Wow, can it be, we will be celebrating our 10 year of business this summer. It is hard to believe that we have made it this far along this crazy journey of leading kayaking and outdoor adventures. Along the way, we have met some amazing people and families. We have also experienced some crazy adventures; like the sudden weather changes, rescuing of other kayaker (not apart of our group) who are kayaking without proper gear, the full moon kayaking adventure when the sky was lit up by meteors falling through the atmosphere, and all the container ships on the Cape Fear River. These are just some of the fun times we have had.
Over the past 10 years, I have collected some really fond memories. This past summer, I had the opportunity to guide a family of 3 kayaking through the 3 Sisters Swamp. The the wife of the family, got for her mom this trip for her 72 birthday. We started off that hot morning with the mother in front of the kayak that I was paddling. She was so spellbound by what she saw. Slowly, we floated through the ancient trees so she could simply reach out and touch these 2500 year old tree. What a privilege that was to paddle her on this special day.
Then there is the memory of a trip on Town Creek several years ago. We were guiding a large family on this sunny morning. The young daughter of the family got into the kayak and panicked. She simply let fear take over and started crying and didn’t want to go. The granddad said that he would stay back with her while everyone else went kayaking. I stepped in and talked to the young girl about her fear and after a few minutes, she agreed to give it a try. By the time we got back, she was having the time of her life. To see this young girl at the end of the trip make my day. I was so glad that we took the extra time to help her understand her fear.
I could go on with even more memories, but that is not why I am writing. I am writing because I am overwhelmed and grateful by this life adventure God has given me. You see, I am apart of something much bigger than me just having a job. I get the opportunity to help families, couples, groups and yes even individuals, to have a “Positive & Memorable” outdoor adventure. I get to share with those who come on our adventures the Awe and Wonder of God’s Creation. To me, this is an awesome responsibility and privilege. Adventure never grows old, or at least is shouldn’t. Life is an adventure and if we give that up, what happens then? To me it seems that life would be very boring. Adventure also has a mystery element. Just like life, adventure is mysterious and that is the way it should be.
So don’t give up exploring the great outdoors! You never know what amazing thing you will discover about yourself or those you are with.
Don & Diane Harty own Mahanaim Adventures. They specialize in helping individuals, families and groups to have “Positive & Memorable” outdoor adventures. Whether these are wildlife view adventure, camping adventure or a simple kayaking adventure. They provide kayaking adventures on Town Creek, Sharks Tooth Island, Cape Fear River, Zekes Island, Masonboro Island, 3 Sisters Swamp, Black River, Holly Shelter Creek and Moores Creek. Oh, yes, we do rent kayaks also. Contact them at for more information about all of their adventures.