A Chilly First Saturday Paddle

Our December 7 First Saturday Paddle was between the Fayette County communities of Rossville and Piperton Tennessee. The section is a beautiful and naturally winding section which is sufficiently wide to not have obstructions all the way across the river. A first-time paddler should be able to safely navigate any obstructions originating from the banks as well as any obstacles that may be encountered in the water. Thus, this was a relatively safe section to experience our first cold weather paddle of the winter season. The weather was not shy in delivering on the cold weather!

We awoke on Saturday morning to a cool temperature of 28˚F under a sky streaked with clouds The slight cloud cover soon dissipated to reveal a glorious blue sky and the temperature would rise to 60˚F by the completion of the paddle. Still, to state that the start was of the event was “quite refreshing” would not do the day justice. A group of 5 attended the event and would be rewarded for their determination with literally a “very cool experience.”

After launching, the group proceeded downriver in unison and enjoyed the beauty of the day and the wonder of the Wolf River. A single incident occurred early in the trip just to add a note of excitement: in a totally open section of the river, one of the paddlers came in contact with a submerged object which impacted his craft just enough that he had to exit the kayak quickly to avoid a full capsize. We were all surprised to see him standing knee deep in the river. For reporting purposes, we classified this action as a wade and not a full swim. He took his “river lesson” in stride, as we all did, and remarked that sometimes you just have to get into the water. During lunch, we built a small fire on the river bank so that everyone could enjoy the warmth and thaw out the body extremities of hands and feet.

Water levels are still low and expected to remain at this stage until adequate spring rains saturate the grounds and allow runoff to replenish the river levels. Any rain falling now is being stored in the soil. Any saturation that occurs and raises the water levels is quickly moved downstream.  

Of special note during the day was the condition of the annual leaf fall from the trees along each bank. That fall is now completed, with over 90% of the leaves off the deciduous trees and providing ground cover shelter for next year’s butterflies, beetles, bees and moths. The only green color comes from some vines and evergreen holly. There is also about 10% leaf cover remaining on the trees which exhibit the trait of marcescence, retaining their leaves through the winter. These include hornbeam, some oak trees, and especially American Beech. This tree can easily be spotted all winter long as you travel down the highway or interstate. Safely keep an eye out for its light brown leaves out in the woods.

Regarding the Ghost section, I received a note stating that there is a single portage on the section. I have not been able to verify this situation and there were no instructions as to where it was located. Be prepared for it if you are planning a tour of this section. Also be sure and let me know of any other issues you may encounter on the river and I will pass them along to everyone. Just send a note to jim.gafford@wolfriver.org.

Upcoming river events include the 8th Annual Polar Wolf Plunge on January 1 and our next First Saturday Paddle on January 4. The Plunge will occur at the Bateman Road bridge ramp starting at noon with initial water entry about 13:00. There will be a warming fire, changing tent and some refreshments. Be sure and bring a dish to share and a change of clothes as a precaution. Peer pressure may change the mind of those who initially have no plans to enjoy the refreshing water.   The First Saturday Paddle will be from Walnut Grove Rd. to Kennedy Park. The shuttle for this paddle will take place at the end of the event.  

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