River Reflections: Autumn Beauty

We said farewell to the month of October with our first bonfire of the season. A steady rain shower earlier in the afternoon deterred any registered guests from attending. Our river guides and some of their family members enjoyed a great evening around our portable fire pit. A total of 9 people would gather around a large copper bowl that we had removed from the Wolf River a number of years back and enjoy the quietness of the evening and great company.

“Just like a singular tree, each of us brings beauty into the world”

Speaking of rain, it continued to occur during the first half of the month at pretty regular intervals. With each rain, the river would rise accordingly and then quickly fall as it rapidly carried the increased surface water volume to the thirsty Mississippi River. Even small amounts of rainfall (0.1 or 0.2 inches) are adequate to raise the water levels permitting a more manageable and enjoyable paddle height the next day.  

Aquatic vegetation along the waterway is continuing to die back as the entire area prepares for its winter respite. There are very few hibiscus blooms remaining and each one encountered will encourage your spirit.

The leaves on the trees are quickly letting go and falling around you. When disturbed in the slightest manner by a gentle breeze their increased descent will bring a sense of wonder to your outdoor adventure. Be sure and enjoy every detail.  

Daily  temperature ranges and the activity of paddling will necessitate layering of clothing. Be sure to bring a dry bag to store them as they are removed. A light fleece is very comfortable at the put-in prior to the starting the paddle.

Finally, our December First Saturday paddle will be between the Fayette county communities of Rossville and Piperton. Register online to join us during the event. I am hoping that the muscadine vine just downstream from the clay ledge will be productive and reachable. Of course, it is totally possible that the residents of the natural world have already taken all of the bounty.  

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Comments and Impressions:

It was a fabulous trip and I appreciate your devotion to the river and its conservation.  I thoroughly enjoyed the paddle, and also thanks for retrieving people and helping to portage across some of those logs.  Also your knowledge of the river and the natural area were invaluable. Nancy J. (Ghost section)

This was the best trip so far. First, the section of the rivers magical. Second, the group size was great. Third that new thing you tried with getting people through tight spots totally worked, and I didn’t feel like we were sitting around waiting all day. Wolf River Conservancy is awesome! Marika S. (Ghost section)

I never expected the Wolf to be so beautiful and tranquil. I enjoyed every minute of the experience. Your expert guidance, descriptive commentary, attention to detail and incredible patience was over the top. I can’t wait to tell my friends about the delicious gourmet meal we shared on our “canoe” table. I have lived in the Memphis area since I was 7. My impression of the Wolf River was tainted by my memories of the horrible pollution evident in the 1960’s. In my mind, I had no concept of the local treasure the Wolf has become. Thank you to you and all of the countless people in the Wolf River Conservancy who have worked tirelessly to preserve this exquisite area of nature for generations to come.

                                                                       Ann E. (Lost Swamp section)

I thank you and the others for an enjoyable day float of the Wolf River's upper stretches. Weather was fine, pleasant company and I truly felt being in the wilds with no sights or sounds of “civilization.”  Meeting Mike, Chris, Charles and Greg, all defenders of the Wolf River, was delightful. The water quality and clarity was impressive, better than many would realize for a river once degraded by pollution and mismanagement. And the variety—the changing nature of the forests, paddling in an expansive lake to a stream so narrow I felt  I was in a slalom course (no skis this time) with constant attention to preventing my kayak paddle from catching a cypress tree.

I’ve lived in Montana for 45 years and enjoyed the recreational opportunities there. I’ve served as a board member of our local land trust organization— Prickly Pear Land Trust. There are other places to explore the natural world beyond Montana and the contrast of the upper Wolf River watershed to what I am most familiar with has its own unique appeal.
I will be contacting the members of my UT-medical school class of 1974 who live in the Memphis area today via email and will send them photos of our day float. I will ask them to please consider becoming a member of the Wolf River Conservancy and will include a link to your website. I informed Natalie Schuh, who was part of our trip, of this. Natalie has the talents for an excellent development director.
 
I will continue to support the Wolf River Conservancy annually.

Wayne C (Ghost section)