River Reflections: July on the Wolf River

July marked the first full month of summer and the river responded as expected. Scattered and limited rain for most of the month drove the water levels low. For us paddlers, these lower levels offered an opportunity to fine tune our river reading and boat handling skills by maneuvering away from the shallow, sandy areas into a place where the water level was just slightly higher and the floating easier. On a positive note, the lower water level meant less surface runoff into the river and the water in it was mostly the cooler spring water. Any warm feelings were quickly refreshed by a quick dip in the water.  

On our July 6 first Saturday paddle, we had the opportunity to meet a special couple, Madison and Wyatt. They had been getting to know each other better for the last 6 months when Wyatt’s mother noticed the July event on Facebook and forwarded the link to them. Even though they had only previously paddled small lakes and ponds in the area, they liked the idea of a new adventure together and decided to join our group on the Wolf. Any reluctance they had about paddling moving water quickly dissipated during the conversations and safety lecture and they prepared themselves for an exciting adventure. The group was a large one and took an extended period of time to all get into the river giving them an opportunity to “get their sea legs” and feel more comfortable on the water. Eventually the trip began and we progressed as a group down the river. The participants spread out a little and we established a slow, rhythmic pace. Madison and Wyatt were able to stay close enough to each other to maintain a normal conversation and they would often seem quite solitary even in a group of 47. Things would progress with no events until the last hour of the paddle when Wyatt managed to “get up close and personal” with an obstacle in the river and took on quite a bit of water while navigating around it successfully. The sloshing water made the kayak very unstable so it was decided that our guides would perform a boat over boat rescue to empty the water. This necessitated that Wyatt perch precariously on a very small, narrow log in the river while the kayak was inverted across a second canoe and the water drained. The kayak was righted and our guides steadied the craft as Wyatt safely reentered it. The couple would complete the remainder of the trip without any instances.    

What will we be looking for in August?  

Cardinal flowers (Lobelia cardinalis) - The scarlet red flowers of this wetland perennial are an important nectar source for both hummingbirds and butterflies.  

Button Bush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) can be found in full sun along the streambanks. It has white round flowers with protruding styles resembling a pin cushion and is easy to spot. As the month progresses, the crisp whiteness will dull to varying shades of brown.  

Hardy Hibiscus (Hibiscus moscheutos) is a tropical looking plant native to the southeast. Other common names include Swamp Hibiscus, Swamp Mallow and even Marsh Mallow. Could this be the inspiration for that delightful spread Marshmallow Creme?  

• Participant Comments:  

It refreshed my soul, as always.  I didn’t take pics this time. But I have lots of pics from different trips if you want some. I appreciate you guys so much. Tammie F.    

Wow what a trip!!!  Never had sooooo many obstacles to keep us all interested.  But now we’re experts that can handle anything!  

A huge thanks to the river guides who did a very essential job. Tony C.  

My husband John and I had a fantastic trip with the WRC.  Everything was well organized and well planned.  We hadn't kayaked in several years, and our experience was mostly on lakes.  Despite this, the guides were patient and knowledgeable teachers.  We can't compliment the river guides enough!  Great crew --- you all looked out for our safety and made sure that we enjoyed the experience.  

We got home Saturday and immediately joined WRC.  We look forward to volunteering and participating.      Cindy M.  

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