Pictures: WWALS on The Rocks between Lakeland and Hotchkiss, Alapaha River 2015-07-11

Update 2023-06-24: Work in progress at Lakeland Boat Ramp 2023-06-20.

A good trip for experienced adult paddlers: deadfalls to paddle around or climb over, the famous rapids, The Rocks, plenty of sandy beaches for lunching or swimming beside, a mysterious platform that may be the remains of a very narrow bridge, all in a fine summer day on the Alapaha River, July 11, 2015.

[Collage, Lakeland to Naylor 08:30:00, 31.0458222, -83.0433889]
Collage, Lakeland to Naylor 08:30:00, 31.0458222, -83.0433889

It took us seven hours to paddle the fourteen river miles from Lakeland Boat Ramp, on GA 122 east of Lakeland, to Hotchkiss Road Landing. We were all experienced paddlers with plenty of supplies, especially water.

If you are a family with small children, please do not try this: it’s too far. There have been cases of such families calling 911 and having to be rescued.

A much more reasonable family paddle is Lakeland to Burnt Church Landing. That’s about two miles, and can be done in an hour. Or make it a leisurely paddle and still it should be doable.

FYI, Paffords Landing, just downstream from Lakeland Boat Ramp, is closed for the forseeable future. This is because too many people left trash and shot up things.

All these distances are in the WWALS web page for the Alapaha River Water Trail Access Points.

The water level on July 11, 2015, was about 2 feet (78.1′ NAVD88) on the Statenville Gauge. That is also our lowest level recommendation for our starting point, The entire trip was in Lanier County, Georgia.

We previously published some of Gretchen Quarterman’s pictures. But she had more, using both her iphone and a camera, plus I had some. So here is a selection combined. Yes, a selection, even though there are 212 pictures below. Click on any small picture to see a larger version.

There are also some videos, which will follow.

For more WWALS outings and events, see:
https://wwals.net/outings/

 -jsq, John S. Quarterman, Suwannee RIVERKEEPER®

You can help with clean, swimmable, fishable, drinkable, water in the 10,000-square-mile Suwannee River Basin in Florida and Georgia by becoming a WWALS member today!
https://wwals.net/donations/

LBRGQ

[Chris Graham, Bret Wagenhorst's guest, Deanna Mericle, at Lakeland Boat Ramp, --GQ C2 08:38:13, 31.0458222, -83.0433889]
Chris Graham, Bret Wagenhorst’s guest, Deanna Mericle, at Lakeland Boat Ramp, –GQ C2 08:38:13, 31.0458222, -83.0433889

ITWGQ

[Phaeotremella foliacea, a fungus parasitic on the mycelium of Stereum sanguinolentum, a fungus that grows on dead attached and recently fallen branches of conifers, --GQ C2 08:34:10, 31.0448944, -83.0448611]
Phaeotremella foliacea, a fungus parasitic on the mycelium of Stereum sanguinolentum, a fungus that grows on dead attached and recently fallen branches of conifers, –GQ C2 08:34:10, 31.0448944, -83.0448611

SFGQ

[Sofa, --GQ C2 08:46:03, 31.0421528, -83.0446083]
Sofa, –GQ C2 08:46:03, 31.0421528, -83.0446083

SAPLGQ

[Upstream, South access, Paffords Landing, --GQ C2 08:48:28, 31.0421528, -83.0446083]
Upstream, South access, Paffords Landing, –GQ C2 08:48:28, 31.0421528, -83.0446083

PWMGQ

[Posted, No Trespassing, Pinecrest Wildlife Management, No Hunting, --GQ C2 08:48:51, 31.0420889, -83.0446778]
Posted, No Trespassing, Pinecrest Wildlife Management, No Hunting, –GQ C2 08:48:51, 31.0420889, -83.0446778

PPLGQ

[Palmettos, Paffords Landing, --GQ C2 08:50:16, 31.0424944, -83.0438472]
Palmettos, Paffords Landing, –GQ C2 08:50:16, 31.0424944, -83.0438472

TPLGQ

[Tire, Paffords Landing, --GQ C2 08:53:33, 31.0434222, -83.0432500]
Tire, Paffords Landing, –GQ C2 08:53:33, 31.0434222, -83.0432500

ELBRGQ

[Embarking, Lakeland Boat Ramp, --GQ C2 09:05:24, 31.0458861, -83.0436083]
Embarking, Lakeland Boat Ramp, –GQ C2 09:05:24, 31.0458861, -83.0436083

OTWGQ

[Hats on, --GQ C2 09:05:42, 31.0458917, -83.0435556]
Hats on, –GQ C2 09:05:42, 31.0458917, -83.0435556

BWGGQ

[Bret Wagenhorst and guest, --GQ C2 09:08:07, 31.0458806, -83.0435722]
Bret Wagenhorst and guest, –GQ C2 09:08:07, 31.0458806, -83.0435722

MRGQ

[Many roots, --GQ C2 09:11:26, 31.0495778, -83.0431278]
Many roots, –GQ C2 09:11:26, 31.0495778, -83.0431278

SO

[Just below Lakeland Boat Ramp, --jsq 09:11:04]
Just below Lakeland Boat Ramp, –jsq 09:11:04

LakelandGQ1

[Shirley Kokidko and the flotilla --GQ C1, 08:22:58]
Shirley Kokidko and the flotilla –GQ C1, 08:22:58

LWPLGQ1

[Two boats at Lakeland-Waycross Power Line --GQ C1, 08:39:19, 31.040132, -83.046073]
Two boats at Lakeland-Waycross Power Line –GQ C1, 08:39:19, 31.0401320, -83.0460730

LWPL

[Lakeland-Waycross Power Line, --jsq 09:22:57, 31.040132, -83.046073]
Lakeland-Waycross Power Line, –jsq 09:22:57, 31.0401320, -83.0460730

DFRB

[Deadfall on right bank, --jsq 09:36:16, 31.0349178, -83.0490417]
Deadfall on right bank, –jsq 09:36:16, 31.0349178, -83.0490417

GQES

[Gretchen Quarterman at eroded sand, --jsq 09:39:07, 31.032, -83.0485]
Gretchen Quarterman at eroded sand, –jsq 09:39:07, 31.0320000, -83.0485000

WV

[Wrested vegetation, --jsq 09:41:59, 31.0291138, -83.0475540]
Wrested vegetation, –jsq 09:41:59, 31.0291138, -83.0475540

Fishing

[Caught a fish, --jsq 09:45:06, 31.0291138, -83.0475540]
Caught a fish, –jsq 09:45:06, 31.0291138, -83.0475540

ITGQ

[Impressive trees, --GQ C2 09:49:05, 31.0261528, -83.0471417]
Impressive trees, –GQ C2 09:49:05, 31.0261528, -83.0471417

RSGQ

[Red swirls, --GQ C2 09:49:18, 31.0260722, -83.0471417]
Red swirls, –GQ C2 09:49:18, 31.0260722, -83.0471417

ASfRBGQ

[A seep from the riverbank, --GQ C2 09:54:46, 31.0247194, -83.0474472]
A seep from the riverbank, –GQ C2 09:54:46, 31.0247194, -83.0474472

MPGQ

[Privet?, --GQ C2, 10:03:44, 31.0229500, -83.0729444]
Privet?, –GQ C2, 10:03:44, 31.0229500, -83.0729444

DFRBGQ1

[Beach and deadfalls --GQ C1, 08:42:18]
Beach and deadfalls –GQ C1, 08:42:18

ABRBGQ1

[Around right bank beach --GQ C1, 08:45:01]
Around right bank beach –GQ C1, 08:45:01

TERGQ1

[Tree with exposed roots --GQ C1, 08:45:11]
Tree with exposed roots –GQ C1, 08:45:11

BWGGQ1

[Bret Wagenhorst and guest --GQ C1, 08:47:33]
Bret Wagenhorst and guest –GQ C1, 08:47:33

BWTGQ1

[Beach with tree --GQ C1, 08:48:12]
Beach with tree –GQ C1, 08:48:12

CKGQ1

[Cypress knees --GQ C1, 08:49:56]
Cypress knees –GQ C1, 08:49:56

GTGQ1

[Gnarly tree --GQ C1, 08:50:12]
Gnarly tree –GQ C1, 08:50:12

GQESGQ1

[Eroded sand --GQ C1, 08:53:52, 31.0349178, -83.0490417]
Eroded sand –GQ C1, 08:53:52, 31.0349178, -83.0490417

FiSGQ1

[Footprints in sand --GQ C1, 08:55:08]
Footprints in sand –GQ C1, 08:55:08

NSGQ1

[Narrow spot --GQ C1, 09:03:50]
Narrow spot –GQ C1, 09:03:50

ITGQ1

[Imposing tree --GQ C1, 09:04:24]
Imposing tree –GQ C1, 09:04:24

IRGQ1

[Idyllic river --GQ C1, 09:04:41]
Idyllic river –GQ C1, 09:04:41

P1GQ1

[One paddler --GQ C1, 09:17:14]
One paddler –GQ C1, 09:17:14

P4GQ1

[Four paddlers --GQ C1, 09:17:21]
Four paddlers –GQ C1, 09:17:21

P5GQ1

[Five paddlers --GQ C1, 09:18:03]
Five paddlers –GQ C1, 09:18:03

DFRBGQ1

[Deadfalls on right bank --GQ C1, 09:28:03]
Deadfalls on right bank –GQ C1, 09:28:03

BttLGQ1

[Bend to the left --GQ C1, 09:29:00]
Bend to the left –GQ C1, 09:29:00

UlBGQ1

[Undercut left bank --GQ C1, 09:44:29, 31.0218258, -83.0336533]
Undercut left bank –GQ C1, 09:44:29, 31.0218258, -83.0336533

PNGQ1

[Pogo's nose, right bank, with five paddlers --GQ C1, 09:45:07, 31.0218258, -83.0336533]
Pogo’s nose, right bank, with five paddlers –GQ C1, 09:45:07, 31.0218258, -83.0336533

DaRGQ1

[Deadfall across river --GQ C1, 09:55:13]
Deadfall across river –GQ C1, 09:55:13

DF

[Dragonfly, --jsq 10:14:24, 31.0212669, -83.0412445]
Dragonfly, –jsq 10:14:24, 31.0212669, -83.0412445

PN

[Undercut bank, --jsq 10:28:30, 31.0218258, -83.0336533]
Undercut bank, –jsq 10:28:30, 31.0218258, -83.0336533

DF

[Deadfall across river, --jsq 10:41:19, 31.0188293, -83.0349274]
Deadfall across river, –jsq 10:41:19, 31.0188293, -83.0349274

BT

[Bird Tracks, --jsq 10:53:50, 31.0171413, -83.0324783]
Bird Tracks, –jsq 10:53:50, 31.0171413, -83.0324783

DFLB

[Deadfall on left bank, --jsq 11:07:51, 31.0171413, -83.0324783]
Deadfall on left bank, –jsq 11:07:51, 31.0171413, -83.0324783

CoDGQ

[Climb over deadfall, --GQ C2, 11:16:02, 31.0150194, -83.0341111]
Climb over deadfall, –GQ C2, 11:16:02, 31.0150194, -83.0341111

HP

[Happy paddler, --jsq 11:25:05, 31.0148659, -83.0340423]
Happy paddler, –jsq 11:25:05, 31.0148659, -83.0340423

EBGQ

[Eroded bluff, --GQ C2, 11:44:06, 31.0097306, -83.0307694]
Eroded bluff, –GQ C2, 11:44:06, 31.0097306, -83.0307694

SB

[Sand bank, --jsq 11:44:58, 31.0099087, -83.0301666]
Sand bank, –jsq 11:44:58, 31.0099087, -83.0301666

LBGQ

[Lunch beach, --GQ C2 12:16:48, 31.0084278, -83.0229639]
Lunch beach, –GQ C2 12:16:48, 31.0084278, -83.0229639

SLS

[Lunching, --jsq 12:25:52, 31.0098743, -83.0301590]
Lunching, –jsq 12:25:52, 31.0098743, -83.0301590

WBGQ

[Chris and Deanna Mericle, jsq, Mike Sims Jr., Chris Graham, Shirley Kokido, WWALS banner, --GQ C2 12:43:10, 31.0083000, -83.0231028]
Chris and Deanna Mericle, jsq, Mike Sims Jr., Chris Graham, Shirley Kokido, WWALS banner, –GQ C2 12:43:10, 31.0083000, -83.0231028

OTGQ

[Owl, --GQ C2 12:49:25, 31.0074889, -83.0226583]
Owl, –GQ C2 12:49:25, 31.0074889, -83.0226583

FB

[Fish beds, --jsq 12:57:20, 31.0059757, -83.0218811]
Fish beds, –jsq 12:57:20, 31.0059757, -83.0218811

PFLBGQ

[Portrait platform, left bank, --GQ C2 13:01:05, 31.0054500, -83.0205222]
Portrait platform, left bank, –GQ C2 13:01:05, 31.0054500, -83.0205222

PFLB

[Closeup platform on left bank, --jsq 13:01:05, 31.0051, -83.02065]
Closeup platform on left bank, –jsq 13:01:05, 31.0051000, -83.0206500

SBGQ

[Steep bluff, --GQ C2 13:48:42, 30.9841583, -83.0291444]
Steep bluff, –GQ C2 13:48:42, 30.9841583, -83.0291444

BttL

[Bend to the left, --jsq 13:49:33, 30.9834862, -83.0294494]
Bend to the left, –jsq 13:49:33, 30.9834862, -83.0294494

RSGQ1

[Red sand --GQ C1, 09:57:56]
Red sand –GQ C1, 09:57:56

WSGQ1

[White sand --GQ C1, 09:59:35]
White sand –GQ C1, 09:59:35

CMSGQ1

[Chris Mericle swimming --GQ C1, 09:59:59]
Chris Mericle swimming –GQ C1, 09:59:59

DaLGQ1

[Disembarking at a log --GQ C1, 10:28:38]
Disembarking at a log –GQ C1, 10:28:38

jsqWWALSGQ1

[jsq with WWALS sign --GQ C1, 10:28:48]
jsq with WWALS sign –GQ C1, 10:28:48

RBBALGQ1

[Red boat boofing across log --GQ C1, 10:28:51]
Red boat boofing across log –GQ C1, 10:28:51

SKotLGQ1

[Shirley Kokidko on the log --GQ C1, 10:28:54]
Shirley Kokidko on the log –GQ C1, 10:28:54

STRGQ1

[Scouting the Rocks --GQ C1, 13:07:47]
Scouting the Rocks –GQ C1, 13:07:47

NTR

[Small island at The Rocks, --jsq 13:52:30, 30.9829540, -83.0292511]
Small island at The Rocks, –jsq 13:52:30, 30.9829540, -83.0292511

CGTRGQ1

[Chris Graham getting ready at The Rocks --GQ C1, 13:10:36]
Chris Graham getting ready at The Rocks –GQ C1, 13:10:36

TTRGQ1

[Movie: Chris Graham --GQ C1, jsq, through The Rocks, 13:10:37 (37M)]
Movie: Chris Graham –GQ C1, jsq, through The Rocks, 13:10:37 (37M)

TR

[The Rocks, --jsq 13:57:43, 30.9829006, -83.0293197]
The Rocks, –jsq 13:57:43, 30.9829006, -83.0293197

TRR

[The Rocks white water, --jsq 13:58:43, 30.9822082, -83.0297928]
The Rocks white water, –jsq 13:58:43, 30.9822082, -83.0297928

GTRGQ

[Gretchen Quarterman through The Rocks, 13:59:31, 30.9823131, -83.0297851]
Gretchen Quarterman through The Rocks, 13:59:31, 30.9823131, -83.0297851

PTR

[Gretchen Shooting The Rocks, --jsq 13:59:31, 30.9823131, -83.0297851]
Gretchen Shooting The Rocks, –jsq 13:59:31, 30.9823131, -83.0297851

TR5

[Five through The Rocks, --jsq 14:01:52, 30.9823799, -83.0297394]
Five through The Rocks, –jsq 14:01:52, 30.9823799, -83.0297394

ATRGQ1

[After The Rocks --GQ C1, 13:18:27]
After The Rocks –GQ C1, 13:18:27

CBGQ

[Crossbeam, --GQ C2 14:11:07, 30.9787056, -83.0305250]
Crossbeam, –GQ C2 14:11:07, 30.9787056, -83.0305250

RSHGQ

[River South Holdings house, --GQ C2 14:11:56, 30.9781694, -83.0304722]
River South Holdings house, –GQ C2 14:11:56, 30.9781694, -83.0304722

GBB

[Gretchen below a bluff, --jsq 14:12:06, 30.978, -83.0307]
Gretchen below a bluff, –jsq 14:12:06, 30.9780000, -83.0307000

SWGQ

[Weeds on sand bank, --GQ C2 14:18:40, 30.9752472, -83.0337528]
Weeds on sand bank, –GQ C2 14:18:40, 30.9752472, -83.0337528

NBRB

[Nice beach, right bank, --jsq 14:18:46, 30.9753990, -83.0340194]
Nice beach, right bank, –jsq 14:18:46, 30.9753990, -83.0340194

ABRB

[Plant on a beach, right bank, --jsq 14:34:38, 30.9716434, -83.0359421]
Plant on a beach, right bank, –jsq 14:34:38, 30.9716434, -83.0359421

GHPT

[Gretchen at a hairpin right bend, --jsq 14:35:58, 30.9716072, -83.0359421]
Gretchen at a hairpin right bend, –jsq 14:35:58, 30.9716072, -83.0359421

OTRGQ1

[Mike Sims Jr., Chris M., Chris G. --GQ C1, 13:21:26]
Mike Sims Jr., Chris M., Chris G. –GQ C1, 13:21:26

RBGQ1

[Rocky bluff --GQ C1, 13:23:03]
Rocky bluff –GQ C1, 13:23:03

DRBGQ1

[Deadfall on right bank --GQ C1, 13:42:23]
Deadfall on right bank –GQ C1, 13:42:23

UOHGQ1

[Under some overhanging trees --GQ C1, 13:57:37]
Under some overhanging trees –GQ C1, 13:57:37

MRSGQ1

[More red sand --GQ C1, 13:59:53]
More red sand –GQ C1, 13:59:53

CRGQ1

[Canopy river --GQ C1, 14:17:44]
Canopy river –GQ C1, 14:17:44

SPLGQ1

[Movie: jsq in the Alapaha River --GQ C1, 14:17:45 (5.0M)]
Movie: jsq in the Alapaha River –GQ C1, 14:17:45 (5.0M)

DTGQ

[Dead Tree, --GQ C2 15:10:09, 30.9599944, -83.0357444]
Dead Tree, –GQ C2 15:10:09, 30.9599944, -83.0357444

BHPLGQ

[Beach and house off Purvis Lane, --GQ C2 15:11:54, 30.9592028, -83.0370944]
Beach and house off Purvis Lane, –GQ C2 15:11:54, 30.9592028, -83.0370944

HPL

[House off of Purvis Lane, MOORE VIRGIL L, 745 GOOD HOPE RD, NAYLOR, GA 31641, --jsq 15:14:45, 30.9590339, -83.0369644]
House off of Purvis Lane, MOORE VIRGIL L, 745 GOOD HOPE RD, NAYLOR, GA 31641, –jsq 15:14:45, 30.9590339, -83.0369644

CoBGQ

[Concrete on bank, --GQ C2 15:16:02, 30.9588056, -83.0381250]
Concrete on bank, –GQ C2 15:16:02, 30.9588056, -83.0381250

RASPGQ1

[Right around a sand spit --GQ C1, 14:42:01]
Right around a sand spit –GQ C1, 14:42:01

PTRBGQ1

[Projecting tree, right bank --GQ C1, 14:45:13]
Projecting tree, right bank –GQ C1, 14:45:13

UOTGQ1

[Under an overhanding tree --GQ C1, 15:10:45]
Under an overhanding tree –GQ C1, 15:10:45

LBnCKGQ1

[Left bank near Cherry Creek --GQ C1, 15:14:09]
Left bank near Cherry Creek –GQ C1, 15:14:09

jsqabGQ1

[jsq approaching a beach --GQ C1, 15:16:45]
jsq approaching a beach –GQ C1, 15:16:45

TIGQ1

[Tree island --GQ C1, 15:19:03]
Tree island –GQ C1, 15:19:03

SSGQ

[Straight stretch, --GQ C2 15:27:55, 30.9574333, -83.0367889]
Straight stretch, –GQ C2 15:27:55, 30.9574333, -83.0367889

HRBGQ

[House, right bank, --GQ C2 15:42:48, 30.9522222, -83.0412667]
House, right bank, –GQ C2 15:42:48, 30.9522222, -83.0412667

AHPL

[Another house off Purvis Lane, MOORE RAYMOND L & WENDY, --jsq 104 GANAS RD, NAYLOR, GA 31641, 15:44:28, 30.9522838, -83.0412826]
Another house off Purvis Lane, MOORE RAYMOND L & WENDY, –jsq 104 GANAS RD, NAYLOR, GA 31641, 15:44:28, 30.9522838, -83.0412826

TCC

[Trees at Cherry Creek, --jsq 16:05:06, 30.9396896, -83.0426636]
Trees at Cherry Creek, –jsq 16:05:06, 30.9396896, -83.0426636

MDGQ

[Boats in truck at Hotchkiss Road Landing, --GQ C2 16:17:31, 30.9370083, -83.0406583]
Boats in truck at Hotchkiss Road Landing, –GQ C2 16:17:31, 30.9370083, -83.0406583

 -jsq, John S. Quarterman, Suwannee RIVERKEEPER®

You can help with clean, swimmable, fishable, drinkable, water in the 10,000-square-mile Suwannee River Basin in Florida and Georgia by becoming a WWALS member today!
https://wwals.net/donations/

One thought on “Pictures: WWALS on The Rocks between Lakeland and Hotchkiss, Alapaha River 2015-07-11

  1. Pingback: Pictures: Lakeland to Hotchkiss Road, WWALS Outing –Gretchen Quarterman 2015-07-11 | WWALS Watershed Coalition (WWALS) is Suwannee RIVERKEEPER®

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