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Last Night

Last night I had the privilege of leading a sunset kayaking adventure for a Mom and her three kids. When the Mom scheduled this adventure, she told me that her family had been through some really rough stuff. The Mom was looking for something for them to do together for fun and to be a family creating a good family memory. After we got off the water last night as we were walking back to the cars, Mom told me thank you for all we had done for her and her kids that they would be talking about this adventure for a long time.

This reminded me of one of the reasons why Diane and I started this business and for some of the success we are having. You see, when our family was young, we spent lots of time out camping, hiking, horseback riding, canoeing and many other outdoor activities. The vast majority of the times all went well, some not so well. Those of you who spend lots of time in the outdoors with kids know what I mean. However about 7 years ago when my son-in-law started dating Hillary, he made the mistake of going camping with us one weekend. Our kids spent the whole weekend sharing with him all the fun family memories we had doing all of these things together. Listing to our kids laugh and carry on with each other remember this time together was a precious gift to Diane and I.

Last night I was reminded of this simple fact; that we got a chance to help this family create a special memory that they will cherish now and in the years to some. I guess that I am sharing this with you because we each have chances each day to make a difference in other people lives. I guess it comes down to perspective and remember that life is not all about me, but how I can be used by Christ to be a blessing to someone that I meet.

Amazing! Wildlife Viewing Weekend.

A couple of weeks ago, I had the privilege of guiding a few good friends on a three day weekend wildlife viewing adventure. We spent the time camping, hiking, enjoying each other’s company and experiencing some fantastic wildlife viewing. I have to admit that for me a weekend like this is usually about enjoying the friendship and fellowship of great friends. However, this weekend was so much better because of the wildlife viewing experience that was to unfold before us.

To be honest, I have spent a great deal of time camping, backpacking/hiking, kayaking and more in the wilderness. So viewing wildlife in their natural surroundings is nothing new to me or the guys I was hanging with this weekend. I have had the privilege of viewing hundreds of elk grazing in high mountain meadows in the New Mexico Rockies; watching alligators and wild boars rest next to each other in the swamps of Florida; bobcats chasing rabbits through the pine thicket of central Georgia and so much more. But this weekend was different. I had heard that at Pocosin Lake National Wildlife Refuge was simply amazing for waterfowl viewing. However none of the stories of thousands of snow geese and tundra swans on the lake prepared me for what we experienced that weekend.

This weekend we were camping at Goose Creek State Park, so getting up on Saturday morning was challenging, especially with the frosty 25 degree temperatures that morning. We were up at 5:30 am and out the front gate of the park by 6:00 to make the 45 minute drive to the refuge. We got to the refuge just as the sun was rising to unfold a spectacular sight of duck, snow geese and tundra swans all over the impoundments around Pungo Lake. No matter where you looked, there was waterfowl by the hundreds. As the sun was rising in the east, you could see the waterfowl taking off in one location and then landing in others. There were birds sitting in the water, birds standing on the ice covered ponds, birds flying left and right, and birds circling overhead. Wow, it was amazing seeing hundreds of birds all within the first few minutes after dawn.

This was so cool! No matter what wildlife blind or water impoundment we stopped at, there was waterfowl everywhere. Later this morning, we hopped back into the trunk and headed to the northern side of Pungo Lake to explore. We stopped at the junction of two dirt roads, one of them was blocked off and parked on the side. We had about a mile walk down this road to the two wildlife blinds on the north side of the lake. So we headed out with our cameras and binoculars to see what we could see. As we walked, we started seeing tracks of deer, raccoon, coyote, large bear and other animal tracks we were not familiar with. Soon we started seeing scat from these same bear that had left the tracks on the road. And I don’t mean just once stack of scat; I mean lots of bear poo all over the place.

Soon one of the guys in our group stops and points to something across the field that we were walking along. Off in the distance we spot a huge momma bear with two cubs lumbering across this field about 400 yards away. We watched these bears for about 10 minutes as they worked their way across this plowed under corn field. This was simply amazing to watch these beautiful bears as they worked their way across this field. About 10 minutes later, just as we started off again, we spotted another bear crossing the road behind us. Four bear spotting within 20 minutes; wow! Later that morning we learned that black bear in eastern North Carolina typically don’t hibernate due to the milder winters and significant and consistent food sources in the area.

We spent the rest of the morning and early afternoon viewing bald eagles, coopers hawks, coots, teal ducks, and American Black Ducks. We began to think that it could not get much better. To be honest, I think we could have called this a day and been quite content. But then we had heard about something that would blow our socks off. During this time of the year, each evening you could watch thousands ff snow geese and tundra swans flying in to one specific field to feed. This took place in a couple of the refuge’s plowed under corn fields; located on the southern end of the refuge. After talking about it, we decide that we might as well as hang around to see what happens. So we pulled up to spot we were told about and waited.

The first 45 minutes were extremely slow. There were geese and swans in the field feeding but they were all on the opposite side of this VERY LARGE field. As it started getting dark we started hearing the snow geese fly in from the north. The next 30 minutes were not disappointing to us at all. Even now I am still not fully able to put into words what we experienced that evening. I think we all have read and heard stories of hundreds of thousands of bird flying so thick that you could not see the sky. Lewis & Clark even talked about this in their journals. This was one of those moments. Over the next 30 minutes hundreds of thousands of snow geese flew into this field right before us.

As they flew in the field; two things astounded me the most about this event. The first was the noise of these geese. The sound of hundreds of thousands of birds flapping their wings at the same time and so close to each other reminded us of the sound of a jet engine starting up. You could hear this even over the sound of all the honking of these geese. The second thing was that these birds kept coming in! There were birds that were flying so high up in the sky; they looked like small specks of pepper floating in the sky. These birds circled down and down until they landed in the middle of the flock of birds on the ground, not the edges. Once they landed, the feeding started and did not stop. Think about it; this was one mass of snow geese, with their heads down, all feeding at once.

This was truly a once in a life time event for me. I stood there almost speechless not knowing what to say, snapping photo after photo, wondering how to explain this event. There was about 5 to 10 minutes that we did not have that many birds land. I guess we figured they would hang around longer, but just at dark thirty, they all took off. Within 10 minutes every bird in this field took off leaving this field almost emptied. All of these 100,000+ birds took off! Think about it, a field with this many birds all taking to wing at once! Amazing!

That evening sitting around the camp fire the four of us talked about what we had experienced that day. We looked at pictures that we had taken and the videos. It was hard to believe what we had seen. We all agreed that this was something special and were amazed that we had not heard of this before, especially living here in eastern North Carolina like we do. One thing we all agreed on was that we had to bring our families to witness this event in the future.

Don & Diane Harty own Mahanaim Adventures. They specialize in helping 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, Cape Fear River, Fort Fisher Basin, Masonboro Island, Black River, Holly Shelter Creek and Moores Creek. Contact them at www.mahanaimadventures.com for more information about all of their adventures.

Early Morning Kayaking

The other evening, my son, Joseph suggested that we head out the next morning for some kayaking. Those who know me know that I am always up for a good adventure, even in colder months. However, at this time, those of us who live in Wilmington are experience some fabulous weather, especially for being the middle of January. So the next morning we loaded up our kayaks and headed out for a early morning “Father & Son” adventure on the Cape Fear River. We got to River Road Park just about 7:45 AM and set everything down at the river’s edge and began soaking up the Majesty of God’s Creation! The morning was cool, but it was a bright and sunny morning that gives you a promise of a warmer day ahead.

Once we got to the park and set the kayaks down at the water’s edge, we quickly noticed the stillness of the water. This was one of these rare mornings here in the Cape Fear area that we did not have any wind blowing. When this happens, the water in the Cape Fear River is very calm and smooth as glass. The reflections on the water a breath taking as you paddle are breath taking. A couple of other benefits of having this kind of stillness is paddling is easier and one hears sounds that you would not normally hear.

This morning we decided to head north on the river to take advantage of the incoming tide. As we paddles out we quickly notices how much warmer it was on the water. With no clouds or wind this morning, we were able to feel the warmth of the sun’s reflection of the water. This made it quite nice and comfortable for us on this cool morning. Truly this is a rear morning here in Wilmington.

The stillness of the wind and water allow you to notice wildlife off in the distance quickly. We had not paddled for then 5 minutes when I noticed a pie-billed grebe diving along the marsh grasses at the edge of the water. The grebe kept diving for his breakfast meal, but kept a close eye on Joseph and I. As we paddled closer he would dive down and come up 20 or so yards further away from us. It was kind of cool watching this little bird.

Later on as we paddled our way back to the boat ramp, we spotted a pod of dolphin about a hundred years off. This was so very cool seeing these beautiful animals. They did not let us get close, but we were able to sit still and observer them from that distance. The wind and the water remained just like it was when we started so it was easy to view them. As we sat there we counted 7 in the pod that included 2 calf’s that stayed close to their mothers. Maybe this was why they stayed away from us. Anyway we sat there floating on the water for 15 minutes watching them play in the water and chase there breakfast meal.

Both Joseph and I reflected on our morning spent paddling on the Cape Fear River. It was so cool to watch the wildlife together. It was simply amazing to take advantage of this beautiful morning and to enjoy it together. It was also a great experience just to get out and paddle together as, father & son. We both agreed that we have to take advantage of the next time we have such nice conditions.

Don & Diane Harty own Mahanaim Adventures and provide “Positive and Memorable” kayaking and other outdoor adventure in the Wilmington NC area. Some of the kayaking adventure locations are: Fort Fisher Basin; Cape Fear River, Sharks Tooth Island, Masonboro Island, Eagle Island, Town Creek, Holly Shelter Creek, Moores Creek and the Black River. Long onto www.mahanaimadventures.com to read more about these adventures and to schedule your adventures. Or call 910-547-8252 for more information.

Alligators!

I am amazed at how fearful most people are of alligators that are found here in the Wilmington NC area. This is one of the most common questions I get when I am leading a kayaking adventure. Yes, we should have a healthy respect and view these wonderful creatures from a safe distance. However it amazed how the fear keeps some people from exploring the majesty of God’s Creation just because they may encounter one of these animals. As a boy growing up in gator country of central Florida, you learned to understand the amazing creatures. So, like any good Boy Scout here are some facts about alligators that my help you know more about this magnificent creature, and be prepared on what to expect when you see one.

This alligator was seen at the southern tip of Keg Island in the Cape Fear River.

The American Alligator is the most prevalent of the three species of crocodilians found in the US. The Gator’s range from North Carolina down to Florida and then around the Gulf Coast to Texas.
There are very few American Crocodile and Caiman that can be found in the extreme southern part of Florida mainly in the southern portions of the Everglades.
Gators live in freshwater wetlands and coastal brackish waters. Their diets mainly consist of fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. They are more known for their savaging for food than hunting and attacking larger prey.
Mating season beings in May as the spring warms up and the females will lay their eggs in June, with the eggs hatching in last July.
Between 1948 – 2004 there were only 391 injuries and 18 deaths caused by alligators in the US.
Alligators are active both day and night, but mainly feed at night and resting during the day light hours digesting their meal from the night before.
Don’t let your pets swim in known waters where alligators live. The alligators will see the smaller pets at natural prey.

Dispose of fish scraps in garbage cans and throwing fish remains in the water can attract alligators. Also, do not feed alligators.

Before the Adventure Begins

For those of you who grew up in Boy Scouts, you will know that the “Scout Motto” is to “Be Prepared“. This was drilled into me during my days as a scout and I can say, most great scout troops still place a great deal of emphasis on this. To be honest, one of the biggest things that gets to me is watching the vast majority of people take off with their kayaks are woefully unprepared for what they are fixing to do.

This was brought home to me this past weekend when I saw a young couple jump out of their vehicles, toss their kayaks in the water and jump in and go! No PFD, no sunscreen, no WATER, no clue to the weather coming or going, much less of the river currents that will affect their paddle. When I pointed out the oyster beds they were fixing to walk into, they could care less (yes, they had no shoes of any kind on). I could only imagine that they had a less than pleasant time on the water.

It is because of this lack of proper preparedness that I write the next blog. I hope over the next several weeks to add additional blogs that will help you be “Prepared” when you head out on your next adventure.

Here are some very basic things that need to be considered before you take your next kayaking adventure.

Always try to plan for the unexpected “what ifs?” What if I get delayed? Lost? Injured? Am I prepared to cope with that?
Always have a map and compass with you. This means that you know how to orientate the map and use the compass, so make sure you learn basic map reading and compass navigation skills before you head out on the water.
Pick a trip, even a short day paddle and study your intended route on a map at home. Doing this when you’re not stressed allows you time to become more familiar and comfortable with the unique markings of a topographic map and where you will be going.
Additional essential items that can save your life when out kayaking:
- Plenty of water to drink
- Hat
- Sunscreen/bug spray
- Flash light
- Cell phone
- Matches for a fire
- Extra clothing
- Rain gear
- Snacks
- Knife
- Dry bag for all your essentials to be placed
Float Plan. It is critical that you let someone know where you’re going, what route you plan to take and your estimated return time. If you get lost, the sooner a rescue operation begins the better for your searchers and you. If you change your plans before you start a trip, call and update someone, even if you simply leave a voice mail. This also implies that once on the river that you stick with your plan and not deviate.
Oh, I am assuming that you will have your PFD with you before you get into the water.

Mahanaim Adventures provide wonderful adventure in the Wilmington and Carolina Beach areas of North Carolina. We can also customize a guided kayaking adventure to Florida as well as any other location in the Southeast US. We specialize in creating that memory of a life time for you and your family and friends. Check out our web page and find out more details about all of our adventure locations.

Team Building and Fear of the Unknown.

Over this past year Mahanaim Adventures, had the opportunity to take several different groups on either a kayak or on a high ropes team building event. (The high ropes course is called COPE and the elements are the challenges on each COPE course) Our events are designed to challenge each person and group to learn new skilled needed in successful team work. As a COPE Course facilitator, one of the cool things I get to witness is how these folks with different prospective and backgrounds learn to come together as a team and solving some difficult challenges/elements. To see learning taking place while having fun is really cool.

Our team building adventures, especially those that involve a COPE Course, challenges each person to learn new things but also to deal with known truth and overcome their fears. This is especially true when each group walk the COPE Course and see the elements of the course for the very first time. I have to admit myself that the first time saw the elements on my first course I was a bit scared.

I remember that these elements looked like fun, but I began to think what had I gotten myself and those who worked for me into. You see, I had planned a team building adventure for those who reported to me when I working at UNCW. At that time, our department had some radical changes forced on us and I really needed to challenge them to come together. I knew at the time it was going to be hard work to deal with these forced changes and I know we had to do this as a team and no one person could do this themselves. So I signed myself and my staff up for a COPE Course offered by the university.

When we got there that morning, I had not realized that it would be so challenging and I would have to deal with my fear of heights. That morning I was forced to deal and act on what I knew to be true and to place my fear aside to help my team accomplish our goals. In other words, I had to put my faith in what I had learned and knew was truth into action. I was reminded that Faith is not faith at all, if that faith is not put into action. This is the same no matter who you are. You see, I had to act on what I knew to be TRUE and not let my feelings seize the moment. Once I did that, I not only was I able to help lead my team through some challenge events, but I also realized something else.

That something else is what I call the excitement of real life. The fun of accomplishing something that earlier some of us had said, “Yea, right, I’m not doing that”. This was something that we had learned together. We learned that even though something may be hard and scary, we can act on what we know to be true and move forward. When we learn to do this, the challenge is still the same, but we learn we can overcome by working together, using each other strengths and having fun at the same time. We learned that stepping out in faith does not get any easier time goes by, because challenges are constantly being through at us in Life. Yet, those lessons learned on the high ropes course that morning helps each of us keep focusing on what is True and Right.

Where are you being challenged at today? What Truth do you need to focus on so that you can take a step of faith and accomplish what scary challenge lies before you?

How to Choose A Kayaking Paddle

I often get asked about how I choose a paddle for kayaking or what the difference between this paddle and another paddle is. So, I figured that we would spend some time talking about paddles in this blog.

Kayak paddles vary in styles for the different kind of water you will be paddling. Usually, the shorter the paddle the better is for quick stroked needed in swift water and the longer the paddle, the better for touring and for longer boats. Also a longer paddle is needed for a wider boat. Also one thing to consider on a paddle is the weight of the paddle, especially if you paddle for long periods of time. Always remember, the lighter the paddle the better, but the lighter the paddle, the more expensive the

When selecting a paddle, the most important thing to consider is the comfort of the paddle in your hands. The better paddles have an oval shaft that provide better control and comfort and will help you get the correct angel. A lot of kayakers have straight shafts paddles, but there are a few designs that are bent at the grips to ease the strain on the wrists.

The length of the paddle will be determined by several factors like; type of water you will be paddling, the width of your kayak, you size and length of the blades on your paddle and your preference. The majority of the paddles we use with our tours are between 210 and 230 centimeters long. The general rule of thumb for choosing a paddle is to hold the paddle over your head horizontally. With your elbows at a 90 degree angle, you hands should be 6 to 8 inches from the blades of your paddle.

Now for the blades of your paddle; if you have not noticed the blades of the paddle come in various designs. The larger the blade, the more power you will get out of your stroke; the smaller the blade, the less power per stroke and thereby more gentle to your arms and shoulder joints. Most blades are spooned for increase water resistance, helping with a more powerful stroke. Also, some blades are asymmetrical. This design is for balance of the force on the top and bottom of the blade when paddling and for angle placement in the water.

One last thing about paddles, you have choice between a single and two piece paddles. I would recommend a two piece paddle. The reason or this is that you can choose the angle of your paddle with these paddles. For beginners, it is usually better to have your blades parallel with each other; then as you become for comfortable with kayaking you can then angle the paddle for feathering of your paddle in the water. Feathering is important for longer distance paddling, especially if you are paddling into the wind for long distances.

Join Mahanaim Adventure for one of our upcoming kayaking adventures or why not schedule a private kayaking adventure for you and your family or friends. We even offer Team Building Kayaking Events.

Why a PFD?

How many of you have seen in the news recently about the number of drowning in and around Eastern North Carolina? I know of two and both of them were attributed to the kayakers not wearing a PFD. Yes the weather has been cold recently and there is the tendency to not want to wear one due to the bulky clothing needed to stay warm on the water. But this is no different than not wanting to wear one during the summer due to the heat. We tend to think that, hey I can swim and I will be fine if I fall out of the kayak. So we tend to think we will be alright without it. I have heard some say that it is right here with me and I can get to it quickly.

Yet it is my experience that most of the time when people go over, it is at the most inopportune moment and it is somewhat unexpected. It is those unexpected moments that tend to count the most and are most critical in my mind. Even experienced paddlers are not fast enough to get to their PFD fast enough when they need it. I know this from firsthand experience! I will not share the story behind this knowledge, but believe me I am glad that I had my PFD on.

Anyway, here some things to consider when selecting a PFD to purchase:

For adults, your chest size—not your weight—will determine what size is right. (For children, their weight will determine the size.) Sizes vary by PFD brand and model, so check the manufacture product page or your local retailer to find the right size for you.
A PFD should be snug and fit like a glove, yet allow you to move freely and not chafe while paddling and playing. To get the best feel and fit, wear your paddling clothes while paddling when trying on a PFD.
Women should consider women-specific PFDs versus unisex styles. Women’s PFDs may offer a better fit, contoured cups for larger bust lines and styles made for longer torsos.
Each PFD will have a different design and foam placement to fit the contours of the body. Foam placement has more to do with comfort than safety. The more straps a PFD has, the more adjustments can be made to customize its fit.

Fitting of your PFD once you’ve selected a size is just as important. Here are some steps for you to follow:

Loosen all the straps, put the PFD on and zip it up.
Start at the waist and tighten all the straps. If it has shoulder straps, tighten them last. It should feel snug but not uncomfortable.
Next, have someone pull up on the PFD shoulders. If it moves up past your nose or head, try tightening the straps. If it still moves up, the PFD is too large.
Check your movements to make sure it is comfortable and will not chafe you while paddling. Do this in your own kayak or canoe at home, or in a floor model if you’re at an REI store. This will stimulate how it actually feels while sitting.
If possible, test your PFD in a pool or shallow water to see how it works. It should not ride up or slip over your chin while floating.

PFD’s for kids are very important so here are a few important remembers when purchasing a PFD. Remember it is extremely important to keep a child’s head above water, so do not get a too-big PFD thinking he or she will grow into it. Yes, it is a pain, but safety comes first.

Sizing for a kid depends on his or her weight:

Infant PFDs: 8 to 30 pounds
Child PFDs: 30 to 50 pounds
Youth PFDs: 50 to 90 pounds

For infants and small children, a PFD should have a:

Padded head support: helps keep the child’s head above water.
Grab handle: assists retrieving the child out of the water.
Crotch strap: helps keep the PFD from riding up.

Youth-sized PFDs look like and have the same features as adult PFDs. The more straps a PFD has, the more adjustments can be made for sizing.

If you have any questions about PFD’s and how they fit, you can find many “How To” videos on YouTube about this subject.

Bird Watching in Florida!

Last summer I mentioned to Jill Peleuses, owner of Wild Bird & Garden, that we needed to put together an adventure to Florida for February to do some bird watching and kayaking. The idea quickly took hold and interest started to build in our idea. Before we knew it, we had seven people signed up for this adventure to the Tampa Bay area for some fun in the sun!

However, I have to admit that this adventure had been something I have wanted to do for some time now. You see, I grew up in the Tampa Bay area and I have many fond memories of canoeing the beautiful rivers in the area. It was also during these years that God gave me a love of nature/wildlife and the outdoors. If you are not familiar with the Tampa Bay areas, there are lots and lots of migrating birds that winter in the Tampa Bay area. So, this adventure for me was more than taking a great group of birdwatchers to Florida; it was about exploring the area I grew up in as an adult.

Everyone made safe and sound to our hotel and excited about what lay ahead. While everyone was checking in to the hotel, I was setting up my camp at Alafia River State Park. I decided to camp instead of say at the hotel for several reason, but a change to camp for a week and sleep under the stars in my tent, darn. About half way though setting up camp, I heard a strange but familiar noise just around the corner of my camp. It was a call that once you have heard it before, you would never forget. It was the call of a Sandhill Crane. As a kid, these cranes were seen in Florida, but not in very large numbers due to their very low number. I am not sure why, maybe there were on the endangered list at one time, I don’t remember. Anyway, I poked my head out of my tent and in the distance I spotted the 4 cranes.

All I can say was WOW! Here they were walking though the camp grounds, headed in my direction. As I sat there, I was amazed at how close they walked to me and my tent. It was almost as if they were not afraid of me. I was amazed at how tall these cranes were, they must have been 36” to 40”. I sat there in amazement. And just think; the week was just beginning and I was already seeing some cool birds!

The next morning everyone met at Alafia River State Park for a ranger lead bird walk. What a perfect morning to start the day! We got a chance to see more sand hill cranes as well as some ospreys that morning. After a quick lunch at the kayak launch, we put out on the Alafia River for some kayaking. The river was a beautiful as I have ever remembered. And yes, we did see several nice size alligators along the way. Just as we got to the turnaround point, someone spotted something in that I had never seen before; a group of about 30 black bellied whistling duck! (Never knew ducks whistled) What a beautiful duck! The color of these ducks was spectacular. Watching them sitting there in the shallow water was awesome.

The next day was even better at Myakka River State Park. Myakka has a special place in my memory. I have camped, hiked, biked and wondered all over this park as a kid in Boy Scouts. So driving into the park that next morning was quite exciting for me. Not just a chance to see some cool birds, but again, the memories of days gone by.

The day started off with a air boat tour of Lake Myakka and a talk about the birds and the other wildlife of the park. It was amazing to see hundreds of alligators on this lake, some of them in the 14’ plus range. We also spent time walking on one of the many nature trails, we spotted a wild boar grazing within a few feet of a large gator. We were astonished by the sight of this boar so close to the gator. We were not sure if the boar was brave or if he knew something about the gator next to him. Anyway that was cool. Yet there was more to come. While driving back to the main concession stand area of the park for some ice cream, I found out how excited true hard core birders can get. As I was driving, one of the ladies in my vehicle spotted a roseate spoonbill. Before I could pull over and stop the vehicles, two of the ladies were out of the vehicle; running back to the spot with binoculars in hand. After this event, I started locking the doors so no one would jump out prematurely.

The last day we spent at Edward Menden Reservoir and a Circle B Reserve! I had never been to Circle B Reserve just southeast of Lakeland, but we heard from one of the park rangers that this was a fantastic place. So we decided to change our plans and head over to Circle B for the afternoon. What awaited us was breath taking. We spent 5 hours here at this park walking and seeing hundreds of birds including; bald eagles, several peregrine falcons, limpkins and a great blue heron eating a huge mudpuppy. This mudpuppy was so big that the heron spent several minutes stabbing it with its beak to cut it in half.

As the week of bird watching and kayaking came to a close, most everyone did not want to leave and head home. We all had a wonderful time exploring central Florida and enjoying birds that we rarely see if ever here in Wilmington. We all got some sun while out and about, but most of all, everyone I believe came away with a since of awe of being out in God’s creation and viewing some wonderful wildlife. I know I sure did.

Mahanaim Adventures not only provide wonderful adventure to Florida, but offers guided kayaking adventures in the Wilmington and Carolina Beach areas of North Carolina. We specialize in creating that memory of a life time for you and your family and friends. Check out our web page and find out more details about all of our adventure locations.

What Faith Can Do

Three years ago today, I was rocked to the core of who I am. It was not the first time this had happened, but I have to say, it hurt the worst of all. This is especially true when it is something that you had worked so very hard for and gave you all too. I was told that I was being laid off at my job as department head of a successful in-plant printing operation. The economy played a role in what happened and yes, there were some stupid decision by upper management also contributed to what happened.

The story behind all this is long and there is not enough time to tell it in this short blog. For a while I had been feeling uneasy about my job there and had gotten to the point of just going thought the motions of life and work. You know what I mean; I seemed I had lost my heart for lots of things. In hindsight, the scary thing is that I had settled for something less than what I was created for. I had gotten to the place where I could had settled for something less than the abundant life God was offering those who followed in Faith where he leads. So, in retrospect, I had to be kicked out of the boat, so to speak and had to focus on God to lead me through.

It was through spending time alone with God that I began to see a bigger plan for my life that I had been called too. I began to realize that there was more to life than the chasing after wealth, status and security. Life as and is an adventure to be lived each day.

Adventure by its definition is living in the unknown, following a crazy God given dream. You see, I was finely ready to stop EARNING a leaving and begin to embrace life defined by my Creator. Mike Ashcraft, senior pastor at Port City Community Church says it best, “That every longing is a longing for life and real life can only be found in Christ”.

I have some to understand this simple but important truth more and more each day. Embracing the life I was created for and defined by God take Faith. Faith is not something that just happened, it is like a muscle, it has to be used and built up. If you are a runner, you know you can’t run a sub 16 minute 5 K race on day number one, you have to work to achieve that goal. Faith is the same.

God has grown me in Faith each day since that day in February 2010. Because of being laid off, I am learning how to live a life that is far beyond anything I could have ever imagined. It is all because of faith in the one who made me and someone who will never leave or abandon me, Christ Jesus.

Where are you at today? What are you being called to do by Faith? Don’t be like me, hard headed and stubborn, having to be kicked out of the boat. Step out and follow where God is leading you today. I will not be easy, but it will be very rewarding in more ways than you can imagine. Faith in Christ can do more than you can dream.

Mahanaim Adventures offers guided kayaking adventures in the Wilmington, Carolina Beach areas as well as the Cape Fear Region. We specialize in creating that memory of a life time for you and your family and friends. Check out our web page and find out more details about all of our adventure locations.