Georgia Wilderness Society
Adventures on the Little River
Little River at Reed Bingham S.P. March 21 - 24, 2022
The weather report was discouraging for those signed up for the Little River Paddle trip. Two days out of three called for first storms and then rain. Health problems and family conflicts further eroded the list of prospective paddlers. And yet, a small group of GWS-ers, starved for a river experience, pressed on. It was decided to do our long day (18 miles!) on Tuesday, before the front arrived. An early start sent us shuttling to the put-in and then the take-out. At the latter, a giant mud hole threatened to block passage of shuttle vehicles, forcing us to leave them a couple hundred yards short of the water. But on the return to the put-in, we caught sight of our good luck charms: on a narrow lane were parading two male peacocks in full array and the demure female they were courting. They were clearly irritated at our intrusion, but allowed us to pass by without attacking us.
Once on the river, we got busy navigating through occasional groves of trees, the whole time admiring the beautiful scenery of dark green foliage of hardwoods and magnolias, and the light green pines and cypress. The Little twisted and turned, always giving us a passage through the tight spots. The water level was really perfect: high enough to permit passage around obstacles without being too swift. A variety of ducks, geese, anhingas, and hawks were noted, and one black piney woods rooter (feral pig) was sighted. We enjoyed a timely lunch on a rare sand bar before continuing. Occasionally gusty headwinds had to be overcome. By the time the take-out bridge was sighted, most were ready to call it a day. The giant mud hole had dried somewhat, permitting our shuttle vehicles to approach the landing.
Tuesday nights we enjoyed fireside camaraderie, sharing paddling stories and other outdoorsy tales. Wednesday was a storm day and campers caught up on reading or exploring the nearby towns. Thursday was also dreary, but a couple of paddlers seized a break in the weather to explore the park lake, paddling up into the incoming Little River. Thursday night we all enjoyed some excellent seafood at the Catfish House, near the entrance to Reed Bingham. Rosemary and I really enjoyed the chance to hang out with old friends and get better acquainted with some of our newer members. Special thanks to Trace Butler volunteering to ride shuttle in the back of my truck and to Curt Cole for hauling my banana boat and me back to the park. Special mention goes to Basil Youman, who got up in Macon super early, drove two hours down, paddled all day, and then drove back home. Other paddlers and campers were Jo Scott, David and Connie Crumbley, Denise Butler, Irene Cole and Rosemary Ross.
Everyone was super cooperative and positive, given the tough weather conditions. We saw a small black duck, with red face and orange beak, white spots on its tail, on the lake - anyone know what it might have been? Reed Bingham Park was very quiet and scenic - we'll have to go again.
-Terry Ross
