Worship, Paddle, and Camp on the Nolichucky - April 17-19, 2009

Brandon at Big Rocks. Hey, doesn't it work better with the boat on top of the water?

The April WPC on the Nolichucky River with Paddlers 4 Christ was absolutely fabulous! Sounding somewhat like a soundtrack from the musical "Oliver," many of the participants reportedly had been heard singing "Rain, Glorious Rain" as bucketfulls fell on the days and weeks before the weekend but then stopped just long enough for us to enjoy our choices of runs on good water before raining again on our way home. God is so good!

Our group of 19 divided up into three parties paddling different stretches of the river. Several opted for a rather relaxing trip by just putting in at Sawmill and paddling the river down to our camp at Big Rocks and spending the rest of the time in camp, tending fires, fellowshipping, and enjoying the beauty of God's creation and the soothing effects of the river's flowing water.

Some paddled that section as a warm up and then joined a few others on a descent of the Nolichucky Gorge led by Wes Bradley and "Wayner" Dickert.

Scott enjoying his Viper on the Noli.

Four of us, Britt Lassiter, Andrew "The Author" Smith, Rob "Chicago" Wilkinson, and myself, Ben "Flowmaster" Simms took the longer Class II, III paddle by putting in at Chestoa and paddling all the way down to Big Rocks. At every rapid or bend in the river, Andrew enlightened us with detailed descriptions, nearby attractions, and the history of the area. He has paddled this river literally hundreds of times and written a guidebook which I believe he must have recited in its entirety to us as we paddled.

Taking a lunch break on a river left sandbar, from left to right: Britt, Rob, and Andrew with their kayaks. I, as the only open boater (canoeist) in our group was relegated to picture taking.

For our Sunday morning worship, Wayner delivered a thought provoking message from God's Word just as was expected after hearing him at several "River of Life" services up at NOC.

Special mention must be made of Cheryl Killman who did almost all the planning for this WPC and unfortunately ended up only being able to paddle a short distance due to a combination of leaky raft and the time it took to get her back to the campsite. She took most of the photos during the weekend and, as usual, always put forth a joyful attitude regardless of the circumstances.

Rob, by the way, earned the persistence award by driving the 11 hours it took him to get from Chicago, IL down to Jonesboro, TN. He sent us back a long message of thanks and praise, starting out with, "I had an awesome time paddling and was really encouraged to be paddling with other Christians." Then adding, "I enjoyed seeing God's creation and talking to Ben, Britt, and Andrew." He finishing up by saying, "It was great to meet other (paddlers) who love Jesus and (I) want to say I had a great time and I hope to make it to another WPC."

Thanks Rob! I pray that everyone had a great time and a Godly time during this beautiful weekend and I know we all hope to paddle with you again soon.

You're Invited!

More and more people every month are finding out what a rewarding change of pace participation in an OWLS adventure can provide. Whether just for yourself or with a group of friends and family, the many trips we have open to everyone can provide a chance for spiritual renewal, strengthening family bonds, encouraging friendships, opportunities for outreach, or an adventure eco-tourism vacation experience you'll want to share with everyone.



In just a little over a week about 20 people, most members of the Men's Fraternity at Atlanta's Church of the Apostles and their sons, will be canoeing and camping with OWLS in the Ocala National Forest. We will paddle the Silver River, Juniper Springs and Creek, and the Ocklawaha River before returning home. Be sure to check back soon for a detailed trip report.

Our Presidents' Day weekend was holding hopes for a snowy experience as we backpacked some of the higher elevation trails in the Carolinas - until I realized that this was also Valentine's Day and that I had Jury Duty that Friday. Oops!



For Spring Break, we will return to the southwestern gulf coast of Florida for an awe inspiring 6-Day adventure canoe-camping the uninhabited 10,000 Islands region of the Everglades. Here's an introductory paragraph from our information sheet:

"Explore the 10,000 Islands section of Florida’s Everglades with the Outdoor Wisdom Leadership School on one of our more exotic adventures, as we canoe freshwater swamps, tidal rivers, and brackish estuaries on our way to the pristine white sand beach paradise of uninhabited gulf shore keys. Paddle through a maze of islands and mangrove estuaries, looking for dolphins, manatees and pelicans. Seek out white ibis, blue herons, pink spoonbills, and a colorful variety of other birds in this sub-tropical world where air plants and unusual flowers thrive. Visit one of the largest remaining stands of native Royal Palms and then the National Wildlife Refuge where endangered birds, alligators, manatees, and other creatures may be found. Join us on a trip you are sure to treasure the rest of your life!"

If you want full details or want to reserve some spots, get in touch right away as group size is limited and deadlines are imminent.

Also, please help the Outdoor Wisdom Leadership School and our work with inner-city teens by sharing this information and the link to this site with all your contacts. It makes a much bigger difference than you might imagine.