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!

Buffalo River TN 7/9/11

Last weekend we went on a girls camping trip to the Buffalo River in Lobelville Tn.  On Sat all 12 of us did a 7 mile float that took about 5-1/2 hours. 7 of us in Kayaks and 5 in inner tubes.   The Buffalo river is a class I & class II river.  The current is decent and it was a relaxing and beautiful float.  The majority of the 7 miles is undeveloped.  Tall rock cliffs and thick woods was our scenery for most of the way.  Nice clear water and quiet, I recommend this float!