Reelfoot Lake Trip May 7, 2022
Patty Mclaughlin
Led by David Haggard, Ranger/Naturalist at Reelfoot State Park, organized by Patty Mac.
The day started out gloomy, chilly, a little drizzle and gusty NW winds creating whitecaps on the lake. I was gloomy and chilly myself. BUT the swamp gods had wonderful plans for us because later at noon the sky turned blue with little white clouds, the sun shone brightly, the winds died down and the temperature was perfect for paddling. We were blessed after all.
Ten members of the BCCC were able to enjoy this amazing day. Two tandem canoes, five kayaks and one sit-upon.
Reelfoot Lake offers variety. We paddled through spatterdock lilies, past beaver dams and beaver lodges, of course the interesting knees or roots of the many, many cypress trees, duckweed and frog bit - tiny green plants that float on the water, several open areas which are kind of like miniature lakes, a minor amount of low water through which we did the drag and had to pole with our paddles.
At the entrance to the swamp area after the slough David had to clear away a beaver dam that he had just cleared the day before. Beavers are nature’s engineers and they work fast!
We often heard “Tweety bird” sing, as David affectionately refers to the prothonotary warbler, and then, for at least one whole minute one flew down in front of me, flying from one close tree to another, up close and personal. What a treat! They are small, mostly yellow birds with a delightful song.
David seems to know EVERYTHING about Reelfoot Lake, which makes having him as a guide so interesting and fun. A fact I learned from him this trip (although I am sure he has mentioned it on previous trips) is that duckweed is the smallest flowering plant in the world. You need a magnifying glass to see the flower. Also duckweed reproduces itself daily. By summer the swamp will be covered with it.
No snake made itself visible during our 4-hour paddle - a big disappointment for my husband. However, during a walk on the boardwalk before paddling, seven large diamondback water snakes (often confused with water moccasins) were warming themselves in the sun on the boardwalk, which Barry and David saw.
Following the paddle, we went to the Boat House Restaurant in Samburg for dinner. It has been recently enlarged and renovated by new owners, has great food and a wonderful view of the lake since it is situated right next to the lake. We drove past Boyette’s and noted a crowd of folks waiting to get in. No wait at the Boat House and in my opinion the food is every bit as good. And so is the service.
Thank you, David Haggard, for leading another splendid paddle for BCCC through the swamp!!!