Kayak Oak Orchard Creek at Iroquois Wildlife Refuge - Alabama Swamps
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Oak Orchard Creek at Iroquois Wildlife Refuge - Alabama Swamps: updated plans.
Hi Everyone. With our opening paddle just a couple days away and now knowing what was uncertain when this meetup was posted, I’d like to cover a few new concerns and retract a few as well.
Back in March when I said, “Let’s break the ice to the start of a new season” – I was half kidding…but really there is now more truth than kidding. The water is still very COLD!
A few of us paddled this to test the waters just this past Sunday 4/10. The water temperature than was in the 30’s and I can’t imagine it being much warmer by this Saturday. The bigger concern is the water level is high. This made for swift flowing currents down the main flow of the stream. Looking at the top of the water it looks calm and inviting…but it’s deceiving. We paddled upstream, which made for a vigorous workout (we will not be doing this on Saturday, it will be a one way paddle downstream). Unfortunately we did not paddle the entire area we are to travel on Saturday, but what we saw had very little concern of down trees and strainers. However, with the water level being high it causes for any pedestrian bridges to have less clearing when paddling under. Anyone with a canoe or sit on kayak may have to go around the bridges through high grass swamp or portage. Even with a sit-in kayak we had to limbo under each bridge. With any good fortune, the water will have subsided and this won’t be a concern.
Anyone new to kayaking or still uncertain of themselves on the water in a kayak – please consider sitting this one out. As exciting as it may seem to get back on the water, it may not be the safest time for everyone just yet. I realize I am saying something completely opposite of the original meetup post, but this is for everyone’s best interest we take great precaution
I would please ask all that are going to have the following (some are obvious);
• Tightfitting Coastguard approved PFD. Please plan to wear it.
• Whistle.
• Dry bag with full change of clothes in the unlikely event you go in the water.
• I’ll have a note pad and I’m going to ask everyone to write down an emergency contact, again just for precaution.
• If you have a wetsuit, yes…this paddle would be the time to wear it! If not, dress in something that repels water and dress in layers. You may not need things like gloves or a hat as it’s going to be in the 60’s, but on the water it may be cold - so bring them just in case.
We will paddle this and stay as close together as comfortable. I’d ask that everyone keeps their head on a swivel and be cognizant of your every surrounds including what’s in the water, on the water and where dry land is at all times. Also ask you be on alert of any danger zones alerting your fellow yakers.
This is a one way approximately 4 mile on the water paddle. Therefore, we will have to stage vehicles. We’ll work out the staged vehicles once everyone has arrived. I’ve set the time at 10:45, at which time we’ll move vehicles and then plan to cast off soon after.
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After our morning paddle, we’ll be gathering for lunch at the Indian Falls Log Cabin Restaurant, 1227 Gilmore Road, Corfu, NY 14036. It’ll be order off the menu, separate checks. Nothing formal, just a little meet and greet for the start of an exciting upcoming season.
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Due to conditions - this is an no longer an easy paddle, and not recommended for kids or anyone with heart problems.
Thank you – see you Saturday!
dean gallagher