Canal Island Platform
Sunday, January 16, 2005 by Brint Adams
On a beautiful, sunny, 60 degree afternoon, seven paddlers in six boats pushed off from Hubbard's Landing toward the Mobile Tensaw Delta's northernmost covered paddlers platform, placed last year by the State of Alabama. We traveled north on I-65 to exit 31 and turned north on Hwy. 225 to Stockton. After meeting at The Stagecoach Cafe, we continued north on Hwy. 59 for 5.5 miles and turned left on CR 98 for 3.5 miles to Hubbard's Landing.
Bob, Fritz, Gary, Tom, Rich, Carol and I headed from the boat launch north on Tensaw Lake against the moderate current and northerly breeze at 12:25 PM. After about three miles, we took a left fork on Big Beaver Creek, following about five s-curves for 1.5 miles. We passed Bear Creek on the right where we saw numerous abandoned fish/hunting camp structures. Just ahead on the left, we turned down Little Lake to the two entrances around Canal Island on the left. The first entrance is narrow and not easily recognized. Most of our group went down to the next entrance left and paddled counter-clockwise around Canal Island to the platform. There were a few trees down, but did not present any problems getting around them.
The platform is in a nicely protected area, where few powerboats would be tempted to venture. The platform is built exactly the same as the other two locations behind Dead Lake Island and Jug Lake. We stopped for a breather, snack and hot mint tea before the return trip.
Along the way, we were fortunate to see a nice v-grouping of about twelve White Ibis in undulating flight over us as well as numerous Cormorants and Snowy Egrets.
The return was much faster, with the current and wind pushing us along. The total trip was just under ten miles, taking about three hours to paddle. This will be a nice trip during other seasons, with numerous streams close by to explore.
Wednesday, January 05, 2005
WHO COULD FARGO THIS TRIP?
(Good old boys vs. big boy paddle)
December 31, 2004
A travelogue to Fargo, GA by Gary Worob
I grew up in one of the toughest sections of Newark, New Jersey, in a time when neighbors looked out for each other and we, as kids, could roam and play without fear. We were loved and poor; we didn't start killing until we were teenagers; we had respect!
I didn't know what the term 'red neck' really meant, until I moved to Ohio, 19 years later, and walked into the Black Horse Tavern, unassuming and unaware of the pitfalls of being a college boy. Fortunately, I was fleet of foot and quick of wit and scooted my East coast butt out of there, without too much damage.
I got a quick lesson in "red-neckedness" in Fargo, Georgia, home of the Okefenokee and the world's largest collection of howling dogs, pickup trucks, red-necks and white bread. "We don't serve none of that fancy stuff here, (wholewheat/rye bread)." Fortunately for me, I love grits and cans of corn beef hash, and can survive two full days without fruit or vegetables. (I am tough!)
The place to go, if you want to hang out in a really cool red-neck town, is the "fillin statchun/food store", in Fargo. Gas and conversation cost the same and the vocabulary is quite remarkable. If I had not been a survival hunter and logger for years in British Columbia, I would have accepted that I was in a time warp. Now, I wish I owned a Ford truck dealership, smack dab in the middle of Georgia, and gave out dog cages, as a bonus for every four-wheeler that I could sell.
The truly amazing thing is the Gator Motel we stayed at, was on a total honor system. We did not ever see anyone connected with the motel. The rooms had our names on the doors, they were unlocked and we left a check and the key on the dresser, upon leaving. The rooms were very clean and the bed bugs were all friendly.
I don't have much to say about paddling, for two reasons: the atmosphere in Fargo was more interesting and I only paddled one day. If you want to get a feel for Fargo, watch the movie "Fargo", pretend it is the South and try to decide how many people can be fed into a woodchipper at one time.
It is an 800 mile round trip to Fargo, with two restaurants in town. One, the Suwanee River Cafe, was my favorite, cuz them folks waz friendly. The other, Karen's, was open to suggestions, if you could find her open, but don't ask for whole wheat bread, cuz white is what we serve. At Karen's, the little girl talking to her doll, is the only child on the planet, that has given her doll a first, middle and last name. What else is there to do, if you don't own a four-wheel drive pickup, set of howling dogs, lots of guns and chewin' tobacco??? I guess you could paddle or watch your spouse become a balloon, right in front of your eyes. Remember, no vegetables or fruit within 30 miles.
On the way back, we stopped at my favorite town along the way, Monticello, Florida. We got to watch three encephalopods discover how to eat fork-food without utensils, making for an overall complete understanding of the prehistoric rites of passage on another interesting Bob Andrews big boy trip. I have written a letter to the United Nations, recommending that when the @#&% hits the fan in New York, they consider Fargo, Georgia, as the new choice for all of the world diplomats to gather, especially with room rates as low as $29 for two or more.
Happy New Year.
(Good old boys vs. big boy paddle)
December 31, 2004
A travelogue to Fargo, GA by Gary Worob
I grew up in one of the toughest sections of Newark, New Jersey, in a time when neighbors looked out for each other and we, as kids, could roam and play without fear. We were loved and poor; we didn't start killing until we were teenagers; we had respect!
I didn't know what the term 'red neck' really meant, until I moved to Ohio, 19 years later, and walked into the Black Horse Tavern, unassuming and unaware of the pitfalls of being a college boy. Fortunately, I was fleet of foot and quick of wit and scooted my East coast butt out of there, without too much damage.
I got a quick lesson in "red-neckedness" in Fargo, Georgia, home of the Okefenokee and the world's largest collection of howling dogs, pickup trucks, red-necks and white bread. "We don't serve none of that fancy stuff here, (wholewheat/rye bread)." Fortunately for me, I love grits and cans of corn beef hash, and can survive two full days without fruit or vegetables. (I am tough!)
The place to go, if you want to hang out in a really cool red-neck town, is the "fillin statchun/food store", in Fargo. Gas and conversation cost the same and the vocabulary is quite remarkable. If I had not been a survival hunter and logger for years in British Columbia, I would have accepted that I was in a time warp. Now, I wish I owned a Ford truck dealership, smack dab in the middle of Georgia, and gave out dog cages, as a bonus for every four-wheeler that I could sell.
The truly amazing thing is the Gator Motel we stayed at, was on a total honor system. We did not ever see anyone connected with the motel. The rooms had our names on the doors, they were unlocked and we left a check and the key on the dresser, upon leaving. The rooms were very clean and the bed bugs were all friendly.
I don't have much to say about paddling, for two reasons: the atmosphere in Fargo was more interesting and I only paddled one day. If you want to get a feel for Fargo, watch the movie "Fargo", pretend it is the South and try to decide how many people can be fed into a woodchipper at one time.
It is an 800 mile round trip to Fargo, with two restaurants in town. One, the Suwanee River Cafe, was my favorite, cuz them folks waz friendly. The other, Karen's, was open to suggestions, if you could find her open, but don't ask for whole wheat bread, cuz white is what we serve. At Karen's, the little girl talking to her doll, is the only child on the planet, that has given her doll a first, middle and last name. What else is there to do, if you don't own a four-wheel drive pickup, set of howling dogs, lots of guns and chewin' tobacco??? I guess you could paddle or watch your spouse become a balloon, right in front of your eyes. Remember, no vegetables or fruit within 30 miles.
On the way back, we stopped at my favorite town along the way, Monticello, Florida. We got to watch three encephalopods discover how to eat fork-food without utensils, making for an overall complete understanding of the prehistoric rites of passage on another interesting Bob Andrews big boy trip. I have written a letter to the United Nations, recommending that when the @#&% hits the fan in New York, they consider Fargo, Georgia, as the new choice for all of the world diplomats to gather, especially with room rates as low as $29 for two or more.
Happy New Year.
Tensaw River - Adventure Paddle 1
Omega-Alpha Paddle or
The Last Sunset/First Sunrise Paddle
December 31, 2004 - January 1, 2005
By: Harriet Ingraham
Start: Lower Bryant's Landing to finish at Mizell's Fish Camp on the causeway, $3.00 cost per boat at put-in; $4.00 cost per boat at take-out. This was a 2-day trip taken by Gene Boothe, Harriet and Fritz Ingraham.
Conditions: upper 60's/lower 70's day; mid 50's night; river flowing very slowly, water down in river; wind started slight out of south/southeast, increased on day two.
Finding ourselves with a long weekend and no plans, we decided to make a trip from north of I-65 down to the causeway. Originally, Caroline Boothe was coming, to round out the four-some, but family called, so no Caroline - we missed her.
We were dropped off, late the morning of December 31, 2004, at a MUDDY Lower Bryant Landing by Gene's daughter. We departed the landing at 12:05 pm - Fritz in his Necky Elaho and Gene and I in the Princess Caroline Necky tandem. Having wanted to make this paddle for a couple of years, I knew it would be a fun one, but I had no idea what was in store for this three-some.
Two boats and three paddlers, with plans to camp overnight somewhere on the bank of the Tensaw River, saw us off with loaded boats, sitting very low in the water. The river was flowing slowly, but having little headwind at the onset, we were comfortable we could make decent time.
We did the local Tour of Homes at the beginning of the paddle - viewing the lovely houseboats along the east side of the Tensaw, just south of Lower Bryant at what we believe is called Live Oak. And indeed, there are truly some lovely homes.
Paddling on, we came upon the most lovely cypress in the state of Alabama - and with a low tide, we were able to view her from toes to the top of her wings - we named this cypress The Loving Mother Cypress - arms stretched wide to wrap travelers of the river. One of the loveliest sights on the river.
Paddling in an area that I have never paddled was exciting. The Tensaw River is much smaller above I-65. The riverbank is high in some points, and although showing signs of the clear-cutting of the early 1900's, a beautiful site to behold. I was quite surprised to see the change of colors on the north end of our trip - oranges and reds in the trees - a late fall. We popped into Hastie Lake - which looks to be a nice paddle on another trip.
As we approached I-65, we began to hear the traffic in the background. I-65 is about 3-4 miles of river travel from our put-in. Immediately after passing under I-65, we began looking for The Cutoff, which would have led us to Dennis Lake, and back onto the Tensaw. Upon finding The Cutoff, we decided it was not passable in low water and the litter from Hurricane Ivan and kept to the main river. As the Tensaw merges with Miflin Lake and the Alabama River (?) just past this point, the river opened up a great deal - much wider and a bit of river traffic. We found our lunch spot - dubbed "The Campsite" - approximately 5-6 miles from our put-in. With low water, stepping out of our boats was no easy job - muck up to our knees - being the lighter of the crowd, I made it to shore and found some boards and sticks to lay down for Fritz and Gene to walk across. Gene had previously camped on this site, and it should be noted that this looks to be a great campsite. However, we were only 2 hrs into our trip, so we opted for lunch and to move on.
We met more of a headwind after lunch - wind coming from the southeast for most of the afternoon. I spotted our only gator of the trip shortly after lunch - a large and beautiful gator resting on the bank. As Fritz had taken the lead, Gene and I backtracked to get a closer view. She must have been 10 -11 feet long - so still that I thought she was dead. We took a few pictures of her and moved on in wonderment of our lovely find - yelled to Fritz, who turned around to go investigate. Upon Fritz catching up to us some ½ hour later (the only time of the trip we actually were ahead of Fritz), he told us she opened her left eye and blinked at him a couple of times. She showed no interest in going back into the cold water - just wanted to remain in her torpor.
From this point, we passed the entrance to Dennis Lake, Patrick's Landing and Cliff's Boat Launch. We tooled around the entrance to Negro Lake, heard the train coming and dashed to watch the train cross over the Tensaw - of course it never came, so we watched The Last Sunset of 2004, while waiting under the train trestle. The sky had been overcast all day - but opened up for this last spectacular sunset of 2004. A rainbow of colors, and the reflection on the Tensaw was unbelievable. We decided to move on, heard a noise, and turned around to see a truck driving across the train tracks. Never heard the train come across - did the gutsy truck scare the locomotive off?
We made camp on the bank of the Tensaw shortly after dark. Cooked our meal, drank a toast of merlot to 2004 and 2005, sat by the fire and retired early. The night was cool and humid, but our paddle of about 17 miles put us to sleep immediately. I awoke in the night to a sky full of stars and a 2/3 moon. Beautiful. As one who has never camped out, this was a wonderful experience.
We awoke in the early morning hours and took our time with breakfast and packing. Gene is a wonderful person to go camping with - ready to explain everything you need to know. We hit the water again at 10:00 to a very stiff south-southeast wind. Got to Gravine Island and decided to paddle up Gravine creek on the west side. Tried the first entrance to the north on the west side, to find the tide too low to take these loaded kayaks through. Came out and went to the main entrance. We saw several hunting boats on the river and in the lake. Bright Orange caps and the boom of guns tells it all. As we pulled out of Gravine lake and paddled on down the west side of the Island, we came upon a flock of White Ibis and Great Egrets feeding on the Island. We watched for quite a while as we drifted closer. I had camera in hand and was able to catch them in spectacular motion as they flew off - a wonderful sight. As we paddled south, we came upon them again feeding in their new location. Being further away this time, we were able to watch the quickness with which they fed and moved across the grasses as a group - protection in number. The beauty of our area is amazing.
As we approached Raft River, we considered paddling the loop of Raft, popping into and through Crab Creek and coming out on the Tensaw, paddling back up the Tensaw to Blakeley. However, given the late hour of day we started paddling, and the stiff wind, we decided we didn't want to add the many extra miles to this particular trip. So we passed Raft River, Cloverleaf landing, the big Cliff at Blakeley and headed toward One Mile Bayou. I was amazed at the beauty of this bayou. We passed several lone fishermen - all happy to be enjoying the 1st day of the year doing what they love - fishing. The bayou is alive with palms - so different from the lower part of the delta - closer to the causeway. A wonderful paddle. Upon leaving One Mile Bayou, we paddled back against the stiff wind and current up and across the Tensaw to take a break at Blakeley and have a bite of lunch. After that stretch of paddle, we were all ready to get out of our boats and stretch our legs. After lunch we headed south. We passed by the Cutoff but stayed on the Apalachee River - opting to not take a chance on portaging. We had previously come across an area of lotus pods and came upon several more on this stretch - a treat, but who knows where they will pop up come blooming season. We veered to the east and moved into the Blakeley River. We stopped at King's Battery for a breather. It is noted that King's Battery's north side was greatly damaged in Ivan. Also, with the tide down, we saw the pilings of the Battery - something all boaters need to be aware of - just off the shore to the north - easy damage to our boats if we are not careful. We saw the end in sight - Mizell's Fish Camp. The last 5 miles from our lunch break was a hard paddle, fighting wind the entire way. We were happy to see our vehicle awaiting us in the parking lot, yet sad to be ending this trip. Dinner at Ed's Shed capped the trip.
The river banks showed signs of Hurricane Ivan for the entire trip - I was amazed at the number of trees down - of course those on the water's edge were already in a weakened state. It was sad to see the loss, but just nature working her circle of life.
On these two days - total time of about 8-1/2 hours of actual moving time, we saw killdeer snipe, Osprey, and the before mentioned White Ibis, Great Egrets and of course, our gator. We had hoped to catch sight of an Eagle, but missed that on this trip.
This is the first of the Mobile Bay Canoe and Kayak Club Adventure Paddle series. We decided on the spur of the moment to try this. It is very much doable. As a paddler who has only paddled from a point, back to the same point, the opportunity to experience the change of scenery over 32 miles is unexplainable. I have paddled parts of most of this trip before, but to see it in a 2-day period leaves me without words to express the wonder, beauty and change of our area. I recommend that many of us can do this trip, however, I am very happy that we did not have a stiffer headwind and had at least a little current going with us. I have been on the Tensaw many times with white caps, and this is not a trip I would want to make paddling against white caps, wind and current.
NOTE: Although we traveled 32 miles, if you were to paddle from Lower Bryant Landing directly to Mizell's Fish camp on the causeway without any side trips, the distance would be closer to 26 miles.
Omega-Alpha Paddle or
The Last Sunset/First Sunrise Paddle
December 31, 2004 - January 1, 2005
By: Harriet Ingraham
Start: Lower Bryant's Landing to finish at Mizell's Fish Camp on the causeway, $3.00 cost per boat at put-in; $4.00 cost per boat at take-out. This was a 2-day trip taken by Gene Boothe, Harriet and Fritz Ingraham.
Conditions: upper 60's/lower 70's day; mid 50's night; river flowing very slowly, water down in river; wind started slight out of south/southeast, increased on day two.
Finding ourselves with a long weekend and no plans, we decided to make a trip from north of I-65 down to the causeway. Originally, Caroline Boothe was coming, to round out the four-some, but family called, so no Caroline - we missed her.
We were dropped off, late the morning of December 31, 2004, at a MUDDY Lower Bryant Landing by Gene's daughter. We departed the landing at 12:05 pm - Fritz in his Necky Elaho and Gene and I in the Princess Caroline Necky tandem. Having wanted to make this paddle for a couple of years, I knew it would be a fun one, but I had no idea what was in store for this three-some.
Two boats and three paddlers, with plans to camp overnight somewhere on the bank of the Tensaw River, saw us off with loaded boats, sitting very low in the water. The river was flowing slowly, but having little headwind at the onset, we were comfortable we could make decent time.
We did the local Tour of Homes at the beginning of the paddle - viewing the lovely houseboats along the east side of the Tensaw, just south of Lower Bryant at what we believe is called Live Oak. And indeed, there are truly some lovely homes.
Paddling on, we came upon the most lovely cypress in the state of Alabama - and with a low tide, we were able to view her from toes to the top of her wings - we named this cypress The Loving Mother Cypress - arms stretched wide to wrap travelers of the river. One of the loveliest sights on the river.
Paddling in an area that I have never paddled was exciting. The Tensaw River is much smaller above I-65. The riverbank is high in some points, and although showing signs of the clear-cutting of the early 1900's, a beautiful site to behold. I was quite surprised to see the change of colors on the north end of our trip - oranges and reds in the trees - a late fall. We popped into Hastie Lake - which looks to be a nice paddle on another trip.
As we approached I-65, we began to hear the traffic in the background. I-65 is about 3-4 miles of river travel from our put-in. Immediately after passing under I-65, we began looking for The Cutoff, which would have led us to Dennis Lake, and back onto the Tensaw. Upon finding The Cutoff, we decided it was not passable in low water and the litter from Hurricane Ivan and kept to the main river. As the Tensaw merges with Miflin Lake and the Alabama River (?) just past this point, the river opened up a great deal - much wider and a bit of river traffic. We found our lunch spot - dubbed "The Campsite" - approximately 5-6 miles from our put-in. With low water, stepping out of our boats was no easy job - muck up to our knees - being the lighter of the crowd, I made it to shore and found some boards and sticks to lay down for Fritz and Gene to walk across. Gene had previously camped on this site, and it should be noted that this looks to be a great campsite. However, we were only 2 hrs into our trip, so we opted for lunch and to move on.
We met more of a headwind after lunch - wind coming from the southeast for most of the afternoon. I spotted our only gator of the trip shortly after lunch - a large and beautiful gator resting on the bank. As Fritz had taken the lead, Gene and I backtracked to get a closer view. She must have been 10 -11 feet long - so still that I thought she was dead. We took a few pictures of her and moved on in wonderment of our lovely find - yelled to Fritz, who turned around to go investigate. Upon Fritz catching up to us some ½ hour later (the only time of the trip we actually were ahead of Fritz), he told us she opened her left eye and blinked at him a couple of times. She showed no interest in going back into the cold water - just wanted to remain in her torpor.
From this point, we passed the entrance to Dennis Lake, Patrick's Landing and Cliff's Boat Launch. We tooled around the entrance to Negro Lake, heard the train coming and dashed to watch the train cross over the Tensaw - of course it never came, so we watched The Last Sunset of 2004, while waiting under the train trestle. The sky had been overcast all day - but opened up for this last spectacular sunset of 2004. A rainbow of colors, and the reflection on the Tensaw was unbelievable. We decided to move on, heard a noise, and turned around to see a truck driving across the train tracks. Never heard the train come across - did the gutsy truck scare the locomotive off?
We made camp on the bank of the Tensaw shortly after dark. Cooked our meal, drank a toast of merlot to 2004 and 2005, sat by the fire and retired early. The night was cool and humid, but our paddle of about 17 miles put us to sleep immediately. I awoke in the night to a sky full of stars and a 2/3 moon. Beautiful. As one who has never camped out, this was a wonderful experience.
We awoke in the early morning hours and took our time with breakfast and packing. Gene is a wonderful person to go camping with - ready to explain everything you need to know. We hit the water again at 10:00 to a very stiff south-southeast wind. Got to Gravine Island and decided to paddle up Gravine creek on the west side. Tried the first entrance to the north on the west side, to find the tide too low to take these loaded kayaks through. Came out and went to the main entrance. We saw several hunting boats on the river and in the lake. Bright Orange caps and the boom of guns tells it all. As we pulled out of Gravine lake and paddled on down the west side of the Island, we came upon a flock of White Ibis and Great Egrets feeding on the Island. We watched for quite a while as we drifted closer. I had camera in hand and was able to catch them in spectacular motion as they flew off - a wonderful sight. As we paddled south, we came upon them again feeding in their new location. Being further away this time, we were able to watch the quickness with which they fed and moved across the grasses as a group - protection in number. The beauty of our area is amazing.
As we approached Raft River, we considered paddling the loop of Raft, popping into and through Crab Creek and coming out on the Tensaw, paddling back up the Tensaw to Blakeley. However, given the late hour of day we started paddling, and the stiff wind, we decided we didn't want to add the many extra miles to this particular trip. So we passed Raft River, Cloverleaf landing, the big Cliff at Blakeley and headed toward One Mile Bayou. I was amazed at the beauty of this bayou. We passed several lone fishermen - all happy to be enjoying the 1st day of the year doing what they love - fishing. The bayou is alive with palms - so different from the lower part of the delta - closer to the causeway. A wonderful paddle. Upon leaving One Mile Bayou, we paddled back against the stiff wind and current up and across the Tensaw to take a break at Blakeley and have a bite of lunch. After that stretch of paddle, we were all ready to get out of our boats and stretch our legs. After lunch we headed south. We passed by the Cutoff but stayed on the Apalachee River - opting to not take a chance on portaging. We had previously come across an area of lotus pods and came upon several more on this stretch - a treat, but who knows where they will pop up come blooming season. We veered to the east and moved into the Blakeley River. We stopped at King's Battery for a breather. It is noted that King's Battery's north side was greatly damaged in Ivan. Also, with the tide down, we saw the pilings of the Battery - something all boaters need to be aware of - just off the shore to the north - easy damage to our boats if we are not careful. We saw the end in sight - Mizell's Fish Camp. The last 5 miles from our lunch break was a hard paddle, fighting wind the entire way. We were happy to see our vehicle awaiting us in the parking lot, yet sad to be ending this trip. Dinner at Ed's Shed capped the trip.
The river banks showed signs of Hurricane Ivan for the entire trip - I was amazed at the number of trees down - of course those on the water's edge were already in a weakened state. It was sad to see the loss, but just nature working her circle of life.
On these two days - total time of about 8-1/2 hours of actual moving time, we saw killdeer snipe, Osprey, and the before mentioned White Ibis, Great Egrets and of course, our gator. We had hoped to catch sight of an Eagle, but missed that on this trip.
This is the first of the Mobile Bay Canoe and Kayak Club Adventure Paddle series. We decided on the spur of the moment to try this. It is very much doable. As a paddler who has only paddled from a point, back to the same point, the opportunity to experience the change of scenery over 32 miles is unexplainable. I have paddled parts of most of this trip before, but to see it in a 2-day period leaves me without words to express the wonder, beauty and change of our area. I recommend that many of us can do this trip, however, I am very happy that we did not have a stiffer headwind and had at least a little current going with us. I have been on the Tensaw many times with white caps, and this is not a trip I would want to make paddling against white caps, wind and current.
NOTE: Although we traveled 32 miles, if you were to paddle from Lower Bryant Landing directly to Mizell's Fish camp on the causeway without any side trips, the distance would be closer to 26 miles.
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