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Campfires and Smores?

Last Friday evening, I had the privilege of leading a group of people from Brunswick Forest on a moon light kayaking adventure on Town Creek. The evening was almost perfect; except for a few thin high clouds that tried to cover the moon. It was about 30 minutes before the sun set when we stopped for dinner on the river for a picnic and camp fire. We had been paddling for about 90 minutes and everyone was starting to get hungry. So while everyone was starting to enjoy their picnic dinners, I got a nice warm campfire started. In just a few minutes, the fire was blazing away, casting its glow around the area and creating a wonderful warm feeling for everyone there.

It was almost instantly happened; once the fire was started everyone sat down on the bench or on one of the picnic blankets that were around the fire; when everyone stated sharing memories about their going up and campfires. It was so cool to sit back and watch everyone relax and enjoy the warm fire as the sun was setting to our west and share with each other. Stories about campfires they remembered as kids; the fun of roasting marshmallows and making s’mores. It seemed to me that all of these memories shared a common theme; family and fun. Someone shared that in her family, they would go to the family farm this all 6 of her brothers and sisters. As she talked about that, I could see the fun they had in her eyes and hear it in her voice. I shared about how my grandmother took candles and show me and a friend how to roast a marshmallow, while it was storming outside the house. For all I know the power could have been knocked out at the time, but I don’t remember that, I just remember how our little fire changed an evening into something fun.

Soon, it was time for us to pack up, put out the fire and paddle back home by the full moon light that shown in the river. What an adventure the evening was for us all. I am sure that the paddle back to the kayak launch was memorable for each of them. But I am also confident that the time shared with new friends sitting around a campfire; roasting marshmallows and making s’mores will be a memory that these people hold onto. These people not only connected with something they remembered from their childhood, when things were simpler in their lives. But they also connected with each other, building important relationships. I don’t know about you, but I need this myself; what about you?

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.

Gloomy Days May Not Be So Bad?

The past Saturday evening was one of those unexpected evenings. The day started out overcast and in some ways very gloomy. You know the type of mornings I am talking about; the ones where it just seems that it could just start drizzling and drizzle all day long. It seemed to be a perfect day to stay inside with a good book and read all day long. Yet for some folks, there is beauty to be found in the outdoors on a day like that. Besides, it was a welcome change to be out kayaking on a day that was very cool by comparison to most of the summer.

I have often spoken about how much I like to take a hike or even to talk a walk in the rain. (I must admit, I get some strange looks, but that is OK.) It seems that the forest takes on a different feel when you are walking through it in the raining. When you do this often enough, you begin to see the forest in a different way. Then when the sun does decide to make its appearance, wow, words cannot describe the beauty of the forest at that moment.

This past Saturday evening was like one of those days. That afternoon, Joseph and I meet a group of co-workers from a local business at River Road Park for a sunset kayaking adventure on the Cape Fear River. The day was still overcast and the hope for the skis to clear for a sunset was starting to look like it would not happen. Despite the fact that it was a cloudy and cool afternoon, these co-workers were excited about having some kayaking fun.

We started out paddling along Keg Island, when I noticed that the weather was beginning to change. Joseph, spotted some rain to the southwest and northeast of us, yet there was a glimpse of some clearing to the west and northwest. I am not sure that our guests were even aware of this; they were having too much fun being out of the office and doing something fun together. Yet there it was a break in the clouds.

After about an hour of paddling, we stopped on Keg Island for the picnic and before you know it, there was the sun! Shining brightly as only the sun can, reflecting off the almost mirror like water of the early evening. It is amazing how intense the sun can be reflecting off still water. But what a treat it was to be in such a beautiful place, just at the right time to witness a stunning sunset. As I was watching this sunset as we paddled back to the river launch, I was struck by the fact that we were the only people out kayaking that evening. Why was this? Maybe it was because of the overcast skies from earlier in the day? Maybe people did not want to risk, getting out and exploring something if the weather is not just perfect. If that is the case, they have missed a masterpiece of a sunset.

I guess the point I am trying to make is this; don’t be afraid to step out and do something outdoors if the weather is not what you think it should be. You never know when things will change and you have a chance to be in the right place at the right time to witness something that few people ever do. If these co-works had let what they saw keep them from getting out that evening, they would have never had this experience of last Saturday’s sunset.

Mahanaim Adventures offers guided kayaking adventures in the Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach areas as well as the Cape Fear Region (Cape Fear River, Town Creek, Holly Shelter Creek, Eagle Island, Black River, Lumber River, Moores Creek and much more). 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.

Sunsets

This summer I have had the pleasure of leading more than my share of kayaking adventures. I guess that is a hazard of owning an outdoor / kayaking adventure business, but I guess there are plenty of other jobs that are worse than mine. Anyway, I have had a chance to witness some spectacular sunset this summer while guiding these kayaking adventures out of River Road Park here in Wilmington, NC. These adventures have given me the chance to simply stop in awe struck wonder; to stand still for a brief moment and soaking in the majestic beauty the sunset before me. Each sunset has been different; no two sunsets even close to each other.

These sunsets have reminded me of some important facts that I need to remember. Each sunset is a once in a life time event and it last only a few minutes and all too often I take them for granted. This is just like some other things in my life. Sunsets happen each day and become so familiar that at times, if you like me; I can be so busy with life that I fail to stop and notice what I have been given.

First, I was reminded how easy it is for me to taking things and people around me for granted. This is something that very easily happens if I am not careful. The danger for me is that I become can become so familiar with my surroundings; with those who I engage life with that I often fail to realize what a precious gift God has given me in them. This summer I have had to pleasure to working daily with Sarah and Joseph (my middle daughter and youngest son), and what a pleasure it has been. Yet, if I am not careful, I can get so focused on what I am doing or how thing are either going or not going, that I forget to stop and get to know my kids. For me that is a scary and humbling thought. To never really know who my children are and to take them for granted is something that I don’t want, but yet it happens.

The other thing that all these sunset reminded me about is that sometimes we have to just stop and be still. For me, life can be a steady movement from one goal to the next, or one project to the next. When I get into this mode, I often fail to stop and soak in all that is good in life that I have been so graciously given. In other words, sometimes I/we get to busy to watch a sunset or to be still and enjoy the moment. It is amazing just too simply be still to watch and listen to all around me. To relax and be still has been very good for me and all my relationships.

No matter how many different kayaking adventures I guide, the one reoccurring theme that I hear from everyone is how relaxing it is being out on the water. Being still and enjoying the moment with loved ones and those special people around you. When I slow down, I have found that I can relax and then begin to embrace and enjoy the life that I have been given; why not give it a try yourself?

Kayaking at Fort Fisher Basin

What is it about Fort Fisher that continues to draw me back to this place to kayak? I am not quite sure, maybe it is the fact that it is easy for me to get to quickly. Maybe it is the fact that I get a chance to enjoy the seclusion of the southern end of Fort Fisher State Park beach. Maybe it is a chance to see so many different sea birds as I paddle along the rock wall, as I make my way over to Zeke’s Island. I am not sure what it is that keeps drawing me over and over to this location to kayak, but I like it.

DCIM100GOPRO — The explorers of the Fort Fisher Basin and Zeke's Island

At first glance, the basin area looks boring. This may be due to the large open expanse of salt marsh and open water. As you stand at the launch there at the Federal Point / Fort Fisher Wildlife Boat Ramp, you can see quite a ways away. You can see far off islands and the beach access that are all popular stop over location for many folks. You see this and wonder what is so special. Then you get out on the water and all that begins to change.

Don’t be deceived by this area, the basin area can be deceivingly challenging place to kayak. First you have to deal with the currents. Many people forget this is a tidal area and the tides are always affecting this marsh. If you find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time, you can have a very hard paddle on your hands. Another factor that most people fail to consider is the winds. The wind can be calm one moment and then in the next be very strong, blowing up a nice chop in the basin that can be challenging for any kayaking skill level you are. Then there is the distance. Distance in wide open spaces can be very deceiving. As you look to where the beach access is to one of my favorite places to stop, you think that this can’t be that far. Yet it is almost 1.7 miles of paddling.

Yet the rewards are great. No matter when I am there, I see so many sea birds. To watch the Brown Pelicans diving to get their dinner, especially if they are diving a few yards from your boat, it is awesome to see. What is even more amazing is how these big awkward looking birds can skim just inches from the water and not even touch the water. Then there are the clapper rails. These are small birds that live in the marsh grasses and have a very large call. What is cool is that there seems to be thousands of these birds in the marsh grasses and listening to them as you paddle at sunset is truly a wonderful experience. Then there is the rock wall with all the birds you see feeding. All I can say is WOW!

There are so many other reasons why Fort Fisher Basin draws me back over and over again. Maybe it is the feeling I get while I am out on the water. Maybe it is the peaceful and serene feeling that allows me to relax and connect with myself, God and all those who are with me at that time. Why don’t you join me one day and find out for yourself and experience the awesome beauty of this area.

Check out the following photo video of a recent Fort Fisher Basin Kayaking Adventure.

Roanoke River Kayaking Adventure

Recently I had the tremendous please to take Dennis Collette, Chris Hayden and James McLaren on a three day/two night kayaking adventure on the Roanoke River. As usual, I was nervous before this adventure began. Maybe that is because of the fact that I put so much emphasis on the small details of each adventure. I want to make this special for the guys. And did it turn out special.

The first evening on the river we stayed at the Williamston River Platform, just about a mile from downtown Williamston. This was a very nice shelter on the river and I would recommend this to anyone. The shelters and river platforms on the Roanoke River are operated by the Roanoke River Partners. You pay a modest fee to stay at these locations, but they are very nice and perfect for an overnight camping location while kayaking.

After dinner we were treated to a tour of Williamston and Fort Branch, by none other than our shuttle driver, Heber Coltrain, owner of Roanoke Outdoor Adventures. Fort Branch sits high up on the bluffs of the Roanoke River just outside of Williamston. This was a Civil War era fort that protected the upper reached of the Roanoke River. We learned that the fort was abandoned before the area was occupied by the Union Solders and the cannon were rolled down the bluff into the river to keep them out of the Union hands. What a fascinating evening. Heber toured us around the area and told us all kinds of stories about the local history. It was truly a nice treat.

The next day we spent kayaking to our next night campsite at Beaver Tail Lodge. We started on the Roanoke River and then went down what is known as the Devils Gut. As we paddled, you got a sense that we were there all along in this swampy wilderness. The sense or remoteness was great and if it were not for the occasional plane flying over, you would have believe we were hundreds of miles away from civilization. The trees were beautiful as they hung over the river and the river was swift in places. Occasionally we would catch sight of a white egret or a great blue heron.

We made it to our wonderful platform for the night. It was nestled in the back of a beautiful stand of bald cypress trees. The river was high and so the platforms had water all around them. It was a unique feeling to be camping up about 2 feet from the level of the swamp. But oh want an evening we had and the sunset was simply breath taking. The owls were out in full force, calling to one another. What a wonderful way to end the day of kayak.

The last morning was cool and after a nice warm cup of coffee and some fantastic pancakes, it time to begin our journey home and find out way out of the beautiful swamp. As we got ready to leave our platform, Chris, who had been reciting poetry each morning for us as be began, had one last poem to read to us. It was “IF” by Rudyard Kipling. For me, it was a perfect way to begin the last day of adventure. As Chris read this poem to the three of us that morning, I was reminded about how the wilderness adventures I have had as a teen had shaped me. The time I had spent exploring God’s Creation had changed me and helped shape me into the man I am today. Time in the wilderness has, as Kipling says in the opening line had helped me to “keep my head as those around me were losing theirs.” Thanks Chris for the reminder.

One last thing, after we got back from our adventure, our poet on this adventure wrote this poem. I want to share it with you.

Mahanaim Magic

If you’ve been stressed or tired or down

In thought or word or deed

A Mahanaim Adventure, friend,

Is what you chiefly need.

Launch your kayak on a wild, pure river—

A river that’s calling to you,

Calling you back to your childhood dreams:

“To thine own self be true.”

Let the gentle Spring-time breeze

Caress your worried brow,

As you glide through ancient forests clad

In beauty’s Eternal Now!

Behold the giant cypress breathes

“Lifting its arms to pray”

With Spanish Moss and Mistletoe

To bless you on your way.

The giant Snowy Egret glides

Weaving among the trees

With sunlight flashing off its wings

Your wondrous eyes to please.

Late afternoon you’re feeling tired,

Your arms they sweetly ache;

But jewel-fire’s dancing off the waves

To keep you full awake.

On a secluded river platform

‘Neath a toweringTupelotree

You pause to rest, to eat, to sleep

With a goodly company.

Softly the moon is rising now

Glimmering through the wood;

An owl is hooting hauntingly

The Heavenly haunt feels good!

Your sleep is long and sweet and deep,

You dreams with peace adorn.

A blessed and a wiser soul

You rise the morrow morn.

By Chris Hayden

Mahanaim Adventure provides guided kayaking, backpacking and camping adventures to families, group of individuals. We are based in the Wilmington NC area and provide these adventures, not just in the Cape Fear region, but all over the southeast United States. The next time you are looking for an kayaking adventure contact us.

Back to The Three Sisters

Just recently I spent several days guiding several different groups of kayakers through the Three Sisters Swamp on the Black River. No matter how many times I find myself guiding an adventure through this magnificent place, I always see something different that I had never seen before. Maybe that is because it is a swamp in constant change, maybe it is because the water level is always changing in the swamp or maybe because you never take the exactly the same route though. No matter what the cause is, I see something new each time.

As I think about the last three adventures through the swamp, the big difference may have been the weather conditions on each day we were there. We experienced one day that was quite warm for late March, the next time it was a typical cloudy and rainy day for a late March and the last was a very cool day for an early April. For those of you who live in the Wilmington, NC area you know what I mean by the big swings in spring weather we can experience here.

One of the days was warm and we found the swamp teaming with activity. Birds darting from one old cypress tree to the next, spiders busy creating webs to catch the many bugs they were hope to catch for their next meal. We heard several great blue herons screeching as we drifted by and even heard a beaver slapping his big tail on the water to alert all others in the area to our presence in the swamp.

The next time I was in the swamp was an overcast and rainy day. What a unique way to experience on out North Carolina’s wonder and these 2000 year old bald cypress trees. That day the swamp seemed to take on a eerie feel and a since of quite. I guess all of the normal activities of the swamp animals were stopped in anticipation of the pending rain. We saw little activity that day as compared to the bright sunny days. I found myself wondering what it would be like to explore this beautiful swamp by moon light, may I will try that one day.

The last time I was there I was with a small family of three. It was a cooler day than normal for early spring, but oh how beautiful it was; the bright blue sky and no clouds we wonderful. On this day, there was little bug activity, but the birds were flittering all over the place. Some of these birds almost seem to stop and look at us, almost wondering why we were there. I’m not a bird expert, but we saw some of the most colorful birds that day.

At the end of that last adventure as I was driving home that day, I found myself thinking about how special the Three Sisters Swamp is to me and those who explore this area. Its beauty and remoteness is awe inspiring, drawing each of us to a place of gratitude. One common thing that I hear from all who dare to get out of their comfort zone and explore the Three Sister is Wow! I think this is the same for many who join me on this adventure. It is not just the adventure, but the desire to embrace something bigger than they are. Those who come to this place all come away with a since of just how small we truly are and the awesomeness of God’s creation. Also no matter how often I find myself there, I find myself feeling this same way and with a since of gratefulness at the privilege to guide others thought this beautiful place.

The next time you are in Wilmington, NC, plan to take the time and join us on the Black River / Three Sister Swamp adventure with Mahanaim Adventures. I promise you one thing; that you will come away from this adventure completely awe struck.

10 Essentials for Any Outdoor Adventure

Last week, I had the pleasure to giving a presentation to a group of people at Great Outdoors Provisions, one of our local outdoor adventure suppliers. What a fun evening it was to see so many people interested in learning how to kayak camp! For me, kayak camping is one of the best adventures I can take, why; because it is like backpacking without all the walking. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy backpacking tremendously, but kayak camping, can take you to some fantastically remote places that you could not get to easily while backpacking.

Anyway, everything went well with the presentation and all that I shared was well received. After the presentation was over, one of the employees in the store said to me that he was glad that I talked about the essentials needed for any adventure. These essentials are needed no matter if it is an afternoon day hike or a three day kayaking adventure. I don’t remember exactly how he said it, but in essence he said that he was constantly amazed how who many people are not prepared for an afternoon adventure, much less an overnight one. We both commented on how if people had these items with them, that they may actually enjoy their trip adventure a whole lot better.

So I decided that I would dedicate my next blog to the 10 essentials needed for a safe and fun adventure. These items are not in any specific order, but they are all important:

1) Pocket Knife: A pocket knife is very useful for many reasons. Cutting rope or twine for emergency situations, it is helpful in first aid matter and also for starting fire by creating a fire stick.

2) First Aid Kit: A basic first aid kit is really important to have. Blisters, splinters, minor cuts and scrapes are easily taken care of with what you find in most inexpensive kits. A few other items that you may want to consider having in your kits are antiseptic wipes, ibuprofen, latex glove and a pair of twisters.

3) Extra Clothing: Why extra clothing? Let me ask you this question, how many time have you been out hiking with kids and they have fallen in the water? A dry pair of socks, shirt and or light weight jacket to change into can make a wet hike much more fun for all involved. In the colder months, this will be a life saver and help prevent hypothermia.

4) Rain Gear: I can speak from experience on how many times I have been out and a unexpected rain storm blows in while I am hiking or kayaking. Rain gear will be very helpful and keeping you dryer and more comfortable. Also rain gear can be used as an extra layer in an emergency. Remember even in warmer months, rain can be very cold, especially at higher altitudes.

5) Water: I am simply amazed at how many people leave for what they think will be a short hike or adventure without anything to drink. I recommend taking at least 32 oz of water per person on at adventure, even in the cooler months.

6) Flash Light: Why a flash light? Sometime you get out on a hike or kayaking adventure and time slips by you and you walk or paddle further than you think. Or maybe the trail is much more rugged than you anticipated. This could cause you to be later getting back to your vehicle. Having a flash light will help relieve some anxiety of your group while helping you see the trail at twilight.

7) Food: Having a snack on the trail is very helpful, especially when you have younger children on the trail with you. A quick burst of energy can help you make the last mile of the adventure much easier.

8) Matches and or Fire Starter: This is for those moments where you get wet and need to start a fire to dry off and warm up someone. Also, if you should get turned around (you noticed I didn’t say LOST) and have to spend the night out on the trail, a fire at night is reassuring and can be easily seen by rescuers.

Fire Starting with flint and steal — Jim by the fire we started with flint and steal while kayaking on the Suwannee River.

9) Sun Protection: Most people that live at the beach know this instinctively, but I am amazed at how many people forget this and get really sunburned while out exploring. Sun Protection is absolutely needed on any adventure that is on water!

10) Map and Compass: A map and compass are essential for any safe journey into the wilderness. You can get maps of the area at most park offices and outdoor adventure centers. Spend a few moments studying the map before you set out, this will make a huge difference. Map reading skills are very important and it is not hard to learn how to read a topo map. Being able to read and understand a good topo map can save your life.

A compass is just as important as having a good map. The compass will help your orient yourself and your map, allowing you to locate where you are at on the map. Last reason is that if you take an occasional glace at the compass while out on the trail will help you from getting lost.

Having a compass is just as important as having a map. Yes, there are smart phones that allow you to download a compass application, but please don’t depend on them. If you have not or limited signal, this could be a big issue. Plus I don’t know how accurate they are and it is impossible to orient a map with a cell phone.

Happy Adventuring!

Family Camping Part 2 / How to Prepare for Outdoors Activities in Colder Months

Why do some people consider it unthinkable to spend time in the outdoors during colder months? Yea, it can be cold, but don’t let that stop you for enjoying outdoor adventures when the thermometer drops below 45 degrees? Consider the reverse of that situation; when that thermometer rises to high 90’s during the summer? There is not much keeping people from heading out to a mountain lake and enjoy some camping and other outdoor adventure. What about the people who head to the beach with all those other tourist? During the summer months, it is almost impossible to get a last minute camping site at your favorite camp site at Carolina Beach State Park. Yet in the colder months, you get your choice of site and if you are lucky, there are no more than a half dozen sites filled in the whole campground.

I think part of the reason is a fear of the cold and not knowing how to deal with it. I hear from people who worry that their children will get sick if they camp outside during the colder months. Granted, I’m sure this can plays a role in how we get sick, but we are probably just as likely to get sick by being cooped up inside all winter also. As a parent of three kids, my wonderful wife and I wondered the same when our kids were smaller. I also must admit that it is harder to winter camping, but the rewards and memories have been priceless.

Over this past Thanksgiving Holiday’s our family went camping once again. Each morning, it was in the upper 30’s at Carolina Beach State Park, and then warmed up into the higher 50’s on Thanksgiving Day. So in my opinion the temperatures were just perfect. Yet, we were prepared and knew what to expect in the way of weather for this adventure.

So you ask; how to you prepare for cold weather camping? Well here are a few important tips that will help you when you want to attempt to try a colder weather camping expedition.

The first tip is to make sure that you layer you clothing when you go out. Layering is the best way to stay warm as the temps cool off at night. It is also important to properly layer so that as the temps change throughout your cold weather adventures, you can adjust your layers for comfort. More layers as it cools down and fewer layers as it warms up. Remember, layering allows you to control your warmth level by adjusting your clothing. Another important fact is that you can also have too many layers on. You can get warm quickly by properly layering but you can also get over heated quickly. Why over heated? Because with too many layers you will begin to sweat and once you start sweating, your clothing gets wet. With these damp or wet clothing from sweat, as the temps drop you will get colder. If you have a full day of activities planned, you may want to change clothing, getting out of the damp sweaty clothing.

Another part of layering is to stay away from cotton clothing in the winter months. Why? Because cotton dose not wick away your sweat, causing your clothing to remain damp. So when you are packing make sure you pack plenty of clothing that will keep you dry. Clothing made out of quick dry nylons, polypropylene, suplex, polar fleece, wool, thermax and other materials are great for layering.

When getting in your sleeping bags at night, also remember the layering principle. On cold weather adventures with my scouts, often I hear the next morning that a scout was cold. When asked what he wore to bed, I get this layer and that layer of clothing, or the clothing I wore yesterday. WRONG answer. The same layering principle applies when sleeping. First, find out what your sleeping bag is rated for. A 30 degree bag is designed to keep a person warm down to 30 degrees. The problem is that too often what happened is people will have two layers on and then get into their bag and get warm quickly. In the middle of the night the bag gets damp from the sweat and you get cold. In most instances a single layer of dry clothing or long underwear worn in the bag is just fine.

One last thing, dry socks are critical to saying warm. Don’t make the mistake of wearing the same socks you had on that evening in your shoes to bed. These socks are damp and your feet will get cold. We teach our scouts to take off their socks, dry their feet and place on dry socks. When you do this, you will be surprised how warm your feet stay.

The second important item to have is a good sleeping pad. A good sleeping pad between you and the ground is critical. You can have a 5 degree bag and still get cold without insulation between you and the ground. A good closed cell pad or a Therm-a-Rest type backpacking pad are great to use. If you don’t have one of those, you can use wool blankets or even several comforters from you linen closet at home will also work. The key here is getting a good layer of insulation between you and the ground. One last thing about standard air mattresses, they do not insulate you against the cold from the ground. These types of mattresses will allow the air in them to get cold, creating cold mattress for you to sleep on.

Third thing to have is a pair of warm gloves and a warm hat to wear. I typically carry two winter type hats to wear, one for the day’s activities and one to wear at night, even while sleeping. Enough said.

Lastly is a warm fire and warm drink. Having a nice warm cup of hot tea or hot cocoa by the fire at night is warming and cozy. The added benefit is that the fire is something special at camp that no camping adventure is complete without. You don’t have to have a huge bonfire to keep warm, but plan accordingly. Remember don’t let your fire burn unattended in camp, even when you head to the tents for sleep.

Check out Campmor.com for all your family camping gear, click here for a Campmor coupon.

So, are you ready to give a Family Camping Adventure a try in the colder months? If so contact Mahanaim Adventure and we can help you have a fantastic and safe cold weather camping adventures!

Eagle Island: I Want to Kayak There!

Every since my family and I moved to Wilmington, I have always wanted to kayak through Eagle Island. Eagle Island, where is Eagle Island? You know, it is that island that hundreds of us drive over at least once or twice a week, coming to or leaving Wilmington. This island has always intrigued me and I could not help but wonder what one would find as you paddle through this island. What I found out is that it seems that everyone I talked with about Eagle Island had the same desire, to go and explore it. I also found that most people had little knowledge about who owned the property and how get access to the island without having to leave busy Dram Tree Park kayak launch at the foot of the Cape Fear Bridge.

So why the intrigue of kayak through this island that seems to be nothing more than tidal marsh land that has very few trees? Maybe because it is there mentality; perhaps it may be the thought of kayaking under Hwy 17/74/76 bridge to watch all the cars and truck pass over as you lazily paddle by; or it may because you hope to see one of the large alligators rumored to be one the rivers in the island. I can say that for me it was some of all three of these reasons, plus the thought of kayaking in some place that I have never been before that I liked.

Kayaking Eagle Island — Kayaking under the US 17/74/76 bridge on Eagle Island

Several weeks ago James Maclaren, a kayaking buddy, and I decided to head out and explore Eagle Island. It is sad to say that we had kayaked for many years in this area, but never taken the time to really explore Eagle Island. So we headed out for our day of discovery, it some ways we both felt like Lewis & Clark’s Corp of Discovery. What we found was simply amazing.

We began by putting our kayaks in at Sturgeon Creek and making our way down to the Brunswick River. Once at the river, we turned south to make our way across the channel to northern entrance to Alligator River. The Alligator River is one of the few navigable entrance points into the island. It was not long before we were lost in the natural beauty of the island. Soon we began to see this island for what it was, a natural wonder and a gem. It was hard to believe that such beauty could be a few minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Wilmington. We saw firsthand what Eagle Island had to offer; great opportunities to view wildlife in their natural habitat, too explore marsh land that for the most part remained untouched for the last 100 years or so; and a cool location.

James and I spent the next 3 hours paddling the island and exploring every channel and ditch that we found. The thing that amazed the two of us was that it was so quiet and the amount of wildlife we saw. For being so close to Wilmington, it was amazing how quite it was. I found myself lost in my thoughts of what it was like when the first settlers came to this reason and explored this island. How had the island changed or better yet, what would I find around the next bend? Already this morning we had paddled up on several smaller alligators. The only thing we saw was a quick glimpse of them scurrying away as we paddled around the bend.

View of Eagle Island from a kayak — The northern end of Eagle Island

I was also amazed at the large size of the tree stumps found in and along the river and channels that we paddled. These stumps were enormous in size. Several of them those stumps were nearly as wide as my kayak was long. Another amazing sight we drifted along was the all the fiddler and marsh crabs we saw. There is nothing special about these kinds of crabs in this area, but these crabs were huge!

As for other wildlife, on different adventures since that day though the Eagle Island; I encountered great blue herons, osprey, egrets, groups of wild ducks on the northern end of the island, and much more. However on this day, we did not see any birds, maybe that was because the wind was up that morning.

The highlight of the trip was kayaking under the two bridges of US 17/74/76 on Alligator River. It was so cool to slowly drift under the bridges and listen to the traffic above. I could not help but wonder what the people who caught a glimpse of us were thinking. “That should be me out there kayaking” or maybe “Do they know there are alligators in there?” To answer that last questions, yes we knew there were gators in there. Just south of the bridges is where we had our encounter with three rather large gators.

Over the past year leading kayaking trips in and around this area, I have come to understand that most people have some weird beliefs about alligators. The first belief is that if you fall in the water, every alligator within a mile will jump in the water and swim to your spot and eat you! I guess they get this idea from watching Tarzan movies when they were kids. Anyway, while knowing alligators have been known to attach humans, I have never seen this before. I grew up canoeing in Central Florida Rivers and lakes and I can say that most of these rivers were infested with lots of alligators. It has been my experiences that in about 95% of the time, the gators would rather leave you alone and simply disappear below the water. And that is what happened this day. As soon as these gators saw us, they slipped in to the water and were gone. Shucks, I was hoping to get some photos of one of those big alligators.

We made our way thought our last section of Eagle Island without seeing another gator. We found our way back into the Brunswick River. Just across the way from where we exited the island was our landing spot at the at the Brunswick River Park on State Road 133 in Bellville. As we came up on our take out spot James and I were reflecting on our adventure that day. Both of us felt really blessed to have been out that day on such a great place.

Check out this YouTube Video of a recent kayaking adventure through Eagle Island.

If you are interested in exploring Eagle Island for yourself, contact us at Mahanaim Adventures and book your adventure for your family, friends or group. You can also find more information about the history and current conservation efforts to preserve Eagle Island at the https://www.eaglesisland.org

Family Camping

It is cooling off now that fall is here and my family is now beginning to plan our next family camping trip. What memories this beings back to Diane and I as we begin talking about what we want to cook and do on this upcoming family camping adventure. The memories of sitting around a camp fire in the evening, the smell of the roasting marshmallow and the anticipation of the gooey smores fixing to be made. Awe, this is going to be an even more special camping trip for us, since we are planning a Thanksgiving camping adventure. While most families gather in the homes of family and friends, sitting around a large table loaded with the Thanksgiving Feast; our family will be gathering around a nice warm fire in our campsite for our Thanksgiving Celebration.

This will be the third time Diane and I have gone on a Thanksgiving camping adventure. The first time we did this was our first Thanksgiving that we were married. We had only been married for 4 months and my parents and some other family friends drove up from Florida to North Georgia’s Vogel State Park for the holiday. This was going to be fun, this would be our second time camping since our wedding day back in July, and Diane’s first time camping in what was to be some cold weather.

What a memorable camping adventure this was. We arrived at Vogel just after dark with a COLD drizzle falling. What a night, it was wet, you could see your breath and I had never set our tent up before this night! I learned that night to never take a new tent camping before setting it up first in the backyard. As we got started, I could tell Diane was not that thrilled to be helping. You guys know the look on your brides face when she is not having fun. Just then some family friends drove up in their motor home. Diane decided it was time for her to sit in the motor home with Helen, while Jim and I spend the next hour trying to figure out how to set up this tent. This was the most miserable campsite setup I can ever recall in my life and resolved to never set up again in a very cold rain. (This was one promise to myself that I did not keep, this same thing happened about 15 year later on a backpacking adventure) Anyway, once that was behind us, the rest of the weekend was fantastic, including the light snow we got later that same night.

Enjoying a campfire at camp — Joseph sitting around our first at camp

Three years ago, Diane and I decided it was time for our second family Thanksgiving camping adventure. So we decided to go to Carolina Beach State Park for our family camping adventure. Yes, it was cold at night, but nowhere as colds as our first time. This Thanksgiving would turn out to be very special and we had great fun that weekend. Josh, our now son-in-law came with us. After that adventure, I know that he was bound to be our future son-in-law just because he survived the weekend. Hillary, Sarah and Joseph told Josh about all the times we had as a family camping our way around the Southeast. They shared all the wonderful memories we had. We laughed at when Sarah got sick all over Hillary. We reminded Joseph about the picture we had of him with his pants down so far you could see his vertical smile. We cried some as we talked about the last time we camped with my Mother on Cumberland Island National Seashore before she passed away in 1997. It was truly a time for many fond memories and a time of Thanksgiving. Thankful that God had so blessed our family with each other and all the wonderful times we have had together.

Our Thanksgiving meal all cooked over an open fire — Dinner is served

Last year, we tried to go camping once again but at the last minute we had to cancel our plans. Thanks Joseph. Joseph broke his nose the afternoon before we were to leave and following the doctor’s recommendations we choose not to go. So we are really looking forward to camping this Thanksgiving once again. This will be Hillary and Josh’s first Thanksgiving camping trip a married couple and I wonder what memories they will have from this adventure to share with their future family? I wonder what other memories we will be blessed with to tell around the campfire when our grandchildren join us on future family camping adventures.

Camping adventures are lots of fun, especially when you have family and great friends to share them with. If you are looking for ways to draw your family together and create some lasting memories, you need to consider spending some time on a family camping adventure. I am positive you will not regret your decision. If you don’t know how to family camp or don’t have the gear, contact us at Mahanaim Adventures, we can help with that.