OWLS Father-Son Adventure on the St. Marys River

The Peaceful Picturesque North Prong of the St. Marys River

The peacefulness of our Put-In spot on the St. Marys River just below the Okefenokee Swamp gave little hint of the challenges that lay ahead.

Presidents Day weekend found a dozen intrepid souls making their way down the border between GA and FL along the St. Marys River.  This OWLS Father-Son Adventure was supposed to be an opportunity to escape the crowds, struggle together through whatever adversity presented itself, enjoy being together, find time to talk to each other along the river, around the campfires, and in the tent each night.  Well, the vote is unanimous and the conclusion is that we got everything we signed up for - and lots more than we counted on.

Adam again proves the lack of cell tower coverage along the upper reaches of the St. Marys.

We definitely escaped the crowds, as we saw not even one other person during all our time on the river.  For the greatest part of the trip, we were even forced to escape the usual mobile phone interruptions as there also was no phone service available either.  Without a doubt, we struggled together through adversities.  These came in the form of obstacles you might expect along such a river: strainers, logjams, Cypress knees, and shallow water, but we would never have expected our "trip to Florida" to include 20 degree weather, sleet, and freezing rain.  Conversation was plentiful not only between dads and sons but also within the entire group as we discussed the days events, how to handle various concerns, gave mutual encouragement, offered helping hands and guidance, and just generally relayed to each other the things we noticed during our adventure.  Conversation was also evident between us and God as we questioned His will and our sanity, noticed His creation, and looked for any lessons He might want us to learn through our observations and experiences.

Although we recognize that God is due all the credit for everything created and all the blessings we receive, I still want to recognize those through whom He works to bring some of these blessings. 

MTI AdventureWear has been an ongoing supporter of the OWLS Ministry for some time now and this trip was no exception.  MTI was responsible for providing ten of the 12 life jackets worn by us during our adventure.  The savings realized through in-kind gifts of required gear and supplies like this may seem like a small thing until you realize how many more people can be served as a result.

Another big help for us, both in planning and making the trip a success, was my friend Kyle Hicks, proprietor of KandC's Oak Tree Cafe in St. George.  Kyle gave me regular reports of river conditions, weather forecasts, and other paddlers' experiences in the weeks leading up to our expedition.  Once we were in the St. George, Moniac, MacClenny area Kyle provided us welcome vehicle security by allowing us to park at his home and, more importantly, provided us shuttle service which gave us needed flexibility to adjust our river access as required by conditions.

Not 100 yards after we headed downstream, we came upon our first logjam over which we had to carry our loaded canoes.


Teamwork was the order of the day as we quickly lost count of the number of lifts and carries we had to do.


The low water levels combined with the numerous Cypress knees to make even the "open" water a paddle through an obstacle course.

Even though our regular readings of the river gauges showed plenty of depth and past trip reports from others as well as my own recollections told us our canoe-camping trip should be relatively easy if not a bit slow, what we experienced had little in common with my past trips on the St. Marys.  Rivers are always changing but this was in a league all its own.  It turns out that, in spite of reports by several local river experts and numerous references made to water flow and river depth, no one I contacted thought to tell me about the record breaking flood that came through the area last June in the wake of tropical storm Debby.  With Debby's water flowing 22 feet higher then than we were paddling, the result was a river channel widened to several times its former size, masses of tree trunks, broken limbs, and stumps creating dams across the twisting stream, and, in many places, a completely relocated river.  In this fact was wrapped up one of the first lessons I think we should have learned on this trip.  The stark reality of how worthless we found our memories, old maps, and river data shouted out the importance of making sure that we base our lives only on something stable and unchanging.   That stable and unchanging roadmap for life is of course the living Word of God which is the only reliable manual for making the right choices.  The unchangeable "I AM" is the only one in whom we can place our trust for living life today and for life eternal.

Around the campfire that first night, the lessons continued as we discussed the stars, located Polaris, and remembered how God has been pointing the way throughout history (His-Story) to those who were wise enough to look to Him for wisdom and guidance.  As Romans 1:20 says," For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse."


The Houser's and Trimble's ready for another day of adventure along the St. Marys River.

Chris relayed to us all after the trip home, "I have a few favorite memories, but a personal one was asking my son (Christopher) how I could improve as a dad…after first saying, “you’re great!” He shared that times like these were really special, but time around the house was special too. His ask of me in 2013 was to be around more. It hit home as I travel a lot for work. I make the commitment that special trips are “special” but just being around is special as well. It is so precious to get time away from phones, email and the daily stresses of life…a simple river, 450 canoe strokes and your son creates some of the best memories imaginable. 

I loved seeing the teamwork that naturally unfolded – helping lift canoes, shoving one another off sand banks, building camp at night and the celebration at our landing. Bonds formed over a few days floating the St. Marys.

Thank you (Ben) for driving the trip. “Life” can easily conspire against making these memories happen."

Smoke rising from the fire and fog rising from the river all add to the memories of breakfast and coffee before heading out again.  It had already risen to 23 degrees by the time this photo was taken.


Rope swings and boys just go together - even if there's no intention of dropping into the river.


Yes, boys and rope swings - even if the boys are also dads.


Mike conveyed,"Colton and I had a great time. Like all of you, simply being able to be a team unit with our boy was awesome. We got very good at synchronizing our "dig" to clear the sand bars. Coping with the temps was great, too. In a way I liked being uncomfortable, as it helps keep and teach perspective on our blessings and provision, even central heat.

I will also not soon forget the "cheesecake"…

And I say, "Thanks Mike for helping out with the cooking!"  The break you gave me made a big, big difference in the energy I had to keep making progress.

Three generations of Fuller men celebrate at river's end!  In Ken's words, "There is a truism: No Pain No Gain, and if a little pain from paddling and cold creates gain in your relationship with your son and friends, then it is all worth the hard work."





Jimmy relayed the following:- Tripp wanted to sit in the back which I was glad to encourage even though it probably slowed us down a bit. He really stuck with it and practiced getting the strokes and pulls down. He went through a lot of frustration but also at one point he said "I'm really 'on' right now". It gave us a chance to cover a lot of life lessons, many of which I need to remind myself more frequently.
- The amount of guiding was just about right as was the time with the group. At one point or   another, we were all on our own to some degree and at other times we were all pulling together as a team. It didn't feel like we were smothered with guidance from Ben nor did it feel like we were left completely on our own. This provided for a lot of problem solving opportunities in a safe environment.
- I remember the moment the takeout point came into view and the world came flooding back to me all at once. I immediately remembered any number of 'pressing' or 'important' issues that were facing me Tuesday morning. It came to me in such a rush that it made me realize I had been switched almost completely off for the entire trip. It really gave me a great perspective. The world was still there and running without me even though I hadn't really been worried or anxious about anything for three days.  That reminded me of Matthew 6:25-27, "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?  Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?  Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?"
- Tripp gave me a big hug when we got home Monday night and thanked me for taking him on the trip. He had a great time and gained confidence from all the hard work and problem solving.
- I agree with Chris about going to bed early. In our electrified world there always seems to be something to keep me awake longer than I need to be up but going to bed early Sat and Sun nights was a nice change up.

Chris also wrote about his recollections:

· First time canoeing for Christopher…adventure and excitement soon gave way to the reality of working and contributing
· Chris and Christopher becoming a team…that takes time and the water with a current and debris isn’t too forgiving to learning to paddle together. We had to work on a system of when Christopher would paddle, how hard, which side…had to temper his competitive spirit a bit to make sure we were working as part of a larger group as well (his dad may have had a challenge with this as well!)
· Teamwork – realizing that God designed us all with unique and complimentary gifts…I cannot cook or start a fire…but, I can lift a canoe and don’t mind getting wet. I’m thankful for the cooks and fire starters!
· Silence…something about silence was fantastic…no chirping phones or emails…no cars, planes or chaos…just quiet
· Ben Franklin: I loved the “early to bed early to rise” mantra. The second part wasn’t exactly true…but, the early to bed was wonderful!

I want to share with you, something I noticed during one of our lunch stops that stuck in my mind.  As was often the case, the boys would gather by themselves to talk, compare notes on the trip, discuss what others back home were doing, etc.  On one such occasion, I listened to them, one after another, talk about, "Dad did.....,""Daddy and I.....,""You should have heard the noise when my Dad......."  Then one of them said, "My Father......" and tried later to start a sentence by saying, "Father and I...." only to hesitate and return to saying, "Daddy and I............"  All I could come up with was that he must have felt he was to old to be calling his father, "Daddy" or "Dad" any more, or at least he wanted his buddies to think so. 

Not until half way home did I understand the significance of what I witnessed there on the side of the river.  I remember when I reached just such a point in my life as well.  I started calling and referring to my Daddy as "Father" and remember well how rough and aloof it sounded, not only to me but also to him.  It didn't take long at all for me to drop back to calling him "Dad."  I could never get used to calling "Father" one who I loved so much and whose love for me was immeasurable, one who I knew I could always count on to answer whenever I needed help.

Remember how Jesus, who is God, in conversations with His Father, used the name "Abba," literally "Daddy."  The one rare exception to that that I recall is when, because Jesus was at that time wearing the sins of all of us on the cross, the heavenly Father could not allow Himself to be a daddy to His only son.  I believe that the God who walked and talked with Adam and Eve in Eden, was "Abba" to them.  His love and presence were so clearly understood that they couldn't imagine being without their Creator and Friend.  When Adam sinned, the angel drove them, not only out of the garden, but also out of their direct fellowship with God.  From that point, until Jesus' conquering of death and sin, all of mankind could only relate to God as "King,""Ruler,""Lord,""Almighty,""Perfect," and "Father."  After Jesus rose from the grave, proving not only His justice, but God's love, ability to forgive, mercy, and grace, we are now able to call Him "Abba," "Daddy" once again.

Think about what it is to be a father and how much more meaningful it is to be a daddy.  That is exactly why God wants us all to relate to Him as Our Daddy.  Thanks be to God that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him will not die but instead live forever with Abba God.
 

From Mike: Ben, thank you again for all your hard work. Leaving you to tie down all those boats on the side of the road when we were all just spent, put in perspective all the work you do.
To Ben: Mike, thanks to all of you for having such wonderful attitudes and always showing a willingness to go the extra mile in so many areas.  The extra work I did after you left was more than paid in advance with all the effort shown by everyone on this adventure.  Can't wait until we can all go again!

St. Marys River Rats - from Left to Right: Colton, Hank, Robert, Jackson, Chris, Christopher, Mike, Adam, Jimmy, and Tripp.  Not shown - Ken or Ben


 

Father-Son Experience on Alabama's Choctawhatchee River

Unlike the other trip reports, where I compose all the comments, on this one I have just copied an email from one of the participants. I hope you enjoy reading his take on this adventure which took place July 10 - 14, 2009 and included snakes, alligators, egrets, herons, lightning bugs and, on one night, low flying night-vision equipped helicopters buzzing our campsite.

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A great time of father & son bonding!

Dear Ben:

I want to thank you for the absolutely splendid trip we had on the Choctawhatchee River with me and 12 year old Matthew.

You distinguished yourself before we ever got on the river by making a number of accommodations to my unpredictable and constantly mutating schedule – with changes in the number of days, time of departure, all of which caused you to change the trip planning, food planning, etc.

Your accommodations and flexibility were superb.

Happy campers? You bet!

Of course, one of the goals of this trip was to give Matthew a great outdoor experience, to introduce him to canoeing, to build his self confidence and to enhance the father-son bond. You succeeded admirably! On each one of these goals, we realized what we wanted – culminating in Matthew’s solo paddle all day on the last day, including following your expert instructions through the strainers. And amazingly – he listened, something that he may not have done had his father been the instructor.

Matthew's first day solo paddling - in the Bluehole Sunburst.

Ready to take a well deserved break at the confluence of the Little Choctawhatchee and the Choctawhatchee River.

In our time together, I certainly sensed what I take to be the results of 30 years of your experience in the outdoors with such a variety of venues and kids, as you explained your background to me. Your ease at camp, your ease on the water, your beautiful balance between forthright instruction and gentle encouragement with Matthew (and me!) all have been honed, I think, through your years doing this work. I think you are indeed a treasure.

One of the many creatures that shared the Choctawhatchee with us 7/10 - 7/14/09.

In fact, I think you might be hiding your light under a bushel. I know how diligently you are working on OWLS with the inner city kids – what a marvelous ministry. But I think your talents are so broad and deep that you would do well to serve other communities. I’m thinking of church groups, community-based groups, outfitter stores that offer outings like the one we were on. Your special touch with adolescents is quite rare – as most people will avoid that age group because the kids are so (appropriately) difficult. I think there are an increasing number of schools – especially private schools – that offer “real life,” practical experiences for their students. They should hire you!

The soapstone walls of the riverbank continually flowed with water, creating these "fernfalls" rather than ordinary waterfalls.

And by the way, I appreciate you providing such superb equipment and food – it certainly made our life easy to just follow your “what to bring” instructions – and then enjoy ourselves.


Making camp as the sun drops below the horizon.

It was particularly fun to do an exploratory trip with you, as I understand this was your first trip down the Choctawhatchee – a most beautiful and remote area. I was able after the first day to disconnect completely from the onslaught of work and things at home, and get a true mental rest and physical workout.

Yes, dads can still enjoy rope swings too!

Thanks again.

Cordially,
George

Spring Break Adventure in the 10,000 Islands

We've returned from the Spring Break '09 trip and it couldn't have been much better! If you missed out on this trip and want to be sure space is available for this trip next year or if you want to join us on any of our upcoming adventures, don't wait to contact me to register or schedule a custom trip for you, your family, or your group. (BenSimms@aol.com)

While we are never really certain of what our Creator will show us on any particular trip, some of the things we remember about this one were the unbelievably fantastic weather, the manatee swimming right up under one of our canoes, the ospreys warning us away from their nest, the porpoises racing in circles around us and then jumping for the sky, sand bars with so many fiddler crabs that the entire surface seemed to move, a bull shark sharing a quiet cove with us, colorful sunrises and sunsets, pelicans everywhere, sandbars covered with birds and sandy beaches with nothing but the finest white powder sand, mangrove trees growing so close that even the fish and crabs sometimes had trouble working their way out, sea shells everywhere we turned, ducks, cormorants, egrets, herons, and many more birds that we are still trying to identify.


Osprey were seen tending their young, catching fish and rodents, and flying high overhead as we traveled the Blackwater River out to the Gulf. Nests were built on signposts and treetops; wherever they felt they could be safe and see the approach of any possible danger. The Bible tells us to soar like the eagle and it's no wonder why these big raptors are often mistaken for just that.


Birds of a feather usually flock together but there were those rare occasions where pelicans and cormorants would share the same roost.


We couldn't escape the watchful eye of this pelican as he allowed us to scare up a meal or two for him in the protected lagoon he seemed to prefer.


We launched from Collier-Seminole State Park, located on Royal Palm Hammock, which is the site of the largest grove of native Royal Palms in the country.


The porpoises seemed to enjoy playing with us as they would sneak up and surprise us by blowing air and making sounds that reminded us of a horse's snort. Several even performed some aerial maneuvers such as high jumps, flips, and their own version of the belly flop.


Royal Palms are known for their distinctive green headstalks and consistently shaped tops.


These red mangrove trees were right in front of our base camp location and provided a great example of how the 10,000 Islands are continuing to form with each passing year.


Here is a view of the same trees from my tent at low tide with the customary orange Florida sunset.


This photo shows just how clear the water in the 10,000 Islands and Rookery Bay area can be. It has the same appearance as some of the springfed freshwater Florida streams.



One last shot as we finished taking down the tents and packing for the paddle back home. Beach camping just doesn't get any better than this!


We had a driftwood fire to sit around each night and discuss all the days sights and lessons.

On the way past Turtle Key, I shot this photo of side-by-side black (on the left) and red mangrove trees. Notice that the red mangrove has the distinctive prop roots whereas the black mangrove has smaller air roots somewhat like the cypress knees we were more familiar with.

God has done some amazing work in sculpturing landforms in the area, both for our delight and for our challenge. This sandbar was about 1/2 mile long and the tide was still over two hours away from complete low tide. Rather than portage the fully loaded canoes over the rough sand and shells, we elected to explore another hidden bay in search of a short cut. It was shorter but, in the process, we ended up paddling in about 5" of water over some very sticky mud for about an hour.

Although we often imagined ourselves as being alone, we had to admit that we were always being watched.

The protected waters of the tidal river basin were glassy as we paddled back up on a rising tide.