The Outdoor Classroom

Putting Black Beauty Out to Pasture

2011-09-28T18:06:00.000-07:00

That's right! After 186,000 miles of being "rode hard and put up wet" (sometimes literally) the Suburban used by the ministry of the Outdoor Wisdom Leadership School to pull our trailers and haul kids, gear, food, and other necessities proved she had given all she had to give on the way back from the Nantahala Gorge the last weekend of September.

Outdoor Wisdom Leadership School is a non-profit Christ-focused ministry teaching life skills, spiritual lessons, communications, and leadership through participation in outdoor challenges and experiences. Historically, over 93% of our participants are disadvantaged youth requiring full scholarships in order to experience these OWLS Adventures.

Those OWLS Adventures already on the calendar in the weeks and months ahead will require over 8,000 miles of pulling and hauling. These experiences are crucial to the social, spiritual, and emotional development of the kids and families we serve and cannot happen unless we obtain a capable replacement for "Beauty" who served us so well for so long.

If you feel led to serve the Lord by helping us with a replacement, please contact me immediately. If you cannot help the OWLS ministry at this time, please forward this link to anyone who might be ministry minded and in a position to help. Of course, I always enjoy hearing from you for whatever the reason so please fire off an Email to me.

Thank you for your understanding and compassion.

Blessings,
Ben Simms, Director

Outdoor Wisdom Leadership School

The "OWLS" Program

http://www.theoutdoorclassroom.blogspot.com/

http://www.outdoorwisdomleadershipschool.org/

770-845-6900

Homeschoolers' Intro to Canoeing - 7/27/11

2011-07-29T16:54:00.000-07:00

On July 27, 2011 OWLS provided 35 different homeschooled kids and parents the opportunity to try their hand at canoeing on the Bull Sluice Lake section of the Chattahoochee River. The weather was hot but a nice sandy beach on an island just up from the launch site provided a good target for everyone's upstream effort and a great spot to take a break and go swimming. We had quite a few small kids in the group which gave us another chance to put to use the wonderful new Youth PFD's we received from MTI last month. Although almost everyone said this was their first time paddling a canoe, they apparently paid good attention to my brief instructions, as we only had one pair of paddlers actually turn over all day (and they might have done it just to cool off). Everyone said they wanted to do this again sometime and many told me they felt up to going on one of our longer paddling adventures for a weekend or longer.
Here, following, are a few photos from this most enjoyable day:

The Roswell Fire Department even brought their new 6-person hovercraft which they proudly explained "allows them to travel through the shoals." Maybe they should have been learning to paddle and read the water with us.

Good thing little sister wasn't paddling too hard; at least not in this position.

The epitome of "Another Happy Paddler."

And they are off! It's a race to the island.

Three's a crowd? No! Three is just more fun.

Lots of new friends to be found this day.

There's a big grin hidden there somewhere.

Paddling was "wonderful" for this first time canoeist.

Stern concentration as the geese look on.

Another 3 HP canoe!

Summer 2011 Wednesday River Cleanups

2011-07-12T15:01:00.000-07:00

Just part of the river cleaning flotilla

When not busy with other activities on this summer's Wednesday evenings, I and some other volunteers have done what we could to keep our local river, the Chattahoochee, running free and clean. These Wednesday cleanups were the brainchild of Chuck Armentrout, President of Urban Currents. They provide fellowship among paddlers of all skill levels, a great opportunity for paddlers to learn and improve their paddling skills, and are a great way to show the care and respect shown the rivers by the paddling community. When we first started gathering to clean various spots along the Chattahoochee, there were usually only a handful of people joining in. This has grown to the point that we now see 25-35 people every Wednesday, paddling a wide variety of kayaks, canoes, Sit-On-Tops, and even inflatables. Thanks go to master paddler and master photographer Rick Thompson for sharing these photos of us from one of the cleanup events. Thanks Rick and definitely thanks Chuck. SYOTR!

One cleanup area we hit was Whitewater Creek.

Time was taken for skills training and general paddling practice.

On this particular day I paddled a whitewater canoe.

Vine City's Etowah Trip Through Dawson Forest

2011-07-05T19:36:00.000-07:00

Read and enjoy the photos below as you learn about a really neat adventure relocated at the last minute due to the extreme drought conditions in South Georgia where we had originally hoped to go canoe-camping. I hope you will enjoy sharing our trip.

Off to a good start

Smooth paddling through Dawson Forest WMA

Paddling Class I rapids

"Running" (or walking) rapids at low water

Cooling off in the waterfall near our campsite

More playing in the waterfall

June ended and July began with a great bunch of guys from Atlanta's Vine City community, led by their mentor, Drew Henley, from Trinity Anglican Church, getting to know each other and the Living Water much better as they paddled and swam the Etowah River in Dawson County. In addition to canoeing, hiking and camping by a waterfall, building a campfire, and enjoying a number of rope swings, this adventure also included the added surprises of an opportunity for the young men to try their hand at riding a horse and seeing a baby fawn by the riverside.

Some wanted to trade their canoe for a horse.

What did the owner mean, "not broken yet?"

As with most of our OWLS Adventures which involve new participants, I explained the reason we took these trips and what it was hoped everyone took away from them. The first chapter of Romans, of course, teaches us that we are all without excuse when it comes to knowing God and His attributes as they have been revealed to us since creation through everything that has been created. This truth is followed up by Ephesians 2:10 which reminds us that, as Christians, "We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." The kids initially expressed some lack of understanding when it came to figuring out how their time on the river would related to these ideas. I found myself thoroughly reassured at camp that evening however when, as I stretched out in my tent, I heard them showing immediate promise and deep understanding of "Experiential Evangelism" as they sat around our fire discussing the purposes and features of a life jacket and all the parallels between that and God's plan of salvation. It was almost like hearing a step-by-step iteration of the Four Spiritual Laws. I'm sure Bill Bright himself would have been quite pleased to hear them speak these spiritual truths so clearly.

Proudly wearing his PFD

#1.) Time on, in, and beside the river is meant to be abundantly rewarding and full of enjoyment. Likewise, God loves us and has a wonderful plan for our lives.

#2.) Often the river becomes too dangerous or intense for us to enjoy. Likewise, most people are unaware of God's love and plan for them or don't experience it because they are separated from Him by sin.

#3.) The PFD (life jacket) helps prevent us from drowning in the dangerous water, protects us from hard falls, and lets us travel the river knowing we will arrive safely at our destination. Likewise, Christ is God's only provision for the sin that otherwise separates us from Him and His wonderful plan for us. Jesus gives us the ability to withstand the attacks of Satan and gives us the assurance that we will live forever with Him in Heaven.

#4.) We took lots of PFD's with us on the trip, more than enough to go around. What the guys pointed out to each other was that all the life jackets in the world wouldn't do any good for someone that didn't actually put it on. In the same way, it doesn't matter that there is more than enough of Jesus's love and forgiveness to go around. It matters not that your mother, sister, or brother know the Lord. Living in a "Christian country" won't restore that relationship with God. No, everyone has to make their own personal decision to trust in Jesus to forgive them of their sin and lead them in the way they should go.

Stretching our legs at the rope swing

A fine leap at the "Rope Swing Campsite"

Wet entry!

A new fawn spotted just before our take-out.

Sure hope you can join us on our next OWLS Adventure!

Matching Gift Results

2011-06-01T18:25:00.000-07:00

Well, it's June 1 and the matching gift opportunity for OWLS supporters is over. Thanks to all who faithfully answered the call, made a timely investment in the lives of disinherited urban youth, and who saw an immediate doubling of the impact made by their sponsorship dollars.

***20 Sponsorships Earned***

The final number of sponsorships earned during this campaign stands at 20! This is terrific at this point in early summer but it also leaves us with almost 50 more kids needing full sponsorships in order to participate in the OWLS Adventures for which they have signed up.

If you meant to mail a check but just didn't get around to it, or wanted to first be sure your support is as crucial a need as it is, please do not delay any longer. As I was explaining to one of the young men by the lake this afternoon, not immediately deciding to do something usually equates to deciding not to do it. Whether you feel led to contribute a few hundred or maybe several thousand dollars, your investment will yield a plentiful harvest.

Please be sure that I have your best Email address on file as many of these kids want to be able to thank and tell their sponsor exactly what their OWLS experience means to them.

As always, contributions should be made payable to: Outdoor Wisdom Leadership School (or just OWLS) and mailed to my attention (Ben Simms) at 6688 Brandon Mill Rd., Atlanta, GA 30328.

Thanks and God bless!

In His Time and For His Glory

2011-05-23T19:08:00.000-07:00

Where do you find the will to even start sorting the mess when this is all that's left of your home?

The terrible storms that ravaged most of the country during the first week of this month brought some possible explanation of how God is able to turn things we cannot (at least at first) understand into lessons and actions that allow us to glorify Him by becoming His hands and feet in service to others.

You may remember several weeks ago, after I had already done much of the trip planning and meal purchasing, I had a group decide not to go on their Spring trip. One of the things I had already set aside for them was enough Powerade and Nutralite Drink mix to last them the entire week. Why, I asked, did God allow me to "waste" my time and limited resources by collecting something that we now would not need?

Well, the tornadoes that destroyed most of Ringgold and the surrounding area proved that it is always His time, not mine, and any resources are only on loan to us anyway. One thing led to another with brothers Ralph Lord and Ross Bickers helping organize recovery crews to go up to Ringgold with needed supplies, skills, and labor to help the tornado victims. One of their appeals was for drinks to help keep the hard working volunteers from becoming secondary victims themselves. On May 11, 2011 I was able to deliver 25 gallons of various flavors of energy and electrolytic replacement drinks to the truck loading point and on their way to Ringgold.

Putting the car in the garage for protection was obviously a futile effort against the force of the tornado.

Honestly, I'm still disappointed that the 20+/- kids were not able to enjoy another week of fun, fellowship, and spiritual growth on an OWLS Adventure, but our ability to meet the immediate need to energize Christian workers to serve and witness to the hurting and homeless was definitely part of His awesome plan. I am sure that the accompanying photos will bring you to the same conclusion.

This tough 4x4 truck was no match for the storm. It is amazing that even more lives were not lost. Note the formerly heavily wooded hillsides surrounding these former homesites.

New Year's Reflections - 2010/2011

2011-01-03T14:51:00.000-08:00

Blessed to be a blessing, struggling with the recession, looking back and planning for the future. Thanks to everyone of you who helped OWLS weather the storm and especially those who spread our contact information and mentioned our work to those we look forward to helping in the months ahead.

Please remember the ministries that were not able to make it this far amd pray for OWLS as we look for ways to somehow fill the gap for these kids.

Read it all in our latest newsletter, downloadable here Year End 2010 - Beginning 2011 Newsletter , or send me an email asking for it.

Please also be sure I have your email on file so I can be sure you are kept abreast of who we will be serving, where you can volunteer, where we will be going, what we will be doing, and what we will be discussing.

Yours in Christ,
Ben Simms, Director
Outdoor Wisdom Leadership School
The "OWLS" Program
BenSimms@aol.com

OWLS Photo Stroll Through 2010

2011-01-02T18:37:00.000-08:00

Here are a few shots taken during various outings that did not end up as full-fledged trip reports. Plan to be with us next time if you didn't make it this year!

Proof that there's bear in them hills! Amicalola Creek at the Etowah River.

A colorful day at Tallula Gorge

First Suwannee access beyond the sill and last before Fargo.

Okefenokee Colors

Santa Fe reflections

Sentries on guard below River Rise.

See the hawk?

Mt. Cheaha - highest Point in Alabama

A Metro 'Hooch Heron

Beautiful day for fall colors along the Upper 'Hooch

OWLS Supports Beltline Bike Shop & city kids

2010-10-18T18:24:00.000-07:00

Early last month OWLS ceased the ongoing maintenance and repair of our bike fleet. Oh we will still be doing trail rides and bike expeditions but, because so many of the kids we serve now have their own bikes, it just didn't make sense for me to be constantly doing all the work required to keep two dozen mountain bikes tuned up and ready to hit the trail.

The Beltline Bike Shop in Adair Park has what I think is a very unique program creating a true win-win in their neighborhood. They reward neighborhood kids with a refurbished bike of their own in return for bags of trash collected from the streets and yards around Adair Park in southwest Atlanta. This teaches the youngsters about setting goals and working hard until they achieve them while simultaneously cleaning the area of filth and eyesores. Now, each time one of the bike recipients starts to peddle he remembers the generosity of others and the value of hard honest labor. Beltline Bike Shop is now the owner of the former OWLS bikes - at least until they are earned by some of the very deserving kids they serve.

Here is the story in their words in a shortened edition of their thoughtful thank-you note:

Subj: Thank you for an Amazing Beltline Bike Shop Bike Drive
Hello!!! I wanted to personally thank each and every one of you for your generous hearts! The bike drive was a huge success because people like you followed a God prompt! I know how busy life is, but you paused, said YES and worked with me to make your donation. Thanks again for your precious hearts! I KNOW God is smiling!
Many blessings, Kimberly

Hi Everyone! Tim and I want to thank you for this past weekend and being part of an incredible bike drive, the first of it's kind for us! I'm so excited to share the final results with you! To give you perspective, over the past 16 months, we have been able to give away/invite kids to earn 100 bikes. This past Saturday, 40 families collected 250+ BIKES! We are blown away and blessed by your efforts and the excitement and work that went into the drive. There were 7 or 8 loads taken down on Saturday, full trucks and trailers and countless people who put in hours and hours collecting bikes from neighbors, figuring out how to get them to the church and then to the shop, blowing up tires and keeping it all organized. The shop is stocked to the brim! One cool story came Saturday afternoon as the collection team was figuring out how to get an extra trailer--already full--to the city with no one lined up to pull it. A dad, who had just dropped his son off at middle school bandpractice, walked up and offered to drive it down! What an amazing God provision, hours before the Saturday night service was set to begin! I heard great stories of families getting to serve together with their kids and the conversations that ensued about fellow kids who might not have a bike otherwise. We think it's pretty cool that bikes are so tangible to young kids and a great conversation starter about compassion and caring for neighbors. I hope you got to have similar conversations with your kids as well!

We always welcome you to remember us in your prayers when it comes to mind. :) Thank you again! It was a blessing working with you on this project!
Becky and Tim O'Mara

Find out more about this amazing program at the links below:

http://beltlinebikeshop.com/
http://twitter.com/beltline_bike
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=154586431468

Paddle GA 2010 - Broad River & Savannah River

2010-09-20T18:33:00.000-07:00

This year's annual Paddle GA & Canoe-a-thon, which took us about 85 miles down the Broad River from Franklin Springs, GA to Clarks Hill Reservoir and then down the Savannah River to Augusta, GA with a short paddle down the historic Augusta Canal, included a special blessing of camaraderie and fellowship from one of our college student volunteers, JD DeCastra who attends Auburn University. JD was not only a great help to me but jumped in to help the rest of the Paddle GA Navy whenever the opportunity presented itself and proved himself an admirable fund raiser by raising more contributions than anyone else. He then distinguished himself once again by donating the first place prize of a We-no-nah Adirondack canoe back to the OWLS Ministry to help us in providing great opportunities for sponsored at-risk teens. JD's selection of river trash earned him the title "Chair-man of the Broad." Once again I'll give you a break from my writing by giving the floor to JD. Here is his report of the week we spent on one of GA's foremost river systems: JD introduced me to one of the many critters we met along the way. When I started on this trip I was not sure of what I was doing or why I was doing it. I did not know the significance of or importance of what I had signed up to do. I took a leap of faith and jumped on an opportunity that presented itself before I had a chance to change my mind. The bulk of my struggle came when I was trying to raise the money to go on the trip. There were many times that I wanted to give up and say that I was unable to raise the money. However God blessed me with the strength to continue and stick it out. So when I was finally going, I was ecstatic, but nervous at the same time. Yes I work with kids, and know how to deal with them but I had no idea the gravity of the situation that I was embarking on. Warren Raymer who was a repeat OWLS participant enjoyed every rope swing he could find. When I first meet up with Mr. Simms I was give the tragic news that my paddling partner was not going to attend due to a death in the family, and that we were going to have an even smaller group of kids. It seemed as if the trip was already a bust before it had even begun. However even the tragedies in life are a part of God’s plan an even though I do not understand why some things happen I must trust that they are there to better me and those around me. The fact that there were not many kids on the trip allowed me to talk not only with kids but also with adults. This put me even further out of my comfort zone. It is hard enough to get someone to see God in every day events, and help them understand the lessons learned when that person is half your age, but trying to do the same to someone who is twice your age is even more difficult. People twice your age are suppose to have twice the wisdom and intelligence and are the ones who are suppose to be teaching you, and it took a while to get accustomed to switching shoes (I am still nowhere near comfortable doing so still). JD, Brad, and Warren discussing God's lessons as they travel downriver. The first day I sat at the starting location for around six hours by myself waiting for the rest of the OWLS to arrive. During this time I was very far out of my comfort zone so I stuck to the manners that my parents taught me, said a prayer for strength, and dove in head first to meet as many people as I could. I met many great people during this time, their ages ranging from young to old. Even though you just met them they treat you as if you had known them for years. The whole environment is very welcoming. The outdoors seems to have this effect on people. At Paddle Georgia everyone is the same. Everyone has to paddle the same amount, carry their own gear, suffer through the same heat, and sleep in the same uncomfortable sleeping conditions. It gives people something to relate to with each other. Notice Warren's lowered center of gravity as Brad maneuvers through the shoals. Through out the trip I shared my life story with random people that I met along the way and they would share theirs with me. I would talk and meet people on the river, eating a meal, sitting at camp, and riding the shuttle. The best part was I met people of all ages, walks of life, and different geographical areas. This gave me the opportunity to see the great diversity of God’s people, the fact that everyone has far different personalities but yet we are all the same. There was a time when I was paddling with someone on the last day and we were about 100 feet from the take out when we both jumped in to say that we have swam in the most polluted river in Georgia. We then started to swim to the take out and one thing lead to another and we were racing to the take out with or boats being dragged behind us. Then people started to line the edge of the river and cheer us on. I unfortunately lost but oh well. The point of the story is to show the camaraderie of all the people on the trip. "Chair-man of the Broad" day two. The morning of the second day was the first of our 85 miles. While on the river I had the opportunity to witness many of God’s lessons through nature and the people around me. The river offered many different types of experiences: there were times when I was by myself and it seemed as if I was the only one around for hundreds of miles. I used this time to reflect on my own life, listen to God and appreciate him in the natural world around me, or I was in the middle of a group of people shooting water guns, playing around, or talking. Experiences also changed with the river. Some days there were rapids, flat swift current on a relatively narrow river, or flat still water in the middle of a lake with the sun beating down on me, and with each different environment came many different lessons and experiences. JD just about to get his hair wet at the top of "The Falls." I think JD was the only one to hold his nose while taking the long plunge into the lake. The best day was when we first put on the Savannah River. We put in below a dam were the water temp was in the mid 50’s. Paddling in the early morning fog was the only time we felt even a little cool air. In the morning there was a fog over the water that was so thick I would barely see 20 feet in front of me. The most amazing part was that I could see the sun rays coming down hit the water and reflect off, and to add to the experience and beauty just as the fog was lifting a bald eagle soared over the river at tree top level. This was a sight that I will most likely never see again. The rising sun sent visible messages reminding us of God's awesome love. The part of the trip that stuck out to me was the talks I had with Mr. Simms at the end of the day. Our talks were normally about the lessons that we learned throughout the day and he would tell me stories of past trips and of the kids that he has worked with. This was when I began to realize the gravity of what I had embarked on. Two things happened I began see and realize that kids are stuck in a cycle of poverty, and how trips like paddle Georgia can be beneficial to the kids. Some of the problems that face underprivileged kids are, a lack of problem solving skills, individualism, and team work. When the kids are in school they are told to sit and listen, they are not challenged to be creative individuals or have an opinion, and since kids are not taught these things at school they learn these from the street and the people they hang around (not always the best place to learn these things). What paddle Georgia offered these kids was the opportunity to not only to experience something new but begin to learn these valuable skills. When you are paddling a tandem boat you must work as a team or you will never get down the river. A perfect example of this was a canoe I noticed where the person in the back was not paddling - just dragging the paddle in the water instead, because of this it was taking a long time for the boat to get down stream, and the sweep boat (the boat that will be the last off the river) was trying to make them go faster. Eventually the person was removed and the boat made it down the river. So in order to effectively paddle a boat you have to work as a team or you will never reach your goal. Being on the river not only forces you to work as a team but also to use problem-solving skills. As my experience coaching little kids gymnastics, I have discovered first hand that small kids have no problem-solving skills and they must be taught, something that can only be learned through trial and error. Paddling presents the perfect opportunity to do this. When you are sitting at the top of a rapid you have a problem that you must overcome. The problem is that you have to get to the bottom of the rapid without getting hurt. This step does two things it teaches the kids to recognize a problem and set an overall goal. Then you must pick a line, and stay on that line. As you are going down it is easy to get off line and you must react to the situation. This teaches the kids to think through how to achieve their ultimate goal and overcome the original problem. It also teaches them to react to an unexpected change in their original plan. Finally just being around a multitude of different individuals shows the kids the importance of individualism. They get the opportunity to get out of their bubble where all the kids act the same and just be themselves. However it is hard for kids to pick up on lessons such as these and it is even harder for them to apply the lessons to their own life. This is where OWLS comes in. We don’t just tell the kids the lessons that they should learn but we make them see them for themselves. We ask certain questions to get the kids thinking and guide them in the right direction. In doing this we help to teach the kids to pick up on the lessons themselves. It also rewards, and teaches them the importance of creative thinking. Anthony Shoals was one of my favorite parts of the trip. The trip started out on a bad foot with the loss of my paddling partner but overall it was an amazing and rewarding trip. I not only got to meet many new people, experience God in the natural world, help people along their journey through life, and grow closer to God but by the end I understood the importance of what I had signed up to do and am very grateful that God gave me this opportunity. I pray that many kids will be able experience the same that I did and grow to better themselves and those around them. JD Decastra - 2010 Looks like JD was a favorite of many along the way! These ducks kept me companion for the last 2-1/2 miles of the trip.

Call Me "Grandpa!"

2010-09-06T20:52:00.001-07:00

The proud grandparents with our first grandchild.

Yes, it's true! On the morning of Sunday, September 5, 2010 (quite appropriately over Labor Day Weekend) my oldest daughter gave birth to our first grandchild, Lochlan Cade Rhodes, who weighed 6 lb. 15 oz., measured 20" long, and has the nicest head of dark brown hair you could imagine. Here are a few early photos of him that I hope you will enjoy with me.

The proud (and tired) parents with their new son.

How's that for a head of hair?

Mom with little Lochlan Cade Rhodes

This is one bright-eyed baby boy!

OWLS Adventure in Alaska's Kenai Wilderness

2010-06-10T23:31:00.000-07:00

The OWLS Alaskan Adventure took us across the Swan Lake Canoe Area, a well known but seldom traveled section of the Dave Spencer Unit of the Kenai Wilderness Area and the Alaska Moose Range. Check back here often because, during this amazing trip, we saw and experienced so many things that I will probably be updating this post for quite some time. Meanwhile, take a look at some of the photos here and try to imagine all those that we wish we had been able to shoot. Always open to questions and several have already asked about going on our next trip across "Alaska's Boundary Waters." Just let me know how many are in your party and when you can get away for a week or so and I'll do my best to make it happen.

The "Final Four" (Ben, Jack, Clay, & McClain) at the edge of Canoe Lake #1.

We started out with ten signed up for the trek but only seven arrived in Anchorage where we all assembled to start our adventure. The day we headed out to the trailhead, three others decided this expedition might be too much for them (or possibly due to the news of recent bear maulings the day of our arrival) and would not be convinced otherwise. After hurredly resorting our gear and provisions, we were still able to get a reasonable first day of paddling in and made camp on a point looking across Otter Lake with a view usually reserved for postcards.

Can you believe the record is a kick over 11 feet above the ground?

We passed Skilak Lake, part of the Upper Kenai on our way to Soldotna. Notice how the water here still has that blue sparkle indicating its glacial origin.

This view of the Kenai left no doubt in our minds that we didn't want to capsize in the river.

Our Alaska base of operations, Denise Lake Lodge.

One of our first views of Alaska from the ground. Although this immense wetland which is home to an amazing array of birdlife looks as wild as can be, it is actually the result of poor engineering for the construction of the Seward Highway which can be seen in the distance. When building up the roadbed for the highway, the many small creeks flowing across the terrain were effectively dammed up, creating what is now one of Kenai Peninsula's more highly visited wildlife attractions.

Here's a map of the various campsite locations we used during the week and that of Denise Lake Lodge, our base of operations on the Kenai Peninsula. We stayed at Denise Lake Lodge, the shore of Otter Lake, the beside Swan Lake, along the Moose River, then at its mouth in Sterling where it joins the Kenai River, and then back to Soldatna and the Lodge before parting company.

Jack's photo to send back home. Just in case someone didn't believe he really went there.

We took time to tour the native Alaskan museums, learn of customs, and even their music and games.

Jack decided that moose have every excuse in the world to be unpredictable, especially after carrying that much weight around on their heads all the time.

Possibly due to our excellent application of Leave-No-Trace Principles or maybe just because we made too much noise, the only bear spotted was on the opposite shore and downriver from our campsite in Sterling at the confluence of the Moose and Kenai Rivers.

The moose in town (this one near the airport) didn't seem to mind our presence nearly as much as their out-of-town cousins.

Clay in his usual situation: cigar in mouth and rod in hand. If he wasn't paddling or sleeping, he was fishing!

Our campsite along the Moose River was an obvious favorite of both human and wildlife visitors.

Spring is calving season for the moose and we saw evidence of it at every turn. Of course, some like David Tenenbaum and his boys didn't see the evidence until too late and ended up being treed by Mama Moose. Dave - send us that video link you shot from the tree!

This fellow might have been a bit too close for comfort but who am I to run him off?

Here I am on one of the many Swan Lake Canoe Area portage trails. Like many others, this one is covered with planks to prevent travelers from sinking into the often boggy mire.

Clay and our lunch-to-be on the side of Rock Lake. Three Coho Salmon caught in the time it took me to build the fire. No need to open the packaged tuna on this trip for sure!

I guess they call this Swan Lake Canoe Area for a reason.

Another view from our Moose River campsite.

Jack earned the title of "Jack the Pack-Mule" as he definitely carried more than a fair share of our gear on many of the portages. When the trails closed in, we found it much easier to carry the canoes from the center rather than sharing the load and "steering" around curves from either end.

Here's Clay casting for yet another of the many Rainbow Trout he pulled from the Moose River during the two days we paddled it.

We couldn't let something like setting up our first night's campsite get in the way of another good meal, chili this time.

Heading back out across Otter Lake on Day 2 to continue our adventure.

Jack and I cruised across Swan Lake.

This fellow had obviously become conditioned to either generous or sloppy campers around the spot we stopped on the Moose River. He watched us incessantly and sat on a branch right over my shoulder as I prepared our meals.

The Bradleys paddling one of the more intimate upper sections of the Moose River.

I practiced some really "laid back" paddling on this section of the Moose River.

One last photo at Denise Lake before heading our separate ways.

Green River, NC Worship, Paddle, & Camp w/P4C

2010-06-10T14:25:00.000-07:00

Mark and Matthew enjoying a day on the Green River

April 30 - May 1, 2010 OWLS and Paddlers4Christ joined up for a weekend of worship, paddling, and camping both on and near North Carolina's famous (and beautiful) Green River. I had quite a few nice photos to share with everyone but , unfortunately, my camera was lost in the river about half way through our paddle on Saturday.

Some of those arriving early on Friday had a chance to run Section 9 of the French Broad before joining the rest of us arriving at Lutheridge, our basecamp for the weekend. After a somewhat damp evening, Saturday morning we divided into two groups with about half paddling the Upper Green and the rest being led down the Lower Green by Yours Truly. I was joined by the father and son team of Mark and Matthew Woolridge, Vicki and Kimberly Simms (mother and daughter), and Matt Goodson. The river was at a perfect level and the weather couldn't have been better either. We stopped for a relaxing lunch on the sandy river bank just beyond the bridge and discussed how blessed we were . Matt celebrated his first experience paddling moving water with a dry hair day and, although Mark and Matthew had more than a few swims, at the end of the day, Matthew said he was ready to go again. Vicki found out just how easy it is to turn a Probe 11; just couldn't figure out how to make it track straight, and finished the day promising to stick with her longer Mohawk Solo 14.

Back at camp, I treated everyone to an apple cobbler/dump cake prepared over the fire in a very experienced dutch oven.

Our Sunday morning worship, led by Wayne "Wayner" Dickert, was taken from some of his seminary class notes and demonstrated the value of a Gordon-Conwell education. Afterward, we parted ways with some heading back out to do another run of FB9.

ReCreation Ministries Experiences "Screwtape in Person"

2009-09-20T17:56:00.000-07:00

Tom Key performed "Screwtape in Person" in yet another of his unique and riveting one man shows.

Hosted by Sandy Springs Christian Church, OWLS and, at our invitation, a group from ReCreation Ministries were treated to a rather unusual program (for a church anyway) as the devil was invited to take the podium on Friday evening, September 18, 2009 and tell his side of the fight for souls. Tom Key played all the characters in his adaptation of C.S. Lewis' well known "Screwtape Letters" which helped reveal the wily ways used by Satan and his army of fallen angels to keep as many people as possible from spending eternity in Heaven.

Heritage Preparatory - Middle School Experience on the Toccoa River

2009-08-26T19:09:00.000-07:00

The whole crowd used the swinging bridge where the Benton MacKay Trail crosses the river to study the trip's most challenging series of rapids.

The August 21, 2009 trip taken down the Toccoa River by the Heritage Preparatory School’s middle school students and teachers was not only a time for fun, fellowship, and the bonding which comes through shared experiences and especially challenges; it was also a time for personal growth and education. It was particularly a time to learn about communication, how it’s done, and its importance in achieving both personal and corporate goals. Students and faculty learned about communication with each other and communication with God – especially how He communicates with us through His creation and our experiences in it. We also looked for ways the Lord communicated lessons about preparing for the upcoming school year and preparing for the rest of life.

We are all familiar with Psalm 19, Romans 1, and other parts of scripture which tell us that creation has been revealing its maker and His attributes since the beginning of time. We often acknowledge that God created not only the physical laws, like gravity and thermodynamics, which govern the physical world but also the spiritual laws which govern our spiritual lives and our relationship with Him; but it was a little bit different for some of these students to realize that a big part of God’s character and attributes are reflected in the plans He has for our lives and that the “living parables,” which He allows us to experience every day, can teach us how He expects us to live.

The river had been low for quite some time and, even before the adventure began, God proved His faithfulness in answering our prayers for rain by bringing regular rainfall almost every day in the week leading up to this trip, raising the river to an almost perfect level for beginning paddlers and to its highest level in more than a month. Not only that, but the day of the paddle was clear, relatively cool, and absolutely beautiful. The restful sound of the rain all through the previous night made it easy for my two helpers/safety boaters Kelly and Shannon and me to have everything set out and ready for the arrival of the rest of the group long before the scheduled 10 am launch time. Since the rains had started almost immediately after I received Dr. Owens’ email notifying me that he was praying for rain, it was wonderful to have him volunteer to give our pre-launch prayer for our safety and thanksgiving for all we had and would experience.

It took me a while to figure out how to get all the canoes we needed to the river. Now I had to unload them all.

One of the first things I pointed out to everyone during the pre-launch safety briefing was the all too common mistake of resting one’s paddle across the gunnels while moving through a rapid or just downstream. In spite of this warning, I saw numerous examples of students doing this, sometimes combined with a white knuckled grip on the gunnels as they moved across shoals and drops. Others may have avoided resting their paddles on the rails but still managed to keep them at such a low angle that all they could do was splash water rather than fully wet the blade. Some were lucky and made it through unscathed. Others were introduced to a new version of a lesson originally taught by Jesus about the importance of stewardship and proper use of the blessings we are given. When resting on the gunnels or used inefficiently, the paddles do no more good than if they had been left on shore. White knuckles and splashed surface water are simply signs of poor stewardship and, just like the servant with one talent who had it taken from him, a number of participants had their paddles taken from them as they found their canoes washed into rocks or logs by the river currents. We can only reach our goals when we make every stroke count. Contrarily, poor stewardship of our God given skills, time, and other assets allows us to be swept along by the currents of daily life into the deadly strainers of the world.

Another corollary to the lesson of the unused paddle which we discussed was the importance of having a common goal whenever two or more people need to work together. This takes a common vision, a workable plan, and clear communication of that plan. Sentences heard like, “Let’s go around that rock!” do little to avoid problems because there were lots of rocks and most had more than one side by which they might be passed. Others learned that words like RIGHT and LEFT needed to be interpreted clearly since to some people RIGHT means “go to the right” and to others it means “there’s a rock to the right.” I guess it’s pretty clear what the results were when the bow paddler decided to pass a rock on the right while the stern paddler passed it on the left.

We discussed the way the river forced us to realize the importance and relationship of both short term goals and long term goals. As we studied the choices which lay before us at the launch site, we realized that there were many fine short term choices to be made but not all of them, if chosen, would allow us to easily continue our downstream voyage. Likewise, making a decision about school or about life with only our immediate comfort or success in mind might impede our ability to achieve our long term lifetime goals. Many of the students suggested rightly that perhaps the best course of action was to paddle upstream a short way, against the current, so they could be better lined up to take the path which allowed easier passage all the way through the rapid. Likewise, we must often make more difficult decisions or take a more challenging route if we are to achieve our long term lifetime goals.

As we worked our way downriver, each team of canoeists picked the route they thought best.

During our stop at Rock Creek some of the students looked at a very special material I showed them. Some of them guessed it to be old tree bark and others thought maybe some of Shannon’s red hair. These fuzzy delicate strands were actually some of the fibers from a throw rope like the one used to free the boat which became stuck about 45 minutes later in the Class III rapid just below our stopping place. The obvious lesson to learn from this is that there is strength in numbers and that we can do much, much more with the support of others working together with us toward a common goal. This lesson clearly reflects God’s Word where Ecclesiastes 4:12 tells us that “a cord of three strands is not easily broken” but a deeper and probably more important fact is learned as we study how these rescue lines are put together. There are strands made of extremely strong fibers which are nearly impossible to stretch or pull apart. These strong fibers are also very dense and surprisingly so subject to abrasion that they are almost useless by themselves in a rope. Other lighter and weaker fibers are woven around the stronger denser fibers when the rope is constructed. The result is a rope that not only can pull more than a ton without stretching but one that can stand being dragged across rocks and will float on water. Romans 12:4 and 1st Corinthians 12 are but two wonderful examples of how the body of Christ is just like that rescue line, many different people with different attributes working together for the common goal of His glory and His pleasure. This same lesson had been taught all day long as participants experienced the way the paddlers in the bow used one set of skills combined with a different set used by the stern paddlers to work together to maneuver the canoes around hazards and safely downstream.

Everyone took a much needed break from paddling to cool off when we reached the intersection with Rock Creek.

Even some of the teachers enjoyed the rope swing at Rock Creek!

Many of the strainers we encountered during our excursion stretched almost completely across the river. Some of them were already clogged with a collection of driftwood and river debris which had become entangled in them after floating aimlessly downstream. On at least a couple, we spotted snakes waiting for an easy victim and all of these strainers spelled danger and destruction for anyone not being careful to choose the safe route around or through them. What clearer analogy could there be than this to Christ’s warning, as He spoke to the multitudes during His “Sermon on the Mount” saying, “Broad is the way that leads to destruction, but narrow is the path that leads to life.”

“Who has ears to hear, let him hear.” One lesson, upon which I hope all the students have had time to reflect, is that of our responsibility to others. During the safety briefing, I told everyone that they were responsible for the canoe following them, that they were to stop and wait if they ever started to get out of sight, and render any kind of help they could while remaining safe themselves. On three or four different occasions before our stop at the swimming hole we pulled over to let everyone catch up, only to discover that the fifth or sixth canoe in our group hadn’t been seen by the one behind it for quite some time. Before our hike to the swinging bridge, we discussed the importance of being a reliable leader and example to those who will follow. When we got to the bridge, again the line had been broken by those not looking after the ones who followed and about half our group missed a crucial turn along the trail. After negotiating the rapids below the bridge, we regrouped and headed on downstream to a revised take-out location. Again, when we got there, we had a steady arrival of eight or nine canoes and then nothing for quite some time. I don’t remember who said it but I do remember hearing someone say, “They were having trouble back there so we just went on around and downstream to catch up with the others.” Please folks, if the entire team doesn’t reach the goal, it hasn’t been accomplished. If we are all only looking out for ourselves, we are not acting as team players. It makes no difference whether that team is your class, your school, your company, or the body of Christ. It is our duty to support each other however possible and encourage each other without ceasing.

One of the students reminded me of an important lesson that I had been ignoring through most of the day. I thought I had prepared for everything that I had any control over. I had experienced safety boaters in place to help as necessary down the river, I had pre-arranged alternate take-out locations, I had studied the river conditions with local paddlers over the last few days, I brought not one but two separate kinds of snacks for everyone to have if they got hungry during the day, and I had brought a sealed container to help protect everyone’s lunch on our way down the river. Then I ended up beating myself up mentally all day long over the way I let myself get distracted (by a tree that had shifted across the river during the night’s rain) and left the lunches safely in the container – on shore. Somewhat thankful that everyone had been offered the snacks, I still felt the tension every time someone asked about lunch or said they were hungry. Then, when we finally took-out at the end of the day, one of the girls came up to me and mentioned what a blessing it was to have her supper waiting for her right there on the side of the river. Yes, the snacks became lunches, the lunches became dinner, and God is good – all the time! How could I forget that “all things work together for good, to those who love God and are called according to His purpose.” Of course, it was Jesus Himself who said, “I praise thee, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hidden these things from the wise and wary, and hast revealed them to the children.” (Matthew 11:25)

Paddlers4Christ Daytripping on the Cartecay River

2009-08-09T17:22:00.001-07:00

We ended up with eight in the P4C group paddling the Cartecay at moderately low water on Saturday the 8th of August: Pop with his son Ian and his friend Doug, Jason, Sean, Kelly and his friend Anita (alias Capt. Granny), and me (Ben). We looked forward to sharing the river and the Living Water with the others we would meet and the Lord responded by bringing about a hundred middle and high school age kids apparently getting in one last splash before returning to school.
It was great for so many of us to finally be able to place a face with a name, especially Jason who travelled all the way up from Florida to spend the day with us. The weather was absolutely wonderful, especially with the shade provided by so many riverside trees, and the water level allowed us to easily converse while making our way downstream.

Here are the eight paddlers that comprised the Paddlers4Christ contingent on the Cartecay River, Saturday, August 8, 2009. From left to right are Ian, Ben, Pop, Anita, Sean, Kelly, Doug, and Jason.

We started our trip down the river with Pop leading us all in a prayer of thanks for the day, our fellowship, and our salvation and a request that we might be able to lead people to the Light of the World through the day's paddling and our lives.

Although we were able to offer some help and lots of encouragement to others on the river, Kelly spent most of the day giving lessons to and playing tug boat for Capt. Granny and Pop and Ian were kept busy helping Doug empty water out of his kayak.

Kelly, along with the rest of our crew, gave tips to Anita and soon she was able to get her S.O.T. moving downstream rather than from bank to bank.

It really got kind of funny for some of us to watch Doug as he seemed a bit slow to learn that maybe God was trying to tell him that smoking was a bad idea. He couldn't seem to be able to do without a cigarette but, every time he lit one up, it was only a matter of seconds before he found himself upside down in the river again. This happened so many times, we all lost count!

The crew with the Water Shed were delightful in their cheerful conversation and the efficient way they ran shuttle. The same can be said for the "Dogs by Donation" folks. Their attitudes and character all made it easy to feel good about making the donations it will require to keep these services available to paddlers on the river.

One last comment about the day - of all the hundreds of people on the river: tubers, kayakers, IK paddlers, S.O.T. paddlers, swimmers, etc., I was the only canoeist seen all day long. I sure hope other open boaters out there will show up next time to show what paddling is all about .
Join us next time for a great day of fun, fellowship, and praising the Lord on the river!

After a little coaching by Kelly and encouragement from the rest of us, "Captain Granny" was enjoying the whitewater like a veteran paddler.

Mother-Daughter Daytripping on the Hiwassee

2009-08-03T20:00:00.001-07:00

Some last minute Mother-daughter requests and last second preparations allowed us to provide a day of excitement and bonding on Tennessee's Class II/III Hiwassee River. This run near Reliance, TN is known for its cold, crystal clear water which flows over numerous shoals and ledges. The participants on this trip wasted no time getting intimately aquainted with the rocks or the cold water and all agreed that the excitement of tandem canoeing the Hiwassee was more than they expected. Here is a photo of one dry-haired mother-daughter team only seconds away from their first swim of the day:

but not their last.

Total tally for the day: 1 lost paddle, 2 lost water bottles, 1 soaked watch, 1 broken gunnel

Boy Scout Troop 87 Etowah River Overnighter

2009-07-20T19:09:00.000-07:00

July 18 & 19, 2009 - twenty Scouts and Scouters from Troop 87 sponsored by Roswell Presbyterian Church enjoyed a fun, sometimes challenging, but leisurely paddle through the Dawson Forest section of the Etowah River.

7:15 AM at the Hwy. 9 Put-in as I start untying and unloading the canoes and gear.

For many, this was the first opportunity to paddle moving water and, for a handfull, the first time to paddle period.

Fun on the Etowah River

The course downriver had been blazed for us by Doc Stevens on Thursday as he wielded a saw, removing limbs and tree trunks from dangerous strainers which had been created or relocated by the past week's storms.

With a little help from my friends - everyone got under this riverwide fallen tree.

We quickly made camp upon our arrival at the waterfall which allowed plenty of time for the boys to discuss the Canoeing Merit Badge requirements, learn the various strokes, and put their new knowledge into action. Scoutmaster Stewart only half-jokingly commented that this was the first time he could remember setting up his tent in daylight.

We made camp beside this waterfall and slept to the gentle sounds of the stream.

Cooling off in the river right below our campsite.

Attentive students!

More attentive learners!

Even the adults sat and listened carefully!

Practicing canoe-over-canoe rescues

Learning to re-enter without capsizing the canoes

Trading places & learning balance

Everyone agreed that the weather was absolutely wonderful for paddling, although several thought the night got a little cold fro sleeping comfortably. I guess that was just another reminder from our heavenly scout"Master" that we should "Be Prepared." We stopped for a brief Sunday worship led by Jack, the Troop 87 Chaplain, on the river just upstream from Radioactive Rapid with a closing thought shared by everyone that with every thorn there is also a rose. Most of us found the roses too numerous on this trip to even consider the thorns.

We arrived at the designated take-out point literally minutes before some of the parents arrived to meet the boys. Like the Colonel on the A-Team - "I just love it when a plan comes together!" All in all a great time and we all talked about doing another trip together soon. I know that I'm looking forward to it!

Teamwork + Common Goals => Success!

Father-Son Experience on Alabama's Choctawhatchee River

2009-07-20T17:51:00.000-07:00

Unlike the other trip reports, where I compose all the comments, on this one I have just copied an email from one of the participants. I hope you enjoy reading his take on this adventure which took place July 10 - 14, 2009 and included snakes, alligators, egrets, herons, lightning bugs and, on one night, low flying night-vision equipped helicopters buzzing our campsite.

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A great time of father & son bonding!

Dear Ben:

I want to thank you for the absolutely splendid trip we had on the Choctawhatchee River with me and 12 year old Matthew.

You distinguished yourself before we ever got on the river by making a number of accommodations to my unpredictable and constantly mutating schedule – with changes in the number of days, time of departure, all of which caused you to change the trip planning, food planning, etc.

Your accommodations and flexibility were superb.

Happy campers? You bet!

Of course, one of the goals of this trip was to give Matthew a great outdoor experience, to introduce him to canoeing, to build his self confidence and to enhance the father-son bond. You succeeded admirably! On each one of these goals, we realized what we wanted – culminating in Matthew’s solo paddle all day on the last day, including following your expert instructions through the strainers. And amazingly – he listened, something that he may not have done had his father been the instructor.

Matthew's first day solo paddling - in the Bluehole Sunburst.

Ready to take a well deserved break at the confluence of the Little Choctawhatchee and the Choctawhatchee River.

In our time together, I certainly sensed what I take to be the results of 30 years of your experience in the outdoors with such a variety of venues and kids, as you explained your background to me. Your ease at camp, your ease on the water, your beautiful balance between forthright instruction and gentle encouragement with Matthew (and me!) all have been honed, I think, through your years doing this work. I think you are indeed a treasure.

One of the many creatures that shared the Choctawhatchee with us 7/10 - 7/14/09.

In fact, I think you might be hiding your light under a bushel. I know how diligently you are working on OWLS with the inner city kids – what a marvelous ministry. But I think your talents are so broad and deep that you would do well to serve other communities. I’m thinking of church groups, community-based groups, outfitter stores that offer outings like the one we were on. Your special touch with adolescents is quite rare – as most people will avoid that age group because the kids are so (appropriately) difficult. I think there are an increasing number of schools – especially private schools – that offer “real life,” practical experiences for their students. They should hire you!

The soapstone walls of the riverbank continually flowed with water, creating these "fernfalls" rather than ordinary waterfalls.

And by the way, I appreciate you providing such superb equipment and food – it certainly made our life easy to just follow your “what to bring” instructions – and then enjoy ourselves.

Making camp as the sun drops below the horizon.

It was particularly fun to do an exploratory trip with you, as I understand this was your first trip down the Choctawhatchee – a most beautiful and remote area. I was able after the first day to disconnect completely from the onslaught of work and things at home, and get a true mental rest and physical workout.

Yes, dads can still enjoy rope swings too!

Thanks again.

Cordially,
George

"Paddling With a Purpose"

2009-06-18T22:13:00.000-07:00

Reading and Responding to This Message is Crucial

UPDATE: My sincere thanks go out to those who faithfully contributed their prayers and monetary contributions in conjunction with this year's canoe-a-thon. My prayers also are lifted to heaven for all those who, due to the unrest in our economy, felt that they could not help sustain this ministry this year. I assure all of you that the vision of the Outdoor Wisdom Leadership School will remain clear through it all and we will continue to trust the Lord as He shows us ways to impact others through OWLS programs. Since OWLS is a year-round operation, funding is an ongoing need. I strongly encourage all of you to join those ministry partners who pray for us regularly and make monthly contributions to sustain this ministry. - Ben
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Perhaps the most important thing you can do this year for the OWLS ministry and for the disinherited inner-city kids we scholarship on numerous adventures each year is to support my participation in the "Paddling With a Purpose" canoe marathon, being held this year on the Current River in MO, July 21 - July 30. With your help and that of the friends you encourage to partner with us, the funds raised during this epic journey will determine our ability to meet the programming needs for the remainder of the year.

By now, you should have already received my email explaining the various ways you can partner with me in "Paddling with a Purpose": Paddling your own boat and raising sponsors for your physical efforts, Contributing $X.00 for every one of the 125 miles that I will paddle, Organizing a team of supporters to pledge contributions and prayers for this event, Sharing the news with everyone else on your email list, etc. If you didn't get that email or cannot locate it now, please send me an email (BenSimms@aol.com) requesting it NOW, before any procrastination has a chance to interfere. As we are warned in Galatians 6:9-10, it is crucial at times like this that we do not grow weary in doing what God has called us to. I cannot do that without your help. Thank you and God bless you! - Ben

Worship, Paddle, and Camp on the Nolichucky - April 17-19, 2009

2009-05-12T12:47:00.001-07:00

Brandon at Big Rocks. Hey, doesn't it work better with the boat on top of the water?

The April WPC on the Nolichucky River with Paddlers 4 Christ was absolutely fabulous! Sounding somewhat like a soundtrack from the musical "Oliver," many of the participants reportedly had been heard singing "Rain, Glorious Rain" as bucketfulls fell on the days and weeks before the weekend but then stopped just long enough for us to enjoy our choices of runs on good water before raining again on our way home. God is so good!

Our group of 19 divided up into three parties paddling different stretches of the river. Several opted for a rather relaxing trip by just putting in at Sawmill and paddling the river down to our camp at Big Rocks and spending the rest of the time in camp, tending fires, fellowshipping, and enjoying the beauty of God's creation and the soothing effects of the river's flowing water.

Some paddled that section as a warm up and then joined a few others on a descent of the Nolichucky Gorge led by Wes Bradley and "Wayner" Dickert.

Scott enjoying his Viper on the Noli.

Four of us, Britt Lassiter, Andrew "The Author" Smith, Rob "Chicago" Wilkinson, and myself, Ben "Flowmaster" Simms took the longer Class II, III paddle by putting in at Chestoa and paddling all the way down to Big Rocks. At every rapid or bend in the river, Andrew enlightened us with detailed descriptions, nearby attractions, and the history of the area. He has paddled this river literally hundreds of times and written a guidebook which I believe he must have recited in its entirety to us as we paddled.

Taking a lunch break on a river left sandbar, from left to right: Britt, Rob, and Andrew with their kayaks. I, as the only open boater (canoeist) in our group was relegated to picture taking.

For our Sunday morning worship, Wayner delivered a thought provoking message from God's Word just as was expected after hearing him at several "River of Life" services up at NOC.

Special mention must be made of Cheryl Killman who did almost all the planning for this WPC and unfortunately ended up only being able to paddle a short distance due to a combination of leaky raft and the time it took to get her back to the campsite. She took most of the photos during the weekend and, as usual, always put forth a joyful attitude regardless of the circumstances.

Rob, by the way, earned the persistence award by driving the 11 hours it took him to get from Chicago, IL down to Jonesboro, TN. He sent us back a long message of thanks and praise, starting out with, "I had an awesome time paddling and was really encouraged to be paddling with other Christians." Then adding, "I enjoyed seeing God's creation and talking to Ben, Britt, and Andrew." He finishing up by saying, "It was great to meet other (paddlers) who love Jesus and (I) want to say I had a great time and I hope to make it to another WPC."

Thanks Rob! I pray that everyone had a great time and a Godly time during this beautiful weekend and I know we all hope to paddle with you again soon.

Spring Break Adventure in the 10,000 Islands

2009-03-18T18:17:00.000-07:00

We've returned from the Spring Break '09 trip and it couldn't have been much better! If you missed out on this trip and want to be sure space is available for this trip next year or if you want to join us on any of our upcoming adventures, don't wait to contact me to register or schedule a custom trip for you, your family, or your group. (BenSimms@aol.com)

While we are never really certain of what our Creator will show us on any particular trip, some of the things we remember about this one were the unbelievably fantastic weather, the manatee swimming right up under one of our canoes, the ospreys warning us away from their nest, the porpoises racing in circles around us and then jumping for the sky, sand bars with so many fiddler crabs that the entire surface seemed to move, a bull shark sharing a quiet cove with us, colorful sunrises and sunsets, pelicans everywhere, sandbars covered with birds and sandy beaches with nothing but the finest white powder sand, mangrove trees growing so close that even the fish and crabs sometimes had trouble working their way out, sea shells everywhere we turned, ducks, cormorants, egrets, herons, and many more birds that we are still trying to identify.

Osprey were seen tending their young, catching fish and rodents, and flying high overhead as we traveled the Blackwater River out to the Gulf. Nests were built on signposts and treetops; wherever they felt they could be safe and see the approach of any possible danger. The Bible tells us to soar like the eagle and it's no wonder why these big raptors are often mistaken for just that.

Birds of a feather usually flock together but there were those rare occasions where pelicans and cormorants would share the same roost.

We couldn't escape the watchful eye of this pelican as he allowed us to scare up a meal or two for him in the protected lagoon he seemed to prefer.

We launched from Collier-Seminole State Park, located on Royal Palm Hammock, which is the site of the largest grove of native Royal Palms in the country.

The porpoises seemed to enjoy playing with us as they would sneak up and surprise us by blowing air and making sounds that reminded us of a horse's snort. Several even performed some aerial maneuvers such as high jumps, flips, and their own version of the belly flop.

Royal Palms are known for their distinctive green headstalks and consistently shaped tops.

These red mangrove trees were right in front of our base camp location and provided a great example of how the 10,000 Islands are continuing to form with each passing year.

Here is a view of the same trees from my tent at low tide with the customary orange Florida sunset.

This photo shows just how clear the water in the 10,000 Islands and Rookery Bay area can be. It has the same appearance as some of the springfed freshwater Florida streams.

One last shot as we finished taking down the tents and packing for the paddle back home. Beach camping just doesn't get any better than this!

We had a driftwood fire to sit around each night and discuss all the days sights and lessons.

On the way past Turtle Key, I shot this photo of side-by-side black (on the left) and red mangrove trees. Notice that the red mangrove has the distinctive prop roots whereas the black mangrove has smaller air roots somewhat like the cypress knees we were more familiar with.

God has done some amazing work in sculpturing landforms in the area, both for our delight and for our challenge. This sandbar was about 1/2 mile long and the tide was still over two hours away from complete low tide. Rather than portage the fully loaded canoes over the rough sand and shells, we elected to explore another hidden bay in search of a short cut. It was shorter but, in the process, we ended up paddling in about 5" of water over some very sticky mud for about an hour.

Although we often imagined ourselves as being alone, we had to admit that we were always being watched.

The protected waters of the tidal river basin were glassy as we paddled back up on a rising tide.

Caving Trip to North Georgia

2009-02-02T19:36:00.000-08:00

During the weekend of January 24th, I caught up on my 2 hour per week commitment by accompanying an active group of Boy Scouts on their exploration of several caves including Pettyjohn's, Howard's Waterfall, and Tumbling Rocks. We were inside all day but, by the time we climbed back to the surface, our clothes showed proof that the rain outside had worked its way down into the caves.

MLK Weekend - Canoe-Camping in Ocala

2009-01-22T10:51:00.001-08:00

Over the long MLK, Jr. weekend, January 16 - 19, a group of 21, mostly members of Men's Fraternity in Atlanta joined by family and friends, enjoyed camping and canoeing with OWLS in Florida's Ocala National Forest. We operated out of a base camp set up at Fore Lake, just off Hwy 314, which allowed us to reach the Silver River and Juniper Springs access points with very little effort. Friday evening when most of our group arrived was on the chilly side, reminding us to thank God for our warm sleeping bags and the gift of fire.

Saturday morning, was spent enjoying breakfast, checking out gear, waiting for the few who had opted to stay in a motel the previous night, and telling tales about other people and paddling trips we had enjoyed. After everyone had assembled, PFD's were distributed and tried on for size, we said a prayer of praise, thanks, and for safety through the day, and then we headed over to Ray Wayside Access to the Silver River.

Last minute safety review and pre-launch prayer at Ray's.

Unloading the canoe trailer went smoothly and everyone was quickly headed down the canal to meet the Silver River where we would paddle the five miles upstream to Silver Springs. These springs gush forth 550 million gallons (over 2 billion liters) of crystal clear water every day creating the largest natural artesian spring formation in the entire world. The waters of Silver Springs and the Silver River are so transparent that this has become a favorite location for the filming of underwater scenes in many movies and television shows, most notably Tarzan and SeaHunt. In fact, the Rhesus monkeys which populate the jungle-like surroundings are, by most accounts, descendants of escapees from the filming of the Johnny Weissmuller Tarzan movie series.

While most visitors to Silver Springs go there to ride the glass-bottom boats, visit Ross Allen's Reptile Institute, Deer Park, the antique car collection, or even play at the Wild Waters water park, we all agreed that the best part of the paddle was the travel up the river. It was here that we could see so much of God's creative genius and also acquire a better understanding of our place and His plan for us.

After reaching the Springs, we noticed the sun sitting lower in the sky and the wildlife, particularly the many alligators, starting to become restless as it neared feeding time for them. We judiciously made our way back downstream, up the canal, loaded up our gear, and headed back to camp, where we enjoyed huddling around the campfire while waiting for the genuine low country boil to get just right for our consumption.

After such a busy day, eating and discussions soon gave way to checking our eyelids for leaks. Saturday night was comfortably warm compared to the previous night and everyone slept comfortably until daybreak.

We started Sunday morning, of course, with a fireside worship service with several members of our party leading discussions and reading Bible passages concerning the Lord's use of parables, creation, and our experiences to teach us things He knows we need to understand, drawing strongly from Romans 1 and Psalm 19. Some of the living parables observed and discussed included:
1.) The “Laodecian Syndrome” as demonstrated by that uneasiness when we are not fully in or out of our canoes.
2.) The wide and narrow paths as illustrated by strainers across the wider river.
3.) The universality of God’s laws as seen in the rain or the flow of water downhill.
4.) Our need for a Savior related to our need for our PFD’s.
5.) Our place as members of Christ’s body illustrated by rain, springs, tributaries, etc.
6.) The armor of God as it relates to the paddler’s outfitting requirements.
7.) Encouragement, Teamwork, and Goalsetting as these relate to tandem canoeing.
8.) Importance of seeking the good and making every effort count re: paddle strokes.
9.) God’s untiring grasp of us as we consider the unrelenting grip of the alligator's bite.
10.) His lighting the way for us and His showing navigators the way with the stars.

Much of our worship time was spent pondering parable of the "Living Water" as we discussed the triune nature of God as displayed in the immense hidden resource of the underground river, the springs which show us the power and character of that otherwise hidden resource, and the stream banks which channel that refreshment and power right to where it is needed. We also noticed how, even though the water may be right at our feet, many will choose not to drink from or cool off in it's regenerating flow.

Following are just a few photos of some of the participants on this outing:

Three generations of Turner in one canoe!

The other two Turner boys paddling Juniper Creek.

Proof that "Yours Truly" really does go on these trips.

Clay and McClain Bradley heading to Silver Springs.

The Ritchie girls on the Silver River.

Todd and Preston Blair getting the requisite whistle before launching.

Bob and Jackie Tolford (w/Big Red) at Ray's Wayside.

Ron and Griffin Holmes assist in unloading and staging the canoes.

Vicki and Jackie reflecting the sunshine back at us in Silver Springs.

Ross Bickers waits to lead the charge up the river to Silver Springs.

Joel, Aaron, and Zachary heading up the Silver River.

Todd and Preston are all smiles as they search for the monkeys of Silver River.

Ron Holmes wins the undisputed title for the "I'd do anything" award as he searches for Griffin's lost glasses.

Griffin looks back toward the camera as he starts down Juniper Creek.

Bob was moved to play "How Great Thou Art" for us during a pause in our paddle through the Juniper Prairie Wilderness Area.

Tom, Ron, Tim, and the boys watch as a couple of kayakers move out ahead of us.

And, of course, most people look at this blog to see photos of some of the abundant wildlife we encountered while paddling thorough the streams of Ocala National Forest. The following are just a few of the literally hundreds of pictures we took during the trip. I trust you will enjoy what you see here.

You're Invited!

2009-01-05T10:41:00.000-08:00

More and more people every month are finding out what a rewarding change of pace participation in an OWLS adventure can provide. Whether just for yourself or with a group of friends and family, the many trips we have open to everyone can provide a chance for spiritual renewal, strengthening family bonds, encouraging friendships, opportunities for outreach, or an adventure eco-tourism vacation experience you'll want to share with everyone.

In just a little over a week about 20 people, most members of the Men's Fraternity at Atlanta's Church of the Apostles and their sons, will be canoeing and camping with OWLS in the Ocala National Forest. We will paddle the Silver River, Juniper Springs and Creek, and the Ocklawaha River before returning home. Be sure to check back soon for a detailed trip report.

Our Presidents' Day weekend was holding hopes for a snowy experience as we backpacked some of the higher elevation trails in the Carolinas - until I realized that this was also Valentine's Day and that I had Jury Duty that Friday. Oops!

For Spring Break, we will return to the southwestern gulf coast of Florida for an awe inspiring 6-Day adventure canoe-camping the uninhabited 10,000 Islands region of the Everglades. Here's an introductory paragraph from our information sheet:

"Explore the 10,000 Islands section of Florida’s Everglades with the Outdoor Wisdom Leadership School on one of our more exotic adventures, as we canoe freshwater swamps, tidal rivers, and brackish estuaries on our way to the pristine white sand beach paradise of uninhabited gulf shore keys. Paddle through a maze of islands and mangrove estuaries, looking for dolphins, manatees and pelicans. Seek out white ibis, blue herons, pink spoonbills, and a colorful variety of other birds in this sub-tropical world where air plants and unusual flowers thrive. Visit one of the largest remaining stands of native Royal Palms and then the National Wildlife Refuge where endangered birds, alligators, manatees, and other creatures may be found. Join us on a trip you are sure to treasure the rest of your life!"

If you want full details or want to reserve some spots, get in touch right away as group size is limited and deadlines are imminent.

Also, please help the Outdoor Wisdom Leadership School and our work with inner-city teens by sharing this information and the link to this site with all your contacts. It makes a much bigger difference than you might imagine.

Odds and Ends at Summer's End

2008-11-06T18:43:00.001-08:00

Following are a number of photos taken during other miscellaneous outings this summer and early fall. Some are identified and others are left for your guessing. I hope you enjoy the photos. If you do, why not come along with us sometime soon?

Thankfully it usually takes many seasons before we have to retire a boat, but retirement does come regularly to several each year. Much like the rotting wood of a dead tree gives life to a new seedling, this kayak still lives on in the repairs it enabled which allow us to use others even longer.

Providence Canyon - little wonder why this modern phenomena is also known as Georgia's "Little Grand Canyon."

Over 300 feet deep and caused by erosion over a period of less than 50 years!

Hikes along the streams of North Georgia always have a way of providing relief from the summer's heat.

Possibly the Chattooga II at low water.

My favorite plant to avoid in summertime.

Exploring the "South Metro 'Hooch" and its surprising beauty.

Discussing plans for the new county park during our lunch break along the Chattahoochee with the Southeastern Sense of Place Institute.

The Great Blue Heron is one of our regular participants on all river trips.

God paints His own "stained glass" along Amicalola Creek as fall makes its appearance.

Middle School Odyssey Trip for Hill Country Montessori

2008-08-19T18:47:00.001-07:00

If Ayn Rand had written her own version of Lord of the Flies, the final work would very likely have been a perfect retelling of the Odyssey Trip for the Hill Country Montessori School. Unlike any of the other adventures we have been asked to plan for groups, rather than focusing on God, His character, and His plan for us, this group actually asked me to avoid discussing Him. Well, as Jesus is quoted in Luke 19:40, if we don't speak even the stones will cry out His praises. It may not have been the stones but God did show Himself in the storms He brought this group, both figuratively and literally!

Pre-launch safety and other important trip details are given due attention by most (all but one) participant.

On the afternoon of July 28, we finished setting shuttle, packing the canoes, and set out from the boat ramp at Chickasaw Trace on what was supposed to be a five day journey down the Duck River. The intent was to help the students bond as a team and challenge themselves with new experiences and, with a cooling swim in the river and a relatively easy paddle, when we stopped to make camp that first night, it looked like everything was right on track. After a quick lesson in how to set up the tents and deal with bathroom needs, everyone ate their fill of a good hot chicken, rice, cheese, and vegetable meal, discussed our plans for an early start the next morning, and retired for the night in our tents.

The hot summer days made an occasional cooling dip in the water almost irresistable.

The following morning I had breakfast prepared by 6:30 AM and the middle school girls and their teachers were up and packed just as planned. The boys, on the other hand, showed absolutely no desire to exert themselves in the least. After much too long a delay, apparently expecting others to pack their gear for them, they complained that the breakfast had been packed away before they were ready to eat, and then only halfheartedly moved to put their gear in the canoe I decided to put the two of them in together. I sent the others on ahead so they wouldn't have to paddle so long in the heat of the day, certain that these young men would jump into gear in their effort to outdo or at least catch up with the girls and everyone else. Was I ever wrong!

Two computer crashes after entering all the sordid details has saved you from reading about the miriad of problems caused by the lack of teamwork and the self-absorbed attitudes shown by some members of this group. The remainder of the trip left no doubt that, when God and the purpose He gives is removed from life, the result is a collection of meaningless actions without any real purpose. If you really want all the minute-by-minute, blow-by-blow details, give me a call and we can discuss it over lunch.

Clifford, who runs the "Sense of Place Institute" demonstrates his excellent sense of place when it comes to tent site selection .

It took an act of God but finally we got to see the kids working together as a team.

July 2008 Paddlers 4 Christ WPC on the Duck River

2008-07-20T15:31:00.000-07:00

My calendar had July 9 - July, 20 2008 scheduled for the July P4C WPC. For those who aren't familiar with the notation, P4C stands for Paddlers for Christ which is a group of Christian Paddlers who desire to find opportunities to share the "Living Water" with others as they paddle and fellowship in various locations. WPC stands for Worship, Paddle, and Camp which are the three major focuses of these P4C fellowships. While most WPCs are only over a weekend, particularly with the increasing gasoline prices, requests had been coming in for longer periods of time to be devoted to these opportunities combined with more unfamiliar rivers. Summer vacations and Tennessee's Duck River seemed like the perfect combination for answering these requests. Also, since the next OWLS outing was tentatively planned to take place on the Duck River, this gave me the chance to scout out the best sections of the river for that trip, locate potential campsites, and discover any river hazards we needed to avoid.

As it turned out, this WPC made the record books in three different categories. It was the longest timewise with 11 days, it was the longest in terms of river mileage at 177 river miles covered from initial launch to final take-out, and it was the smallest turnout of any uncancelled WPC, particularly if you consider the average number of participants per day paddled.

The Lord was my constant companion and encourager along the way and He regularly brought others alongside to make the trip easier and more pleasurable.

The first really neat example of this was, on Day 1, about a mile or so above the first dam I would have to portage, I came upon Brian Wofford, a teacher at The Webb School in Bell Buckle, and a couple of his kids. Brian had heard of OWLS and been studying our programs to see how they might enhance what he is doing with Project WILD, the Webb School's outdoor program. They were a lot of fun to talk with and a great help in negotiating the portage around the Lillard's Mill dam.

Not only did they help carry my heavily loaded canoe around the dam but the following morning Brian met me at a bridge farther downstream and helped me relocate my car in a safer spot farther downstream.

As I landed at the Shelbyville dam, the blessings came in the form of a number of the town's homeless men. They showed lots of interest in my "expedition" and then offered to help me portage around that dam. One of them, which I turned down, even suggested that I should stop over for the night at his campsite under the next bridge.

It wouldn't be right to enter this trip report without mentioning Doug Murphy, Director of the Tennessee Duck River Agency, who helped make this trip possible in numerous ways. He encouraged me time and again by showering accolades on his river. He provided detailed maps and information concerning access points, portages, mileage, and other crucial data. He offered to provide quick response in case of emergencies. After a very expensive and exasperating day including having my car break down and having to have it towed to Columbia, he also bought me lunch and helped me set shuttle in Centerville where I finally took out.

It was a long trip and toward the end my goal turned from enjoying the scenery and marking potential campsites to making more miles each day and getting back home. I was able to accomplish my goal of determining the best section for the upcoming "Odyssey" trip and plotting enough campsites on my maps to offer the kids plenty of flexibility during that trip.

Below are a few of the many photos I took during the WPC. I certainly hope you make the next one with me!

The upper sections of the Duck River were often lined with rocky bluffs.

Some of the riverside bluffs were deeply undercut providing comfortable sheltered campsites.

Other bluffs were pockmarked with cave entrances. Some were dry and others, like this, had small streams of water flowing out of them all the time.

This Great Blue Heron seemed to stay just ahead of me throughout the entire trip. He always saw me coming long before I spotted him, making photographing him a real challenge.

This little fellow and several of his older relatives were my companions during the first few evenings on the Duck River.

Most of the older bridges have been replaced with new concrete structures but, in many locations, the old steel frames of the original bridges remain like giant erector set projects.

The deer were everywhere along the river and I spotted several of them each day.

Spotting a family of Bald Eagles near Williamsport and following the big male for another mile or so downriver was really exciting.

When approaching shoals or one of the dams, the river often took on a mirror-like appearance.

The mussels found in the banks and along the gravel bars grew to 6" or more in size. If the water was a little bit cleaner, each one would be a meal in itself. There must have been lots of chubby Indians living along this river in years gone by.

A week on the river without a mirror and without anyone telling me what I looked like can create some pretty scary results.

At my final takeout, in Centerville, TN, just down the road from Grinders Switch and 177 river miles downstream from Normandy Dam where the trip began, it's just Minnie Pearl and me.

Paddle GA 2008 on the Flint River, June 21 - 27

2008-07-02T11:26:00.000-07:00

Just as in previous years, the Outdoor Wisdom Leadership School was represented in Paddle GA 2008 by a flotilla of canoes, kids, and mentoring adults. Unlike other times however, this year the number of participants and the organizations served changed so many times that I often found myself cycling wildly between not knowing if we would have enough boats, tents, and other gear to not knowing if we would have anyone at all.

Without mentioning specific names of the youths, some of the ministries and churches which had kids which were and then were not participating were Lindsay Street Baptist Church, Sandy Springs Mission, Peachtree Presbyterian, Techwood Girls Ministry, Christ Church, Perimeter Church, ReCreation Ministries, and the Salvation Army. By the time we arrived for on-site registration on June 21, we were still trying to figure out who was using whose prepaid registration and whose meals they would be eating during the week. Even after the final registration we had changes as participants altered their schedules and, in the case of one challenged young lady, had to be hospitalized on their way to our campsite.

With the low and slow water, the days were difficult and hot but, with the addition of each little tributary, just like additional members joining a team or workgroup, as we made our way downstream each day's paddle was a bit easier than the day before.

Discussions of the area's previous inhabitants, their use of the resources, and their interaction with each other (both ethical and unethical) demonstrated how people really haven't changed at all over the years but also how God provides all that we truly need. Now if we could only somehow allow everyone to capture Paul's ability to be satisfied with any situation in which we find ourselves.

Some of the discussions I had one-on-one with some of the kids were pretty different from what I usually experience. Statements like, "None of this is real. I and this world don't really exist. My mind only dreamed all this up." or more mundane topics like the intricasies of operating a group home for kids and incorporating foster children into a home can certainly get your mind off the tedium of flat water paddling for longer than you might imagine.

Despite the struggles of Paddle GA 2008 - 95 miles on the Flint River before the last day of the trip, at least seven people had already made tentative plans to be part of the OWLS flotilla in Paddle GA 2009 as we paddle the Broad and Savannah Rivers. I hope you will contact us soon to join in as well. If you can't join us, be there in spirit by sponsoring one or more impoverished youths who would otherwise have to miss out on this adventure.
The buzz among the paddlers was that shirts would be produced that said, "I Walked the Flint, Paddle GA - Drought 2008." Yes, as a result of the extended periods of drought we had had, the water level was very low. Everyone, myself included, had to walk some of the route, especially in the upper stretches.

Eli, Brad, and everyone else for that matter enjoyed escaping the summer heat by cooling off in the swimming holes we found all along the way.

"Look out below" as Ashleigh enjoys a cooling leap from one of the many rock outcroppings found along the Flint River.

Here Warren helps identify and count the fish, snails, and other creatures found in the river. They were particularly interested in seeing some of the indiginous Halloween Darters which provided the basis for some mighty strained humor during the week.

This picture of Lizzy and Ashleigh being followed by Christy and Vicki, as they paddled by some of the wide Flint River sandbars, must have been taken around midday on Day 3 of Paddle GA 2008.

The "Dripping Rocks" waterfall was a pleasant side hike for those of us who figured hiking in the woods made as much sense as hiking down the river.

Vicki and Lizzy paddle intently as they finally find some deep and fast flowing water.

On day three of the trip, a number of us stopped along the way to tour the mock-up of a Creek Indian settlement as it might have appeared in the days of local Indian Agent and trader, Benjamin Hawkins.

Here is Lizzy giving it her best as she tried to duplicate the flight of the birds who easily soared from the rocks and trees along the Flint.

Looking like something reminiscent of a commando training maneuver, Leonard and Warren tried to sneak up on me as I photographed the others.

Ashleigh, Christy, and Lizzy provide a lovely backup trio to the lead singer, Eli, as he enjoys his moment of fame leading everyone in several Karaoke tunes.

Brad and Warren approach the "finish line" after spending a week together paddling the old reliable BlueHole canoe.

Eli (and I'm sure - although his arms were probably too tired to show it - Leonard) celebrate their approach to the final boat ramp at the end of Paddle GA 2008.

Here's a shot of those in our group who made it all the way down the Flint River, shortly after our final take-out in Oglethorpe, GA. From left to right: Christy, Brad, Warren, Eli, Leonard, Emma, and Ben. (Not here at the final day's take-out were Anne, Allison, Bath-Shebba, Victor, Mahogany, Ashleigh, Lizzy, and Vicki.)

One of the most memorable experiences for some of the OWLS group was being able to see, meet, talk to and eat with former GA governor and US president, Jimmy Carter, at the "River's End" celebration.

Kayak Camp at Buffalo Mountain

2008-06-09T19:31:00.000-07:00

June 1 - June 6, 2008 I answered the call to help introduce a special group of boys and girls in Buffalo Mountain's Kayak Camp to whitewater kayaking. The camp theme for the summer was a direct quote from John 7:38, "If you believe in me, streams of living water will flow from within you" and kayak camp provided many wonderful opportunities for discovery, investigation, and discussion of the "Living Water" (Holy Spirit). Our experiences on the river mirrored the Bible studies done back in camp and everyone grew closer to the Lord and to each other as we noted how God's love for us was revealed at every turn.

Some of our time was spent fitting kayaks to campers and developing some familiarity with the Jackson Kayaks on and around the camp's pond but most of our time was devoted to paddling in moving water on the Nolichucky River which flows nearby. The Nolichucky, like most southeastern rivers, showed the effects of our lengthy drought. Since several of the kids were not comfortable with either their wet exits or rolls, and since the water was relatively low, we aired up an inflatable raft, placing it in duty alongside the kayaks, providing a change of pace and a moving playground as we made our way downstream.

Here I am in the big green Jackson Super Hero which I paddled all week long at Kayak Camp.

Jess Christian, shown here making good eye contact as she helps a paddler learn to roll, has directed Buffalo Mountain Camp's whitewater paddling program for a number of years and her love for the Lord, love for the sport, and love for the kids shows in everything she does. It is always a pleasure working and/or paddling with her.

Canoes for Summer Camps for the underprivileged

2008-05-20T20:41:00.000-07:00

Once again this summer, literally hundreds of underprivileged and inner-city kids had the chance to try their hand at paddling, learning to communicate with each other, and determine their destination as the Outdoor Wisdom Leadership School made our tandem canoes, kayaks, and Sit-On-Tops available to a number of summer camp programs. Sometimes only 12 or 16 at a time but often 30 or more boys and girls would eagerly fill the boats and race across the lake or down a river.

English Avenue Community Revitalization

2008-05-11T20:27:00.000-07:00

On May 10th the Outdoor Wisdom Leadership School was pleased to be part of the 150+ volunteer force which responded to requests from the English Avenue Community Development Corporation to work on eight specific problem sites within the neighborhood. Our specific area of concern was to clean weeds, bottles, cans, wire, drug paraphernalia and other debris from around an abandoned and boarded up apartment project at 744 North Avenue. It was hot, dirty, and difficult but, at the end of the day, the impact of our labors was evident. As a matter of fact, it was our site that was chosen to be featured in the organization's followup newsletter!

OWLS Coastal Island Adventure with Sandy Springs Mission

2008-04-20T19:43:00.000-07:00

The Outdoor Wisdom Leadership School owes thanks to quite a number of individual people willing to share their blessings so that the Spring Break retreat provided to the middle school and high school youth of the Sandy Springs Mission might be the effective, thoughtful, and fun time that it was. First of all Chip Drury and his family for making their unique properties available for our use, to Chuck Stutsman and the boys of Scout Troop 40 in Mountain City for lending OWLS their cargo trailer so I could round up all our remaining mountain bikes, to Buz Stone and the other members of the Lake Rabun Foundation for purchasing that trailer for the Scouts and then letting me know of its availability, to Mike Timma who volunteered to pull that trailer back to Atlanta from the coast and, even though that eventually became unnecessary since nobody volunteered to pull it down, still drove over from Jacksonville to fellowship with us and spend time discussing some key spiritual matters with the kids. Esther and Elsa came along to chaperone and mentor the girls. Then there are the faithful ministry partners whose regular monetary contributions help keep the OWLS ministry going by providing the funding we use to provide these learning experiences. I'm sure others will come to light as I write this entry into the blog and the greatest thanks of all goes to our Lord, our Creator, and our loving Savior who allows OWLS to be used for His glory and to show others how to spread the Light of the World wherever they go.

This is what "Jed Clampet" Simms looked like April 9, 2008 as I finally headed out Wednesday afternoon for Laurel Island after working for a couple of days, disassembling the bikes so they would fit in the bottom of the canoe trailer, packing tents, food and other gear all the way to the roof inside the car and then putting the kayaks on the roof. I got lots of incredulous looks on the way down but miraculously didn't lose anything.

Pastor Felix Lora drove the bus down Thursday morning with all the kids aboard, making a stop on nearby Jekyll Island so everyone could stretch their legs on the wide beaches and cool off in the sea. Felix later told me that some of the kids had expressed surprise at the saltiness of the sea water. This demonstrated once again how experience truly completes the education that is only started in a typical classroom. I took that time to unload the boats (with help from Jim on the last few), reassemble the bikes and check their operation, unload and spray down the bike helmets, hang up all the PFDs and paddles, begin setting up tents, do some litter collection, run to the store for some of the food and fish bait that wouldn't fit in the car on the way down, lay a few logs in the fire pit, and start preparing the chicken, rice, and vegetable casserole and the beef stew I brought for everyone's dinner.

About 6:30, April 10th, the bus pulled into our campsite at the end of Laurel Island and out stepped Felix, shortly followed by Johnny, Natalia, Pamela, Esther, Jesus ("Chucho"), Leonel ("Chuchito"), Jiselle, Esteban, Alvaro, Jenny, "The Siamese Twins" Damali and Tito, Rubi, Jose R., Ednand, Elsa, Bryan, Antonio, Emanuel, Juliana, AJ, Jose, Enmanuel, Evelyn, and Luis. The boys jumped into helping complete setting up the camp and the girls surveyed the area and lined up for the blessing and dinner, followed shortly thereafter by the boys. It always amazes me how these kids can eat and the complements they give my cooking. After allowing seconds in an orderly fashion, I opened up the leftovers for anyone who wanted them and hardly had to clean the pots afterward. I also realized right away that keeping them hydrated might be an issue on this outing since they couldn't seem to make themselves drink the strong smelling coastal well water, even when mixed with PowerAide or lemonade mix. I must confess my disappointment when I think about the money needlessly wasted on bottled water due to finicky taste buds.

After dinner, a number of us went over to get the fire started and, in keeping with Felix's stated theme for the retreat of "Being an Influencer," discussed how the various pieces of wood would share the heat they had with others around them, influencing them to also burst into flame and spread the warmth to that many more. They indicated they saw the application of how the influence they had on those around them would eventually spread to many more people and how much more beneficial it would be if that influence was warm and loving rather than cold and cruel.

Felix took the last bit of afterglow to try his hand at fishing and soon had his first of many fish on the hook.

Here is a picture of Felix showing off his first fish in front of the Laurel Lady, a beautiful Chris Craft reportedly built in the 1920's.

Kids always enjoy poking sticks at a campfire. It is such a relief when the campfire is surrounded by sand and we don't have to be concerned about starting a wildfire with all those sparks. How I love beach and sandbar camping!

We all woke up to a very foggy Friday morning. Visibility was realistically only about 30 feet! Right after a breakfast of French toast and bacon, Felix led everyone in a time of Bible Study and devotional discussing what it means to be an "influencer" and the importance of keeping with our God-given purpose of being the "Salt of the Earth."

After the devotional, we divided up the group and traded turns at paddling and biking. The wide waters of the coastal rivers might have been intimidating but the weather was beautiful and the wind was rather mild. We did have a few of the guys discover firsthand what can happen to a boater when he paddles the shallows on a falling tide but they were shortly back afloat and the mud will eventually wash off. Thank goodness the way they influenced others was to demonstrate the sticky, uncomfortable, messy situations that result from taking the wrong path with the result that the others stayed in deeper water. The tandem canoes also gave each of them chances to feel the influence of the other paddlers, the wind, and the current on the boats. These feelings created conversations (and some slight arguments) over the positive or negative influence each was having and also comparisons of what happens to people who just go wherever the winds or currents of society make travel easier for a time, in contrast to those who have specific goals and take the appropriate strokes (or actions) needed to efficiently reach those goals.

Felix and the girls take a break on the main road through the island during their time on the bikes. Some of the many issues we always have to deal with when biking can also be the source of parables expressing the importance of our part as members of a team or the Body of Christ. So many little parts seem so insignificant and yet, when removed from the whole, the body cannot function properly. Take a tube out of a tire, a bolt from a clamp, or a link from a chain and the negative influence of that missing "insignificant part" is felt immediately. Conversely, when replaced, the bike (and likewise the body) can function as was intended.

Everyone seemed to enjoy fishing! Even when I was too tired to take another step, I could look toward the dock or the edge of the island bluffs and find scenes like this of the kids and Felix pulling in fish and crabs.

Sometimes the crabs took some retaliatory action as proven by the blood you can see on Felix's thumb in this photo.

Friday night, with the aid of Don Drury's gas burner and Mark Drury's extra large pot, along with some helpful reassurance from Cicero, I did my part to get everyone in the proper coastal mood by cooking a low country shrimp boil. As everyone scooped up the spicy shrimp, corn, potatoes, carrots, celery, crawfish, and even Felix's crab, I was pleased to hear more praise for the cooking and the God who made it all possible.

Mike Timma who I met through our Paddlers for Christ group arrived just in time to enjoy dinner with us and then spend some real quality time with Alvaro talking about our assurance of heaven, what part God plays in that, and just how much of a difference our efforts and hard work play in the process. Without realizing it, Mike did a wonderful job of introducing Felix's devotional the next day which included the fact that we are all sinners and yet we can, through God's grace, continue to be the Salt of the Earth.

Saturday morning, after a quick breakfast and hurriedly packing all our gear (with lots of much appreciated help from Mike), we headed over to Jekyll Island to hitch a ride on the Miss Lillie Carol for our ride across St. Andrews sound to the island where we would spend the rest of the day and the night. The photo above is of the first half of our group waving to the others as they made the trip to Raccoon Key. Some of them told me that this was the first time they had been "on a boat out in the ocean."

Raccoon Key was a private hunting and fishing preserve for many years and its attraction for wildlife is quite evident today. With a combination of fresh and salt water ponds, reeds, grasses, wildflowers, and even a few trees, it is home to entire flocks of Blue Heron, White Heron, Egret, Ibis, Cormorants, Hawks, Red Winged Blackbirds, Anhingas, Mallards, Coots, Black Ducks, and the usual Seagulls, Sand Pipers, Pelicans, and other birds commonly found along the coast. Four legged animals we noticed were numerous relatively small lizards, Alligators, Raccoons, rats, and mice.

Looking carefully at this picture you will notice one of the rare times Tito was able to be found apart from Damali, although I'm sure she was nearby on the shore waiting for his return. In the background is the famous Cumberland Island.

The refreshing ocean water was lots of fun and most of the kids apparently preferred swimming to showering in the "smelly" water even though Don had convinced some of them that there was a major shark danger in those waters.

When not swimming or playing in the water, the beach provided a great place to enjoy the sun, build sand castles, and build friendships.

Here's another shot of the sand castle engineers working together. Note that Damali has caught up with Tito on shore again.

We should probably call this photo "With a little help from my friends" since it took several friends to pull him out after breaking through the crust into the muddy ooze below while chasing a ball into the ocean. As the tide continued to run out, it looked as if we could have walked across the sands for a quick visit to Cumberland Island.

Here's Felix during Saturday evening's devotional in the lodge at Raccoon Key. See if you can make out the impressive duck and fish mounts on the wall behind him. Yes, we did do some fishing while at Raccoon Key also.

Here are the few, the strong, the brave who accompanied me to the beach to light our driftwood bonfire so the others could find their way to us. We had many more in our company when we started our hike out to the beach but the masses turned back when they began to notice the quantity of red eyes watching us as we slowly made progress between the ponds.

Once again realizing how the fire demonstrates the influence each of us has on those around us, we pulled up some logs and sat down to see what God might have in store.

As our eyes adjusted to the darkness we saw the clouds moving across the night sky, noticed a shooting star, and then entered a conversation dealing with knowing which way to go, how to find Polaris, the North Star, and how God has, from the beginning of time, provided us with everything we need to make the right decisions and become the people He wants us to be.

We also reflected upon how easy it was to see after we had spent some time in the darkness and how God might want us to realize how unaware we can become of sin if we spend to much time surrounded by it. It is the "Light of the World" which we need to see everything as it truly is.
Here are the rest of the boys and girls, traveling in a tightly packed group with Felix, like a giant centipede, on their tour of the "Red Eye District," searching the darkness with their flashlights for the alligators which are much easier to spot now than during the daylight. With the weather rapidly warming, we probably could not have safely done this in another three weeks or so, as the mature alligators would be nesting and becoming aggressively protective of their territory.

This is what the kids learned to look for in the water as they walked around the island together. More importantly, they learned to look underfoot and nearby for the tire-tread appearance of an alligator basking in the sunlight.

This was taken as we shared stories and fun while our driftwood fire slowly burned down during our last night together on Raccoon Key. Once again we realized that God was providing us with what we needed to stay warm and enjoy His creation. There wasn't anything in this fire that wasn't found washed up on shore or growing on the island.

Our Sunday morning worship included a responsive Bible reading by Pamela, the song "Lord We Lift Your Name On High" accompanied by yours truly on a twelve-string guitar loaned to us by Don, and a message by Felix dealing with patterns, history, habits, and how we don't need to abandon our heritage but do need to break destructive patterns we may have grown up with.

As we waited for our ride back across the sound, some of us sat and talked, others sat or lay down and rested, and others took the time for one last walk on the beach. Continuing the devotional topic somewhat, several of us sat on the dock and discussed our past and how it affects our ability to be a positive "Influencer." As I listened to the boys, I was drawn to pick up one of the many plain, unattractive oyster shells lying nearby. I reminded the young theologians that it isn't the fancy conch shells or even the sand dollars which usually make the most difference. Instead it is the unseemly oyster which often contains the valuable pearls. In the same way, God looks deep within us and sees a far greater worth than can be seen by those just looking at surface things. Furthermore, the pearl is a response to some bit of dirt or irritation entering the life of that oyster. In the same way, our past, even our mistakes and sin, can be transformed by God to make us even more able to glorify Him.
The last of our group approaching the Jekyll Marina safe and sound on the Miss Lillie Carol, at nearly 4 PM, after delays caused by Coast Guard inspections, low engine oil levels, fuel shortages, and the Sunday schedule in general. It was pretty obvious that Felix would not be making his originally planned 7 PM arrival back at the Sandy Springs Mission. I think that makes our record 100% for them returning late from OWLS adventures.
Here is one last shot of most of our group before boarding the Bluebird for the long ride home. I'm sure it was hard to get up the next morning and be excited about going back to school. But then again maybe not - they probably have more to talk about concerning what they did during Spring Break than anyone else.

– – OWLS 2008 Spring Paddle Marathon – – – – – Trip Report

2008-04-03T06:54:00.001-07:00

Well, it’s almost April and I do believe I’ve fully recovered from paddling 160.5 miles along the Suwannee River from Woods Ferry Access to the town of Suwannee, FL. I’d go ahead and publish this report right away if it weren’t for the fact that there might just be more than a reasonable number of doubters if I posted it too close to April Fools’ Day.

I paddled a Necky Looksha V kayak during this trip. It’s a relatively heavy, rotomolded, expedition kayak but, with its pronounced raised bow, steerable rudder, and high volume, I thought it would give me what I needed if the wind and waves turned nasty. As it turned out, the worst weather was during the times that I was off the water, and a canoe would probably have been a much more user-friendly selection. Mileage paddled was calculated with a Garmin Vista HC Global Positioning System.

Paddling Day 1

The Paddle Marathon to help raise support for the Outdoor Wisdom Leadership School’s programs for disinherited, at-risk teens started on Wednesday, March 19, 2008 with a very busy day which included driving, paddling, hitchhiking, driving some more, pre-running the last leg of the journey via motorboat, procuring a return ride for the following day back up to Live Oak, FL to meet up with the inaugural Paddle Florida contingent on Thursday, and trying to sleep through a tropical storm/hurricane while lying in a hammock behind a mobile home. Thank goodness the rest of the trip was much more relaxing!

I should take this time to let you know that, if you didn't make a sponsorship pledge before I left, you can still do this now as we have a long way to go to cover all program costs for the OWLS courses. Or, better yet, consider partnering with us and make a monthly contribution so we have a better idea of what we will have to work with in coming months!

I unloaded my kayak at the newly rebuilt Woods Ferry Access located at river mile 158. With all the work done there by the Florida Parks personnel and the very high water in the river, I hardly recognized it as the same place I had put-in during a canoe-camping trip back in February. The beach where I had launched before was completely underwater and I found it easier to just slide through the Palmettos into the rain swollen river than try and use the stairs which simply disappeared into the dark, tannin stained water flowing down from the Okefenokee Swamp. About 8 miles but only an hour and a half downstream, I was surprised to see the abandoned bridge which reminded me to look back over my shoulder on river left for the old Suwannee Springs site, usually high and dry but, on this day, only the very top edge of the old limestone ruins were visible.

After paddling (and feeling like I should duck) under the old Suwannee Springs bridge and, shortly thereafter, the following Hwy 129 Bridge, I realized just how close to flood stage the river was. All the usual spots to stop for lunch, set up camp, or just go for a cooling dip were gone and the trees that usually shaded us would now be obstacles to avoid as I paddled the recently swollen river. The good side of this was that the river was flowing at such a pace that the amount of paddling it usually took to go 2 or 3 miles per hour would now allow me to progress at about 6 miles per hour. Since my goal on this trip was to put river miles behind me, God was certainly answering my prayers and the prayers of those who were paddling along with me in spirit!

I pulled up (actually paddled over) the landing area at the Spirit of Suwannee Canoe Outpost and found a sturdy tree to which I could cable my kayak. Miraculously, a music fan, disappointed by the cancelled concert that weekend, was sitting there by the river with nothing better to do than run me back up to Woods Ferry to retrieve my car. Shortly I was on my way back down the highway to Suwannee, FL, the last bit of land before the Suwannee River runs into the Gulf of Mexico. Total mileage paddled this day was 8.9 miles.

The following day I was able to catch a ride back up to Live Oak with a delightful Russ McCallister, who along with his wife (and boss) Kay operate Suwannee Guides and Outfitter (352-542-8331) which organized the “Finish the River” event for those who didn’t see enough of the Suwannee during Paddle Florida. I highly recommend Kay and Russ if you are interested in fishing, paddling, sightseeing, or just happen to be in the Suwannee area for any reason at all. Once back at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, I made sure I was registered with Paddle Florida so I would be assured of the meals and campsites needed during the Paddle Marathon.

Paddling Day 2

The next day on the river was billed as a 21 mile paddle from Spirit of the Suwannee, with a rest stop/lunch break at Holton Creek River Camp, roughly 7.5 miles downstream. The night before had been frosty and the river was shrouded by thick fog as I approached the put-in spot.

My kayak was right where I had left it but was now in the company of over 100 other colorful boats awaiting the first day of the first Paddle Florida. Paddle Florida introduced many people to the Suwannee River and to paddling in general but I think the greatest benefit was the way it served to introduce the new improvements along the “Suwannee River Wilderness Trail” maintained under the auspices of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The paddling went quick and I arrived at the lunch stop by 9:45 that morning and had my tent set up by 2:30 at our campsite in Suwannee River State Park. Some of the memorable sights along the way included the fisherman pulling in a fish while sitting right where I had parked my vehicle a month earlier at the Florida Sheriffs Boys Ranch, the boat ramp under water at Gibson Park, a fast flowing Alapaha River actually adding enough flow to the Suwannee to be noticed, the numerous Live Oak and Cypress trees adorned with flowing gray beards of Spanish Moss, and an abundance of blossoming Wild Azalea, Hawthorne, and Dogwood. It was definitely early spring as demonstrated by the tiny, almost fuzzy beginnings of the Cypress needles beginning to form on the otherwise dead-looking branches. The GPS told me I must have been able to cut a few corners and that I paddled a total of only 20.8 miles on Friday.

Paddling Day 3

The trip from Suwannee River State Park, past the confluence with the Withlacoochee River, under the railroad bridge and the nearby Hwy. 90 Bridge, as well as I-10, and down to the lunch stop at Advent Christian Village, a retirement community in Dowling Park, took me as far downstream as I had ever paddled on the Suwannee River before. This segment of the trip was followed that afternoon by eleven more miles on the river, finally reaching the evening campsite and a much appreciated warm shower at Lafayette County’s Blue Springs State Park. Total mileage logged on Saturday was 24.7 miles.

Easter Sunday – Paddling Day 4

A Suwannee River Sunrise

Sunday started with my conducting a “Sonrise” service on a bluff overlooking the first magnitude Blue Spring which discharges up to 168 million gallons of water in a typical day. That’s over 7,100 cubic feet per second! Definitely no water shortage in this part of Florida! The topic of the lesson was “The Case for the Resurrection” and, in spite of the long mileage paddled by everyone the day before, about 60 people were there to sing (led by Charlie Cottingham on the guitar), worship together, and consider for themselves the importance of the empty tomb. A number of people asked for copies of the sermon and if you want one just email your request to BenSimms@aol.com and I’ll be glad to send you one as well. The woods around the site were full of some pretty, white, Atamasco lily flowers with six petals just beginning to bloom. It seemed especially fitting for an Easter morning.

Paddling on this “day of rest” was billed as “a relatively easy 13 miles.” It turned out to be even easier than that as, after taking time to study the interesting old “turnstile” bridge, compare it to the modern suspension bridge used at the Hwy. 51 crossing, and looking at the baby beaver my new friend, Guerry Bradley, pulled from a logjam, my GPS said I had reached the daily goal of Convict Springs, so named because the State of Florida housed chain gangs and ran a hard labor camp here back in the 1900’s, after only 11.8 miles on the river. Several sets of leg-irons have been found back in the 80 foot main cavern near the Spring Run and it is surmised that some of the convicts may have hopefully but unsuccessfully tried to use this as an escape route to the Suwannee River during low water periods.

Paddling Day 5

Monday morning I left my campsite near Convict Springs and continued downstream, stopping for lunch at Troy Springs, another of Florida’s thirty three 1st magnitude springs and site of the submerged remains of a Civil War era steamship, the Madison, sunk there by its Captain, James M. Tucker to keep it from falling into the hands of the invading Yankee troops. The original plan had been to lunch just beyond here at Little River Springs, a favorite spot for cave divers as the spring is the entrance to a cave system more than 1,200 feet long and 100 feet deep but we learned from one of the Park Rangers that the high waters had completely flooded that park and had caused Little River Spring to reverse flow creating a whirlpool flow somewhat like a giant bathtub drain.
"The Roost"

As I headed on downstream to the Paddle Florida campsite in Branford’s Ivey Memorial Park the numerous buzzards overhead and lining the ever widening riverbanks seemed to be hoping I wouldn’t make it. There were at least two types of buzzards sharing the trip with me: the larger Turkey Vulture with its red head which we see all around the southeast and the smaller but more aggressive Black Vulture which lives in FL all year long. The Black Vulture is easily distinguished when flying by the white tips on the underside of their wings. I understand from the rangers that, despite their nasty reputation, buzzards like to be clean and try to bathe daily. I often spotted them perched on a tree with outspread wings, waiting for them to dry. My theory however is that their penchant for baths is a result of their keen sense of smell and that, after eating, they just can’t stand themselves. When pulling out of the river just beyond the Branford Bridge that day, I had logged an additional 16.0 miles for the kids. Once there, the buzzards were replaced as my companions by numerous lizards, including Chameleons, Pine Lizards, and Skinks.

That evening I enjoyed a visit with Dr. Kenneth J. Sulak, perhaps better known as Florida’s “Sturgeon General.” He discussed various theories of why these strange looking fish have a habit of jumping straight up out of the water and falling back with a belly flop motion that makes a splash and noise that could just about cause a heart attack in those of us paddling alligator filled waters and have actually caused several deaths and injuries to motor boaters colliding with these aerial performers. Let me assure you that this is nothing like the Mullet which jump constantly or even the larger Bass or Mackerel. The Gulf Sturgeon grows to 8 feet in length, 200 pounds in weight, and jumps six to eight feet out of the water! There are signs at most boat ramps warning boaters to be careful not to collide with these giant fish.

Paddling Day 6

The next day I decided to make my put-in a bit easier by doing a rapid seal launch off the fifteen foot bluff above the Branford boat ramp. This resulted in a near mystery move and a splash that would have made any Gulf Sturgeon proud. Today the Buzzards and the occasional Great Blue Heron would escort me on a paddle down the Suwannee to the Santa Fe River where I would turn upstream for about a mile, making my lunch stop Sandy Point at Ellie Ray’s River Landing. Since the Suwannee had backed up into the Santa Fe, it took on the character of a swamp with the water covering any land one might otherwise have been able to see between and beyond the trees. I was particularly amused by a sign posted on a tree, completely surrounded by water for a far as you could see, reading “Beware of the Dog.” Must be quite some dog!

After taking a break along the Santa Fe, I headed back to the Suwannee, pushing ahead some Snowy Egrets as well as a number of Ibises with their distinctive long curved orange beaks, paddling under the Rock Bluff Bridge, on down to our campsite at, depending upon who you ask, either Guaranto or Gornto Springs, and bringing the day’s paddle to 23.4 miles.

Paddling Day 7

Leaving the park in Dixie County was done at a leisurely pace on Wednesday, since the high levels and fast flow of the river continued to allow me to reach the lunch spots by mid-morning. Today’s lunch spot was worth every minute spent there however. Although much of it remained underwater, Hart Springs Park and Campground is a real gem of a facility in Gilchrist County offering all types of recreation and relaxation. Go to http://www.hartsprings.com/ to read about it all. Since last night’s showers were cold and those at Fanning Springs tonight promised the same, I took my time to enjoy the warm showers and the cold Diet Cokes available at Hart Springs; truly “the pause that refreshes.”

Buzzard Countin'

More Buzzards overhead urged me on downstream and, just below the 19/26 Bridge between the communities of Old Town and Fanning Springs, I pulled off the river to set up camp for my last night with the Paddle Florida folks. While waiting for dinner and the remaining Paddle Florida festivities, I walked around the park, inspected the swimming area built around the springhead, and noticed some really strange looking growths on many of the trees in the area. I asked around and eventually learned that these sea urchin or porcupine lookalikes were an epiphyte in the bromeliad family usually called an air plant. Epiphytes (like the Spanish Moss and Resurrection Ferns which are so prevalent in this region) are plants which grow on another plant, generally for support or protection, but not as a parasite.

Grand finale entertainment for Paddle Florida was provided by a band comprised of various people working in the Florida Park Service playing a range of popular songs but the cold night air and the 21.6 mile paddle earlier that day took their toll and I found my sleeping bag much more appealing.

Paddling Day 8

The portion of Thursday’s paddle from Fanning Springs State Park down to Manatee Springs was peaceful, relaxing and generally uneventful until I started paddling up the spring run and noticed the river bed through the clear water. The 80,000+ gallons of water per minute flowing from this spring was finally sufficient to hold back the dark brown water of the Suwannee River. Furthermore, its constant 72 degree temperature provided the warmth required by the warm-blooded mammals for which this spring gets its name. As I approached the landing, I could see around and under my boat eight or nine of these monstrous animals. They were very large, some perhaps more than 1,000 pounds, but seemed to move in slow motion. They must move in this fashion out in the river as well since a number of them had long and deep scars, apparently caused by their inability to avoid speeding motorboats. There is also lots of archaeological evidence suggesting that the early Indian inhabitants of this area found manatees to be an abundant and easily harvested resource.

After saying good-bye to the Paddle Florida participants, I continued my journey downstream with eight others who had decided to “Finish the River” as it had been billed by Kay and Russ McCallister. We were originally planning to stop that evening at Yellow Jacket Campground, however, when arriving there, there was just too much daylight left and it was just too far from the river to the campsites, so we paddled another six miles to a spot on river left called Treasure Island. Along the way, I saw several derelict boats, an occasional refrigerator, woods full of colorful wildflowers in yellow, purple, white, red, blue, orange, and more turtles and butterflies than you can imagine. Total mileage for Thursday, March 27th was 17.9 miles.

Paddling Final Day 9

This was not only the last day of my journey but definitely the most interesting. Remembering the 4-1/2 foot swells we had fought in the motorboat just over a week earlier, I was up early and ready for an exhausting day fighting wind and waves. Instead the water was still flowing smoothly downstream and the winds were generally mild. As I cut a corner off the journey passing through the narrower, river left side of Turkey Island, I had my first really clear alligator sighting of the trip.

There he was, sunning himself on a log and not the least bit interested in this bright kayak cruising by. A few miles farther downstream, as I turned back sharply to my right around a point covered in large lily pads and entered Shingle Creek, I heard a strange squeaking sound and looked up to see a pair of Bald Eagles flying overhead. Shingle Creek is not a creek as we usually think of it but a creek in the ocean marsh sense. It was a narrower stretch of water which flowed around some of the numerous islands in the river delta and eventually joined back into the main channel. This decision was made to avoid most of the potential strong winds and waves coming across the nearly mile-wide water found from the split of East and West Pass, through Alligator Pass and on out to the Gulf.

Once into Shingle Creek, I had another reason for making this decision every time I’m down here from now on. It was like entering the pages of a National Geographic Magazine. The creek closed in bringing the trees and woods that much closer. Alligators peered at me around every bend and often swam under my boat, birds sang and flew with me through the bends, the marshes and woodlands were full of blooming flowers and unusual tropical plants, fish jumped all around and even over my boat at times, and the mirror-like water multiplied all these scenes for even more pleasure. When I came back out into West Pass, it was difficult leaving this all behind to continue on into the town of Suwannee.

Suwannee, FL is an interesting place in its own way. It has two restaurants (one of which is closed most of the time), one convenience store (but it doesn’t have gasoline), two places in town to buy gasoline (both catering to marine traffic rather than cars), lots of very friendly people, and every lot in town is a waterfront lot. There are more canals here than in Venice, Italy. I saw numerous pelicans perched on dock posts and flying overhead as I paddled through the various canals approaching the final take-out at Anderson Landing where my GPS reported 15.4 miles for that final day. Anderson Landing is a public landing, ramp, and park where Suwannee Guides and Outfitter is in the process of moving their operations. It is right on the side of the main road into Suwannee and I’m sure Kay and Russ McCallister would be glad to help you with whatever you need in the area. And no, this is not a paid advertisement but it is a strong recommendation for http://www.suwanneeguides.com/, P.O. Box 304, Suwannee, FL 32692.

Spring 2008 Paddle Marathon
Day 1 8.9 Miles
Day 2 20.8 Miles
Day 3 24.7 Miles
Day 4 11.8 Miles
Day 5 16.0 Miles
Day 6 23.4 Miles
Day 7 21.6 Miles
Day 8 17.9 Miles
Day 9 15.4 Miles
Total 160.5 Miles

S.Y.O.T.R. - Ben

Latest Letter from the Director of OWLS

2008-02-03T15:49:00.000-08:00

Click on the image below to read my letter about the Spring Paddle Marathon benefitting the Outdoor Wisdom Leadership School.

Click on the image to open the letter in a new window. After reading and making any notes, just hit the back button "<" to return here.

Reflections and Campsites

2008-02-02T16:42:00.000-08:00

It is during those times of rest, sitting around the campfire, taking a lunch break or a stop to catch our breath during a long active day that transformations really take place. When discussing, meditating, and reflecting upon what the Lord has let us observe during these OWLS courses, participants can search for the life lessons hidden in these experiences, determine applications for their lives, and then develop and refine "Living Parables" which will help them share the love of God and His plan that is continually being revealed through all of creation. Seeing how one OWLS participant can grab onto an idea or theme mentioned by someone else and clarify the truth revealed therein by relating it to the Scriptures and then how others will chime in with names of friends with which they intend to share the lesson is one of the greatest rewards I get from being the director of the Outdoor Wisdom Leadership School.

Sandy Springs Mission at the Etowah waterfall campsite just upstream from Amicalola Creek

Paddle GA gives lots of opportunities to camp with others and share with others.

Making new friends while relaxing in a group campsite.

A more peaceful campsite near the swinging bridge over the Toccoa River

When spending days in the swamp, you take breaks any way you can.

Here's a neighbor checking us out at one of our Okefenokee campsites.

Refreshing drink and restoring talk with David, one of the OWLS mentors, at a campsite

Prayer for "Paddling Mercies" at the start of a day on the Ocmulgee

A great place to be, especially since it was 102 in the shade that day

A view of one of our riverside campsites from the mountaintop trail above - way above

A beautiful view from one of the Buffalo River campsites

Bill's boys discuss how the "Living Water" can wash the nastiest, ugliest "dirt" away leaving a spotlessly clean result.

Throwing stones all the way from SC to GA along the Chattooga River trail

Time for rest and reflection near High Falls in Dupont State Forest

First opportunity to speak and be heard (listened to)

Reynoldstown had never known a Bible study like this before, seven of this group prayed to receive Christ as their Savior and Lord on this day.

Speak it out, Girl - or something like that

Listening and hearing is so effective in new surroundings

Reflection time as we discuss pattern recognition and the intended pattern for living our lives

C.O.P.E., Climbing, Rappelling, & Initiatives

2008-02-02T08:48:00.000-08:00

These activities are great for building teamwork and camaraderie. Participants learn that everyone's input or skills can help the entire group achieve things that individually they could not. Encouraging one another, learning to trust their teammates, thinking outside the box, and finding new ways to communicate are all important aspects of C.O.P.E. Understanding that it is crucial to base decisions on (have faith in) facts and not feelings is another key life lesson that everyone takes away from trust elements and rope work.

Making cookies

Teamwork on the Mohawk Walk

Don't wake the giant

I know I can trust them to catch me

Artesian Beams - and blindfolded too

L.D. in the APS - not hardly

Working together to safely travel the islands

Artesian Beams in the woods

All tied up & not thinking outside the box

All smiles - the only hang-up he has is that rope.

Climbing the wall is a breeze for this long legged, long armed young man.

Even a game of tag can become a lesson in teamwork

The snake shedding his skin

Random Paddling Photos

2008-02-02T08:10:00.000-08:00

Paddling and especially tandem canoeing expose us to a myriad of opportunities to discover why Jesus referred to Himself as the "Living Water." For many OWLS participants, it is a big step just to trust their life jacket and do anything in or on the water. When someone goes from being afraid of the water to running a Class II or Class III rapid only a couple of days later, they return home with the understanding that they can accomplish much more than they ever dreamed possible and, with God's help, they can do anything. Goal setting, problem solving, and effective communication are skills which must be mastered for a team of canoeists to successfully negotiate a whitewater stream. Combine that with the requirements of properly packing gear and food, setting up a riverside camp, and feeling comfortably relaxed far from home and these young paddlers are discovering how quickly they can learn new skills, teach each other, and multitask at a higher level. The river itself provides "Living Parables" for us to discuss and reflect upon as we round almost every bend.

It all starts with learning the basics of paddling dynamics.

Learning to help others with a canoe over canoe rescue

We can also learn lasting lessons from our mistakes

Looks like North GA to me

Part of our flotilla on the Etowah River

Paddling the panhandle of Florida

The upper Alapaha with water

Smiles on the Toccoa perhaps

Ben at the Cartecay's Clear Creek Falls

A new day on the New River

Random Biking Photos

2008-02-02T07:54:00.000-08:00

Some of the life lessons learned by participants in the OWLS biking activities are that each of us is a key member of the team and we cannot accomplish our goals unless we all do our part, regardless of how trivial it may seem. Perseverance is something else that a long trail ride teaches in a very effective fashion since, if someone decides to quit, their only choice is to remain off the trail in a place that is likely unfamiliar and uncomfortable. Biking also gives the kids a chance to feel good about reaching goals and many opportunities to see facets of creation and the interaction of God's creatures as they make their way at a much slower pace than life in the city usually affords.

Tony with some of the kids from the Walton ministry.

"Just how far is it to ride around the block?" Answer - "About 7.5 miles."

Showing biking prowess at Brownwood Park.

Resting on the New River Trail

One of the spots where the New River Trail follows a tunnel through the mountain

Play "OWLS on the Etowah" 10 minute Video Clip

2008-01-31T19:17:00.000-08:00

This is what was also posted on YouTube showing part of our Paddle GA 2006 adventure.

Sandy Springs Mission Canoe-Camping on the Upper Etowah

2008-01-31T15:32:00.000-08:00

Better get this up - the sun's going down.

Felix enjoys some time alone on the river.

Look closely - Felix really gets into setting up this tent.

Everyone takes a break at the waterfall.

Limbo - Canoe style.

Stopping for lunch on a gravel bar.

All smiles in spite of the rain.

Etowah River - Paddle GA 2006

2008-01-31T11:14:00.000-08:00

Buzz, Dave, and Sam - OWLS Mentoring Adults

Shooting the Rapids
There's always time for some fun.

Crossing the finish line in Rome.

A common scene when watching Chauncey.

Joannah's Girls Go Caving

2008-01-31T05:32:00.000-08:00

More from the Brownwood Bike Derby

2008-01-31T05:16:00.000-08:00

Photos from some OWLS courses

2008-01-31T05:05:00.000-08:00