Outings Committee Chair Bret Wagenhorst sent this report. See also pictures and videos. -jsq

Participants: Heather Braswell, Jack Hartley, Chris and Deanna Mericle, John Quarterman, Bret Wagenhorst

Put in: public boat ramp on east side of Hwy 82 bridge, east of Town of Alapaha.

Take out: private land near Rowe Town Church cemetery (permission obtained thru Heather)

Distance on River: about 6.5 miles

Shuttle distance: 8 miles; 15 minute drive one way

Met at 9:30.
On water: 10:20 a.m.
Off water: 1:15 pm
Took 15 minute lunch break
Paddle time: roughly 2:40 hours

Water level: just below banks. 1 ft of boat ramp out of water. Recent reading of 11 ft on gauge at Alapaha by report [actually 9.3 feet (216.9′ NAVD88), according to USGS. -jsq]. Was good level allowing for easy navigation through most deadfalls.

Weather: partly cloudy, cold at start warming to low 60s and nice by finish. No wind.

Features of note: church on East bank bluff on Moore property; old railroad trestle pilings; one hairpin curve; numerous sections with Tupelo coppices; a couple of “lakes”

Flora/fauna: maples starting to bloom; cypress, pines, live oak, palmettos, ho lly, water oak, wild blueberries, resurrection fern; heard wood ducks and wood peckers but didn’t see much fauna. There were some tiny, delicate mayfly type insects that flew just above the water for awhile midday.

Assessment: good trip. For experienced paddlers at this water level as deadfalls could be difficult. No invasive species seen. Need permission from landowner for takeout.

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