River Reflections: The Polar Wolf Plunge and Other Tales

For the past seven years, our River Guides have hosted a “very cool” New Year’s Day event at the Wolf River ramp on Bateman Road. January 1, 2025, once again found a group of 50 people on the bank to celebrate the arrival of the New Year by participating in our 8^th Annual Polar Wolf Plunge. This year’s event saw both an increase in the number spectators as well as the actual number of participants entering the water. Many of the guests brought treats to supplement the table bounty while the River Guides provided a variety of warm dishes including soup, chili and the traditional black-eyed peas for luck and prosperity all through the year. A warm fire both encouraged some people to stay dry and was a welcome comfort for those who did make the wet entry. Finally, it offered a flame for the making of s’mores and the roasting of a few hot dogs.  

An animal encounter is always an amazing experience for me and I got to experience a pair of them while working on a trail restoration project at T. O. Fuller State Park during our Martin Luther King Day of Service on Saturday, January 18. First, I enjoyed safely watching a copperhead snake collecting what solar warmth was available outside of its den. Its domicile appeared to be in a below ground cavity at the base of a nearby tree. Under the watchful eye of a Park Ranger and Conservancy staff, the group of volunteers was able to observe the animal while learning more about the species from the Ranger. The second encounter was the observation of an armadillo rummaging through the underbrush looking for an early lunch. Neither animal was antagonized or impeded by the observers who simply appreciated them.

In between these two events, we conducted our first paddle of the year. On Saturday January 4, a group of 9 individuals traversed the river section between Walnut Grove Road and Kennedy Park. In preparation for the event, Mike Dawkins and I cleared a small path through the mud that had settled on both ramps. The paddle was very enjoyable, with everyone able to travel down river at a very leisurely pace while conversing with each member of the party. Everyone prepared for the day by dressing warmly in layers of clothing. During the paddle, various clothing items were removed and then added back on as the sky progressed from absolutely no cloud cover at the beginning of the paddle to almost full cloud coverage as we exited the water.    

During the winter months, there will be fewer opportunities to participate in on-river activities. The cold weather and water are both great deterrents to any outside activity. The Conservancy will continue hosting our First Saturday Paddles on the Lost Swamp and Rossville to Piperton river sections. Come along and join us if you are properly prepared for the weather and river conditions.  

On a calm, sunny day, when temperatures are cold but not arctic, the solitude of the river is greatly enhanced by those who properly dress in layers and prepare for an accidental swim. As you can imagine, most people would not voluntarily enter the water in the winter. Of course, our Polar Wolf Plunge is an exception, where people can enjoy the warmth of a fire and the company of other like-minded individuals after their in-water experience.

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