Volunteering with Paddle Florida afforded me an amazing trip with some self discovery along the way. Before I spent the first day with more than 100 strangers I tried to understand the reason these women and men would take this trip - to paddle, camp, enjoy nature, exercise, unwind, share time with friends, meet new friends, listen to live music by the likes of the Big Cypress Band and collect memories - essentially to create their own adventure.
My first assignment was to answer the most frequently asked questions on the planet – Where is the bathroom? What time do we eat? Easy. After mastering the standard responses, I begin to embellish on the answers with a little local folklore. Breakfast will be served at Grandma Susie’s Cookin’ Shack overlooking Convict Springs and shaded by the Hangin’ Tree. This real Florida backwoods story adds to River Rendezvous Campground’s appeal and blends Southern influence with a sexy French name.
Then I discovered by asking the paddlers questions I could collect a wealth of information, from the wind direction to the description of a found eagle feather down to it’s from the right side. Quickly the piney woods on the banks of the Suwannee felt like home and I thought I was born to be a park ranger.
Volunteers help unload gear. Paddle Florida transports gear and supplies over the fields, around farmhouses we go to get to the next campground. We haven’t lost a bag or smashed a tent yet. We sometimes award prizes to the paddler that helps us load and or unload gear. This is Paddle Florida’s version of providing additional workout opportunities and completing the true camping experience, all at no extra charge.
We take turns helping to set up camp, put lights on the entertainment stage, hang banners or ready the campfire. Then we sit back and enjoy the show under the stars. One night it’s Tom Shed strumming his guitar delivering the local history with a healthy dose of humor on the human condition. Another night Patchwork takes the stage and offers a porch sing-along ‘round the old hangin’ tree (can’t escape these tales). Then it’s off to the campfire to share daily adventures on the river or your own life stories before retiring to your tent hugging the river’s edge.
The camp comes to life before sun up. Lucky for me, breakfast always includes hot coffee. If you’re on the check out crew you’re at the river as the morning mist dances over the paddlers as they glide across the water starting their day's journey. The mist disappears as the sun peaks through the trees and the sweep boat joins the boaters for the morning paddle.
Paddlers are off. The crew packs up and drives to our next outdoor wonderland. Driving through the woods and fields is one of my favorite parts. The pastures are dotted with cows, goats and horses, hardly a human in sight. The road stretches beyond your eye’s view. You can smell hay. Life seems simple.
Your window to the world paints a peaceful picture as you pass your landmark to turn if you’re on rest stop duty. Turn left at the church on the corner of the dirt road heading to Little River Springs. You pick the table overlooking the spring. Set out jam, bread and peanut butter for PB&Js, granola bars, apples, bananas and assorted snacks to make it look inviting. Truth is hungry paddlers are pretty easy to please. They are happy to see the white flag on the bank signaling our stop. What’s not to enjoy overlooking Little River Springs which looks and acts just like its name? Though it’s hard to appreciate its full beauty knowing that divers are exploring its underwater caves unnoticed not for their tiny bubbles searching the surface.
Meanwhile, down river our check in crew at camp is awaiting the lead boat accompanied by those type-A explorers that are eager to arrive first and report their trip data – average speed with total miles and time logged. As they arrive you ask, how was your paddle? They almost always reply – Great. Beautiful. Good. And often add a sighting of turkey, deer, water birds, an alligator or turtles. Whether they are first, last or in between arriving, or just completed 13 or 23 miles, they are smiling and relaxed. If it was a long paddle some may set up their tent up and catch a nap. Others find a sunny spot to read before dinner. The open air seems to invite strangers to mingle and all to enjoy the conversation and company.
How hard can it be to help these people enjoy what nature has so thoughtfully placed along the banks of the Suwannee? Everything is provided. A flowing river fed by so many springs you begin to expect their multiple treats daily, mossy oaks to shade your river front campsite and all under the stars. Moonlight strolls are optional.
Oh by the way, the restrooms are up the path and to the left. Dinner is served most nights at 6 p.m. and breakfast starts at 7:30 a.m. Your trip is naturally landscaped, powered by a gentle river current, planned and scouted. You bring the gear and add your own adventure. Answering questions and experiencing first-hand Florida’s treasures will lure me back for more Paddle Florida excursions. Being part of the crew was a pleasure. Thanks.
Nickie Kortus
3rd Annual Fall Paddle on the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail
