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

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.