Wolf River - Ghost River section August 26th 2012

We paddled the 8 mile section between La Grange and Moscow yesterday.  This section is called the Ghost Rover section.  The Ghost River gets its name because there is a portion of the Ghost section (about 2 miles ) that has no visible current.  The river opens up into a huge cypress and tupelo tree swamp filled with huge lilly pads and other water plants.   The area is well marked and we didn't have any issues finding our way through.   There were 6 others plus the 4 of us that rode on our shuttle up river.  We let them launch first and we only ran into a couple of them for the remainder of the trip.  When we were leaving the lunch spot, another group of 10 or so was pulling into the lunch spot.  Check out the Wolf River Conservancy website (wolfriver.org) and you can get detailed info on this section of the river.
Click on this link to view all 100 plus pictures from this trip.

  https://picasaweb.google.com/102482030576179942100/GhostRiver82612#

Wolf River - Bateman to Moscow

Wolf River - Bateman bridge to Moscow  6.1 miles

Absolutely gorgeous section of the river. Lots of twists and turns , cypress and tupelo trees with breathtaking views.   This section took us about 4.5 hours and we stopped twice to rest.  We had about a 50 yard portage due to shallow water and we encountered shallow water again towards the end but managed to make it through without getting out.  Sand bottoms and clear water throughout the entire way.   I have now paddled 3 sections of the Wolf river encompassing 19 miles and still many more sections to go!  For a detailed description of the Bateman to Moscow section, go to this link and on the right hand side, select Bateman to Moscow.

http://www.wolfriver.org/riversectiondescriptions_1

Too many pics to upload so here is the link to the photo album

https://picasaweb.google.com/102482030576179942100/August122012

Shelby Forest August 5th 2012

Shelby Forest Aug 5th 2012

This was supposed to be a deep swamp canoe float but due to very low water levels, the float was moved to the main lake.  We just paddled around looking for wildlife and the park ranger talked about the history of park, etc.  The "guided" part was only an hour and those of us in our own boats ventured off on our own afterwards and paddled around.   I had not been to Shelby Forest since I was a little kid and it is a beautiful place.  Nice cabins, picnic areas, etc.  I only saw a portion of the park and I would like to go back to see the rest of it.  The boat ramp charges a small $2 launch fee and you can also rent Jon boats.  You can see in one of my pictures where the roots are exposed, how low the water is.  We stopped at the General Store on the way out and grabbed a snack and a cold drink.   Can't wait to go back !

Wolf River - Memphis TN July 2012

Wolf River - Memphis TN  July 2012
We used the Walnut Grove boat Ramp which is located on the Southeast side of Walnut Grove.  If you turn in to the BMX area, you will see the road to the boat ramp to your right.  We paddled upstream for 2 hours then had a very nice float back downstream that took about 50 minutes.  The water was very low - only 2.5 to 3.5 in most places but we manged. We passed a canoe and their dog was actually walking in the water since it was so shallow.   Nice sand bars for longer trips when you might want to stop for lunch.   I am looking forward to the next exploration on the Wolf.  I plan on paddling Houston Levee to Walnut Grove very soon! Here is a link to a map that shows you all of the access point and mileage.

http://www.wolfriver.org/wolfriverboataccessmap_1

Lake Martin Al July 2012

Lake Martin - Dadeville AL   July 2012
Lake Martin is a large lake located near Auburn Al.  Heavy jet ski and tubing traffic so you can only paddle very early in the morning or early evening once the boat traffic settles down.

Herb Parsons Lake June 2012

Herb Parsons Lake - Fisherville TN  June 2012

Herb Parsons is a 177 acre lake located a quick 8 miles from Collierville.  This is mostly a fishing lake but you will see kayaks out there.  Nice boat ramps and a small $5 boat ramp fee.

Patriot Lake May 2012

Patriot Lake - Memphis TN May 2012

Patriot Lake is a 50 acre lake located in Shelby Farms.  It's a nice relaxing paddle and there are usually several other kayaks on the water.  Lots of snakes!  I have seen more snakes here than anywhere else I have been.

Reelfoot Lake April 2012

Reelfoot Lake Deep Swamp Float - April 2012

TN State park leads this float every weekend in March and April.  Gorgeous 3 hour paddle through cypress forests and lily pad fields.  After the guided float we drove to the eastern section of the lake known as the Grassy Island Unit and explored little creeks off the lake.  Just beautiful and I highly recommend it!