2009 Paddle Alabama Trip Report

For me, it started on Wednesday morning June 10 with a 2 hour drive from Atlanta, Georgia to Riverside Campground at Cedar Bluff, Alabama. The pleasant drive was replete with frequent stops; Bank of America was first on the list followed by a fill up at the gas station. Breakfast was orange juice and coffee because the drive was taking me past a restaurant where I could get a hand cut fried bologna sandwich on white bread with yellow mustard. This favorite sandwich that I still enjoy is a wonderful reminder of my happy years in the West (by God) Virginia hill country where I grew up. A final stop at WalMart to get another SD card for my camera and I was Alabama bound.

Checking in at the campground Mike, Tresa, their daughter Jess and my favorite little buddy Clayton met me with a smile. Not only are they friendly, they are all good cooks and eating at Riverside Restaurant is a good way to enjoy a day. After checking in I went to find a campsite to set up my tent only to find that I wasn’t the first to arrive. The friendly Floridians, Jim and Faye Lacefield had arrived with their camper and kayaks.

Soon other paddlers arrived and the campground came alive. Signs, banners, tables, chairs and tents let everyone know that Paddle Alabama 2009 had landed. It rained just enough to keep the dust down before the sky cleared for a beautiful cool night. Most of us had dinner in the Riverside Restaurant.

Thursday started at 5:00am with a cup of coffee. Shortly everyone was up and ready to go. Across the parking lot the other paddlers were arriving. At 9:35am Paddle Alabama 2009 was officially underway with all boats on the water headed towards Pruitt’s Island our lunch stop. On the way the wind started picking up and caught a few off guard. This was an open water lake paddle where that is always a possibility. After lunch the wind continued yet the group stayed close together. Finally we arrived at the Alabama Belle Resort after our 7.5 mile exciting lake crossing. Tents went up and dinner was in the restaurant. Afterwards Michael McCreedy spoke to the group about the local geology.

Friday morning started with a beautiful day and a light breakfast. The group was divided into two groups. The first group out would make a 4 mile longer and faster pace trip then meet with the other group at the lunch stop. During the morning paddle the wind picked up but wasn’t noticed because we were protected by the causeway. After lunch the ASRT decided the wind and waves were too strong for many of the paddlers and that they would shuttle them to the campsite. Twelve paddlers challenged the wind and waves on Weiss Lake for an exciting paddle to Driftwood Campground. Coincidentally with arranging transportation for paddlers and boats everyone arrived at the campground at the same time. And again the little village of Paddle Alabama came to life. Dinner was provided and all were entertained by a reenactment by a revolutionary soldier and a Blue Grass Band. During the evening the winds became stronger in bursts but no rain.

Saturday morning was pleasant. Breakfast was served and the group departed for Yellow Creek Falls but stopped at the Hwy 273 Bridge where lunch was served. The ASRT had a check presentation will Alabama and County officials before the Dragon Boat races began. Afterwards some paddled to Yellow Creeks Falls and hiked up to the Falls. Upon returning to the lunch stop most elected to be shuttled back to their vehicle. For Neal Bates and I Paddle Alabama ended when we paddled the 3 miles back to Driftwood Campground. After loading our kayaks we made a stop at the Office/Store where I had a farewell meal of pickled hard boiled egg, hot sausage and a Coca-Cola and that’s the way to leave Alabama.

The greatest thing about Paddle Alabama 2009… A group of people with a common interest came together, paddled, ate and socialized for 3-4 days and saw one of Alabama’s beautiful natural resources, Lake Weiss.

The exceptional things about Paddle Alabama 2009… Food had to be at the top of the list. Thereasa Hulgan not only prepared some of the food but she made sure everyone had a full stomach even if she had to hand serve it. Food on a trip is very important and she gets a Blue Ribbon for a job well done. Don Coley who is an excellent paddler unselfishly chose to shuttle and support us on the trip but when he got a lawn mower and cut grass at our Day 2 lunch site he certainly went above and beyond the call of duty.

The funniest thing that happened during Paddle Alabama 2009… I’d love to tell you but the threat on my life prevents me from doing so. Perhaps she will tell you … but don’t count on it.

The saddest part of Paddle Alabama 2009… That it will be 360 + days before we all get together and do it again.

The worst thing of Paddle Alabama 2009… Mother Nature reminded us that she controlled the weather and some paddlers were unable to paddle the second leg (4 miles) of Day 2 on rough open lake water.

Special thanks to the ASRT and everyone who had any part of making it a fun, successful, enjoyable and memorable event.