Phyllis and I set out Friday for a camping trip, canoeing and hiking! We headed to Desoto State Park Primitive camp ground in Alabama! After setting up camp and enjoying a relaxing Friday night, we set out Saturday morning for a canoe trip above Desoto Falls! I had no idea this stretch of water existed, but it is a very tranquil lake-like paddle. You put in right on the dam, which seems a little scary as you can see over the dam to a very long drop off! Actually, very safe and there is almost no current! We began our paddle at about 9 in the morning and we were all alone on the water. After leaving the main area, the river narrows and becomes a beautiful, peaceful place! Although there are many houses along the way, it seems very secluded at the same time! We actually saw a snake swim across the river and as he passed in front of us he froze and stared us down. Either that, or he was posing for pictures! He finally decided to move on, as did we! We passed beautiful flowers and old structures and a couple of fishermen, but in general, we had the river all to ourselves! We saw a sweet turtle that was trying to get on a log and his little legs were working away! He finally jumped in the water, but he was very funny to watch! After 3 miles, we came to the old rock dam at the far end of the paddle! It was a beautiful place and we got out and walked around for a while, then headed back down the river! On the way, we tied of to a tree in the middle of the river and had a picnic lunch! By the time we got back to the falls, it was absolutely packed with people! We were amazed that we had been so alone for most of the morning! We always look for roads less travelled and we found one here! A special thanks to Bill Shugart, Director of One World Adventure Company, who took time out of his vacation to help me find this paddle even though I didn’t rent from him since I had my own canoe! If you every want an amazing trip, I highly recommend Bill and his company! We had an amazing morning, but the adventure was just beginning…..
2016-06-11