Wilderness Canoeing with Buddy Davis

If you are an experienced paddler who loves adventure, this wilderness canoeing trip is for you!  We will venture into the heart of the Okefenokee Swamp for a 3-day, 25-mile paddling journey through tea-colored water, which reflects everything in sight, including scenic prairies (open wetland areas), shrub-lined waterways and beautiful Spanish moss-laden cypress trees that are particularly abundant in the western regions of the swamp. Along the way, we will see and hear plenty of wildlife, most notable of which are the numerous lurking alligators and majestic wading birds but also including frogs, turtles, lizards and other fascinating swamp residents.  Your guides will be adventurer, paleo-artist, musician and writer Buddy Davis and Creation Museum naturalist Perry McDorman, who has taken at least nine such wilderness canoeing trips in the Okefenokee.

Bring your canoe or kayak, or let us know if you need to rent one.  We’ll make memories that will last a lifetime, but this trip is not for the faint of heart.  Once we start and get out into the wilderness, there is no turning back because we will paddle right through from the eastern to the western side of the swamp, spending two nights in the 400,000-acre wildlife refuge.

We will meet on Sunday evening, October 17^th, at a campground near the eastern entrance of the swamp.  We’ll enjoy dinner together and learn what to expect over the next few days as well as some of the “laws of the land” (refuge regulations and swamp etiquette).

Monday morning we will strike out early from the campground to do some “swampin” the easy way for our first day.  We’ll explore a wildlife drive, walk some short hiking trails, and take a guided motorboat tour in the Suwannee Canal Recreation Area.  The view from the observation tower will especially whet your appetite for the scenery you’ll see on the paddling trip.  At the end of the day, Buddy will spin a yarn or two about his past wilderness adventures and lead us in some campfire songs.

We will break down camp early Tuesday morning and head to Suwannee Canal where we will launch.  The first day is the longest day of paddling—9 miles of paddling west along the Suwannee Canal before heading north onto Chase Prairie for another 3 miles, 12 miles total before reaching our first destination, Round Top shelter.  The shelter is a wooden platform, partially covered, that stands above the water in the middle of a beautiful swamp prairie.  Round Top is a perfect vantage point for stargazing on a clear night, as there are no interfering lights in the middle of the swamp.  We should make it there with time to unload our boats and set up our tents before enjoying the sunset from our humble wilderness abode.

The only “facility” here is a chemical toilet in a port-a-john type of structure.  You will need a free-standing tent, unless you want to sleep under the stars.  Using your flashlight to probe the darkness around the shelter, you might see the “eye shine” of any alligators in the surrounding water!

We’ll have plenty of time on Wednesday to paddle to our next destination, Floyd’s Island, a scrub forest habitat with an old hunting cabin. A short paddling distance of only five miles will allow ample opportunities for photography and searching for unique carnivorous plants. When we get to Floyd’s Island, we can spread out and set up our tents around the fire ring where we can cook hot dogs, marshmallows and s’mores.  Occasionally, a bobcat will be spotted or heard during the night. A short portage across the island, with the aid of a canoe cart, is required before setting out the following morning.

Our final day of paddling will consist of eight miles, much of which will wind through towering cypress trees.  The scenery is breathtaking.  We will end up at Stephen Foster State Park, where we will have arranged a shuttle van to take us and our boats back to Suwannee Canal.

FAQ’s:

What is the date?

October 17-21, 2010

What equipment do I need?

You need to bring a free-standing tent, sleeping bag and pad, flashlight, canoe or kayak, life preserver, and paddles.  Most of the equipment can be rented if you do not have your own (contact us for details).

What about food and water?

We will provide Sunday evening’s dinner and the fixins’ for s’mores.  You will need to pack your food for the rest of the trip.  You are allowed to take a camp stove and cooler in the swamp if you’re willing to carry the extra weight in your boat.  You must bring your own water—no drinking water is available, and you definitely don’t want to drink the swamp water!

What else should I bring?

Bring water and soap for hand washing as well as toilet paper, just in case the port-a-john is not stocked.  Bring sunglasses, a hat, maybe a light jacket, a poncho, garbage bags or dry bags for stowing your goods in case of rain, bags for your trash, sunscreen and bug spray, just in case.  Bring a camera, binoculars and a safe place to store them in case of rain!  Your cell phone won’t do much good in most of the swamp, but you are welcome to bring it and try if you want.

What about bugs?

Surprisingly, mosquitoes and biting flies usually aren’t that bad during the best seasons to visit (Spring, Fall and Winter), but because the weather can vary, so too can the presence of biting insects. Typically, they are worse on land than over the water, so the time bug spray might be needed most is on the walking trails and on Floyd’s Island. In any case, always be prepared and have some bug repellant handy.

What will I see in the swamp?

American alligators, wading birds, carnivorous plants, water lilies galore, and towering cypress trees casting perfect reflections on the dark surface of the water are practically guaranteed to be seen.  Other not-so-rare sightings include barred owls, deer, raccoons, snakes, lizards, turtles, frogs and various song birds. Otters may also be seen but are mainly spotted during the winter months when the alligators are less active. Occasionally, you may even see a bobcat or black bear.

How much does it cost?

If you bring your own canoe and camping equipment, the trip will be $375.  If you don’t have a boat, don’t fret, you can rent a good one (including life preservers and paddles) for an additional $60, which can be split between two canoeing partners.  Alternatively, you can rent a solo kayak if you’re traveling alone.  The cost includes the guided trip, camping fees, the motorboat tour, one dinner, permit fees, and the shuttle fee.  If you need additional equipment, contact us for details.

Who can come?

Trip participants must be 12 years of age or older.  This trip is not for the faint of heart.  You should be an experienced paddler prepared for a strenuous workout.  There will be hours of paddling.

Once you’ve launched into the swamp there’s only one way out…the end of the trail.  There’s no turning back, so be sure this is what you want to do.  But, if you do go, the reward is great with breathtaking scenery, unique plants and abundant wildlife.  The nighttime sounds, God’s symphony, are worth the trip.

This trip is conditional upon certain permits being issued.  We will reserve spots for interested parties until such time as we can officially book the trip (which we hope to be soon).  There are only 10 spots available, so please contact us right away at Okefenokee@creationmuseum.org if you are interested!