The group met at our house and we drove to LaGrange, TN, out to Bateman Road. We were met by Mark, who gave us thorough directions on how to navigate. Look for the blue markers. If there's a fork, go where the current is stronger. Pay attention to the number 3, when you see that, it's time to dock and eat lunch. Thirty minutes after that, you'll reach a fork where you'll see signs to turn left. So turn left. If you're gone more than 6 hours, call them so they know you're OK.
The Ghost River Rental crew was super nice. We waited a few more minutes and then we loaded in the van driving up river.
When we got there, the kayaks were all laid out. Again, I got the blue one. For beginners, the red Riveria one is the one you one. It's the lightest weight and easiest to maneuver. If you read this pdf, it gives you tons of valuable information about the river. And I think this is one of the best parts: "It is beautifully representative of a wild swamp river, and paddlers can observe five distinct ecosystems, or plant communities, as the river meanders through: (1) bottomland hardwoods, (2) open shrubby wetlands, 3) cypress-tupelo swamp, (4) open water swamp, and (5) grassy wetland."
We pushed ourselves off the sandy dock and we were on our way.
The hardest part was the constant steering during some parts of the trip. The passage was narrow, so it took a lot of strength to be able to navigate and not get stuck in the branches or lily pads. I was also the slowest one on the team. I went at my own pace, which was difficult the first time because you either have to be OK with being left behind and navigating by yourself or you have to push yourself to the point of pure exhaustion to keep up with your peers. This time I went slow and steady and was not as exhausted as I was from last year's trip.
The funnest part? Okay, it was falling in. Mind you I only did it once at the very end. But it makes for great storytelling.
My favorite part was this view. Where it just opened up and suddenly I felt like I wasn't in Tennessee at all, but somewhere more spectacular. Who knew that there could be a view like this?
Reminders for me next time: bring the water gloves. I used them early on and it prevented me from getting blisters. Put sunblock on my shins. Play music.
By the time we got home I was exhausted, but not in pain like I was by the end of the first trip. I ate Tops for dinner and planned to watch a movie, but as soon as my head hit the pillow, I was out. I slept from 5pm to 8am the next morning. My body is only a little sore, but not so bad. I feel it a little in my core and fingers.
All in all, I can't wait for the next trip! Lord willing, next time I go I'll finally be able to say I didn't flip!
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