5/31/08

May 26. John Greene. Today the voice of the rivers crew set out for Augusta from Fury’s Ferry via the Augusta Canal. We broke camp early on Memorial Day and were on the river in a decent hour. As we paddled closer and closer to Augusta we began to see signs of a suburban civilization that had been somewhat absent for several days. The first real hint that we were getting closer was construction on a riverfront walk just prior to the Stevens Creek Dam project about a mile upstream from the canal lock in Augusta. Following a short portage around the dam we met up with our gracious hosts the Canoe and Kayak Club of Augusta. We enjoyed our hosts company for the better part of a mile before we reached the lock and gates of the Augusta Canal. It was at this point that our day got a little bit interesting. To make a long story short a couple of VOR members had a short scare and ended up swimming either in the canal or the lock. If you were lucky enough to see the local news coverage of the episode, you managed to get a greatly over dramatized point of view surrounding the event. However, the incident served as a great catalyst for group development and as we headed out into the further reaches of the Savannah River the group is stronger than ever.

Fortunately, we were privy to the gracious hospitality of many a sincere Augustan including, Jim Steinger of American Wilderness Outdoor Limited who helped replace some missing gear, Blake and Gloria Paulos, Jim and Evelyn Mashburn, Chip Matson, Dr. Tom Coter who shared his vast depth of knowledge on the local water systems around Augusta and the Savannah River, and especially Michael Harrison who encouraged us all afternoon and drove a few of us on much-needed errands.

Following the unfortunate incident at the lock, the Augusta Canal Interpretive Center staff and Margaret Harrison treated us to a fine lunch of traditional southern fare including cold refreshing sweet tea and some delicious fried chicken with fixings. For this gift I don’t think any among us could express enough gratitude toward our hosts.

For the previous nine days we have been subject to the whims of the wind and the vastness of the lakes we have been crossing, but today moving water conquered all. The speed at which we moved through the canal was something to behold after one hundred plus miles slugging across the lakes. We managed the seven or so miles to our take out in about an hour. Following our paddle down the canal we received another surprise at the canal interpretive center: ice cold watermelon and some free time in an air conditioned museum. It’s funny how a short ten days without modern comforts will allow you to totally appreciate creature comforts we take for granted on a daily basis.

Following our time spent at the interpretive center we headed toward the local marina for the night and to meet up with James’ mother and sister for another free meal of pizza and fresh Georgia peaches.

The group came together as we set camp and put some meaning into a day full of activity. The day came to a lazy end as we watched another beautiful Savannah River sunset across the Augusta cityscape.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Glad you enjoyed Augusta!! I love my hometown and I am happy that you had a wonderful time. The Canal and Thurmond Lake (Clark's Hill while I was growing up) is a great place to have fun.

Sorry that I missed your 'swimming' experience but relieved everyone is fine. You are in my thoughts and prayers as you continue your travels.

Brevard College is so proud of you and so am I!!

Tasha C. Toy, Ph.D.
Brevard College Administrator