grounds. We swam, set up camp, visited, located facilities and ate. Due to the chance of bad weather again (which once again never came) we were served in the restaurant. That evening we were given a talk by a professor,geologist, author (can not remember his name) who talked about what would be expected and seen on the Alabama Scenic River Trail trip. We do live in a very wonderful state. We all crashed after this. We were also introduced to the couple to helps with portages around the dams on the Alabma Scenic River Trail. This group is good, I am impressed.
Up Friday to fresh coffee and breakfast, had our trip talk and were on our way. We were broken into two groups, experienced and novice. I chose the slower group since they were taking the scenic route. Wow! I was so glad. the birding was great and we came across a huge!! area of American Lotus just opening. We paddled on to lunch fruit, vegetable trays, homemade cookies and good sandwiches. I am loving it.The wind was kicking to high so all conoes and novice paddlers were shuttled to the next campsite. I joined 8 other paddlers and opted for a paddle across the lake. Winds were at 10 -12 and kicked up to 15 + it was a great workout and once again it was no nice to get sprayed with FRESH water. Yes! I was tired.Came to our campsite, set up tents. how neat to see 40 some odd tents spread out through the woods. Dinner served - bar-b-que(beef, pork and chiken), slaw, beans, cake, fruit, and then entertained by a blues grass band. What a life.Later there were about 5 campfires to wonder back and forth to. Bed around 12:00 up and out by 8:00.
For some reason that Richard Grove thought everyone needed to be awakened every morning at 5:15. could have done without that. On to our short paddle of three miles to the Yellow Falls and dragon boat races. We were in the race and trying to coordinate with 20 others was a blast. We lost. Oh well, we had fun. Had a small lunch and headed out. The fun I had was great and did I mention the cost for all of this was only 35.00 Now! that is a once in a lifetime event. Juli day
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