Georgia Wilderness Society
Ogeechee River
Sunshine, Frost, and a Beautiful River
Ogeechee River, December 1 - 3, 2020
Tom Payne
Sometimes a trip is doomed from the beginning, and sometimes a trip is just fated to be great. Mother Nature intimidated us with cold nights in the upper 20 degrees. She also rewarded us with wonderfully sunny days and a beautiful example of a meandering South Georgia river. The stretch of the Ogeechee we paddled is almost equidistant from three Georgia State Parks: George L Smith, Magnolia Springs, and Skidaway Island. The access points are an hour’s drive away from the parks, but totally worth it. The section of river we paddled alternated between narrow and twisting corridors and wider pools. There was evidence of pruning to maintain the channels, probably by local fishermen, and we did not encounter even one obstruction requiring exit from the boats. Much of the river had a primitive ambiance, despite some impressive homes and privately owned picnic shelters along the way. On the third day of the trip Curt Cole and I paddled the lake at George L Smith. Curt and Irene had paddled this lake before, but for me it was a delightful surprise. The lake is basically a shallow cypress swamp which reminded me of the west side of the Okefenokee. Marked trails lead paddlers through the cypress. All participants were eager to return to the Ogeechee River. I confidently predict a GWS return trip next year.
Participants: Tom Payne, Gus & Jo Lane, Curt Cole, Terry Ross, Trace Butler, and Denise Kelly. Trace and Denise initially attended as guest but joined GWS. Thanks to Terry Ross and Curt Cole for the photos.
Ogeechee River, April 24 - 25, 2021
The weather reports for Saturday were ominous: storms, winds, heavy rains. Would you go paddling in those conditions? Well, we didn't either, but we persevered and were rewarded on Sunday. People had tents up, then took them down and went home, vowing to return the next day. Some people stayed, rode out the weather by hunkering down and taking long naps or touring downtown Sandersville or Louisville. It all blew by with Sunday morning bringing back our bailers and one day tripper. We had a great day paddling the "g" to "h" section of the upper Geech. Saw goldfinches, ducks, turtles, herons, deer and several swampy rooters, including one giant wild boar hog. The river scenery was serene and picturesque with few intrusions of "civilization". Lots of giant cypress and huge pines. One bad strainer caused a portage and a swim by an unnamed (wasn't me this time!) kayaker. Our base camp at Hamburg State Park was oh so scenic, right on the lake, and inhabited by lots of birds and waterfowl. One modest birder allowed as how he knew little about the creatures, but identified an eastern kingbird hanging out by the water. The trip leader had showed up on Thursday and scouted above our Sunday route, reporting numerous blockages on the upriver section - so we dodged those. Thanks to members who braved the elements: Tom and Holly Payne, Curt Cole, Gus Lane, Joe Mangum, and Basil Youman. Special thanks to the game warden we spoke with at the McCroans Bridge put-in for his congeniality and helpful comments.
Trip Leader: Terry Ross
