As I rode home from having lunch with Mom and Dad I decided I couldn't stand it any longer and had to go paddle. I spent the weekend fixing the rack on my car and riding the canoe around town to see how it checked out but couldn't get around to going to the river. A quick check with Gator Dog and he agreed that we should go, then a call to the outfitter and the plan was set. Put in at the Trestle at I 16 and pull into Morgan's Bridge at sunset, what could be better. My gear was stowed back in the truck and I made sure we had warm clothes and something to eat and drink, on to Ogeechee Outpost!
We got on the water at 2 pm, which this time of year is a little late, but I knew we could be down at the bridge by dark and with the moon already up and getting full, I wasn't worried. The water was really low, the gauge had bottomed out and showed 1.89 for the last week. What really intriqued me was the clarity of the water and for the first few miles I took no notice of anything that wasn't in the water. You could see the turtles swimming along with schools of mullet and the bottom of the river bed at least 6 to 8 feet down in places. That is really unusual for a Blackwater River. Before long I began to notice the bird life as well and spotted quite a variety along the banks. Great Blues and Kingfishers led me down the river as well as a small flock of ducks that I kept disturbing as I paddled along.
Woodpeckers abounded, pileated as well as the smaller ones called and flew overhead most of the trip. A red shouldered hawk surprised me as he was chased over the river by another hawk or owl and song birds called everywhere as evening approached. Turtles slid off downed trees in the river and there was evidence of beavers where they had chewed the soft wood of the willows that line the banks. The trees were turning colors and while not as outstanding a view as in the north, it was a sight. Most places I paddled in mere inches of water but being careful I never had to exit the boat to drag it.
The air was turning chilly and it wasn't long before I had to wrap Westbury's coat around him. It was still warm enough for me to be barefoot and in short sleeves but he had been playing on the water's edge and was wet and cooling quickly. As the sun touched the horizon we spooked a flock of quail and soon after a roosted turkey, who flew over the river just ahead of us. Just about dark we arrived at the bridge and loaded the boat to head home. Another great trip only to be shared by this writing. I hope the next trip I will be able to give some warning and invite other to participate but sometimes I just have to go when the urge hits!
We got on the water at 2 pm, which this time of year is a little late, but I knew we could be down at the bridge by dark and with the moon already up and getting full, I wasn't worried. The water was really low, the gauge had bottomed out and showed 1.89 for the last week. What really intriqued me was the clarity of the water and for the first few miles I took no notice of anything that wasn't in the water. You could see the turtles swimming along with schools of mullet and the bottom of the river bed at least 6 to 8 feet down in places. That is really unusual for a Blackwater River. Before long I began to notice the bird life as well and spotted quite a variety along the banks. Great Blues and Kingfishers led me down the river as well as a small flock of ducks that I kept disturbing as I paddled along.
Woodpeckers abounded, pileated as well as the smaller ones called and flew overhead most of the trip. A red shouldered hawk surprised me as he was chased over the river by another hawk or owl and song birds called everywhere as evening approached. Turtles slid off downed trees in the river and there was evidence of beavers where they had chewed the soft wood of the willows that line the banks. The trees were turning colors and while not as outstanding a view as in the north, it was a sight. Most places I paddled in mere inches of water but being careful I never had to exit the boat to drag it.
The air was turning chilly and it wasn't long before I had to wrap Westbury's coat around him. It was still warm enough for me to be barefoot and in short sleeves but he had been playing on the water's edge and was wet and cooling quickly. As the sun touched the horizon we spooked a flock of quail and soon after a roosted turkey, who flew over the river just ahead of us. Just about dark we arrived at the bridge and loaded the boat to head home. Another great trip only to be shared by this writing. I hope the next trip I will be able to give some warning and invite other to participate but sometimes I just have to go when the urge hits!
