As was the case with our second Suwannee River Cruise, the weekend’s activities were kicked off with a run of the upper Suwannee River starting in Fargo, GA. This year, however, our plans included Big Shoals, Florida’s only whitewater, with a pullout about 5 miles further downstream in White Springs, FL. Participating in this year’s Upper Suwannee run were Dave Reyburn (Goshen, IN), Alan Lindsay (Anniston, AL) and Louis Bondurant (Atlanta, GA).

Quite a bit of rain (5” to be specific) had fallen in the 10 days preceding our arrival. Having watched the USGS river gauges we knew that the river was close to 10’ above the level we had seen during our first trip. Still it was quite a surprise to see half of the parking lot at the visitor’s center submerged. We checked in with staff at the visitor’s center to confirm that they had no concerns over the location of our cars and trailers. Also we wanted a 3rd party to know where we were headed and when we planned to return. No concerns voiced, but a great deal of hospitality offered. We did receive one request, next year they ask that we provide advance notice via phone. If possible, they plan to bus in students from the nearby high school to witness next year’s launch at the Suwannee River Visitors Center.

We hit the river a bit before 9AM and promptly head toward Big Shoals, where a photographer from the Gainesville Sun was to be waiting. While this level is not uncommon for the Suwannee River during the spring, it was nonetheless remarkable how different the river appeared in contrast to our experience here one year before. We did find that the high water level minimized the availability of pullout points, but fortunately did not need to stop for any unplanned repairs. Up until Big Shoals, everything was proceeding very much as planned.

At 11:30 our GPSs confirm that we are closing in on Big Shoals. Dave Reyburn takes the lead, followed by Louis Bondurant with Alan Lindsay observing cautiously from upstream. They hold close proximity to the right bank, the known best route, but find a very swift current and a rather daunting +3 foot standing wave. Dave takes on a fair amount of water but gets on through the worst section unscathed. Louis noses into the face of a wave and stalls his lift engine. Fortunately he manages to steer into deeper water with his thrust engine and then restart his lift.

While Louis is pulling to the river’s edge to drain his hull, Dave is heading back upstream for a second assault on the shoals. Foam is everywhere and Dave reports (via radio) that it is creating some interesting challenges for visibility. Nonetheless he maneuvers through the field of rocks mid-stream and circles around for a return. Dave’s last radio transmission was directed toward Alan, who was still cautiously observing from upstream, “No problem – just follow me”. Well things didn’t go exactly as planned and we all briefly lost sight of Dave’s Hovertrek beneath the black water and white foam. We did, however, catch a glimpse of a few fan blades flying through the air, followed by the dreadful sound of an operating fan, which is hopelessly out of balance.

Alan’s decision is now firm, he is headed back upstream. Dave is floating on down the river in a 4 to 5 MPH current using his paddle to stay clear of overhanging trees. Louis who is downstream of the shoals and still operational proceeds on to the designated ramp in White Springs, FL. Here Wendell Hannum, owner of American Canoe Adventures is waiting to provide ground transportation for us back to our cars and trailers in Fargo. Logistics would have become quite complex if not for Mr. Hannum’s substantial patience and understanding of our circumstances. He waited with Louis for 2 hours at this ramp, helped to pull Dave’s craft to shore and then drove the two of them on to Fargo (a 45 minute drive). I would highly recommend his services to anyone considering a canoe trip on the upper Suwannee.

Although a bit later then planned, we did reach Bell, FL by dusk. After a substantial dinner at Akins BBQ, we drove on to our final destination, The Cottages of Suwannee River Preserve. For most of us this was their first visit to the cottages of SRP and for all it was a nearly perfect experience. These rental units are extremely well equipped and well maintained. All of the units are within a short walk of each other or the river and there is more than adequate parking for vehicles, trailers and hovers. The owner Sage Piotrowski seemed genuinely glad to see us staying here and went out of his way to make our stay enjoyable. The facilities manager, Kevin Moyers, was extremely helpful and was actually familiar with Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s hovercraft program. Many of our participants advised that they will likely bring the rest of their family along next year, provided we continue to utilize this facility.

Saturday morning everyone rises early and begins preparation for our 110 mile (roundtrip) cruise to the Gulf of Mexico. Jeff and Laurie Hauke of Airboat Magazine arrive and start shooting pictures and interviewing participants. Professional photographer, Bill Kilborn also shows up to document our trip for local newspapers and the Gilcrest County Chamber of Commerce. Also present was a crew from the Weather Channel who had been filming in the area earlier in the week. They reportedly extended their departure date in order to catch some of our activities and were staying in the one SRC cottage that we were not renting. Not yet sure what plans, if any, they have for coverage of our activities.

After a brief drivers meeting our six functional craft hover down the SRP’s short ramp and head downstream toward the town of Suwannee, FL. About 5 miles upstream of Suwannee, FL a large fork exists in the river as the flow splits and wraps around Hog Island. Here Russ and Kay McCallister are waiting in a jon boat to guide through narrow channels the high marsh grass to our lunch destination, Salt River Seafood. Russ and Kay run an outfitters shop Suwannee Guides, LLC and were extremely helpful in setting up our local arrangements in the town of Suwannee. Also, they brought along Bill Kilborn in their boat providing an opportunity to catch numerous unique shots, which are now posted on Bill's myfloridapix website.

After a fantastic lunch at Salt River Seafood our participants assess their crafts and themselves in regard to suitability for the return trip. For several, the decision for a land-based return is opted. For others it’s off to the local marina for the fuel necessary for the return trip. Once their tanks are topped off, Michael Murphy and Louis Bondurant head back upstream. Unfortunately the wind has picked up quite a bit and the larger bodies of water are dishing up some large waves with excellent plow in potential. On the bright side, the further they travel the narrower and smoother the river becomes. A little over two hours after departing the town of Suwannee, they are glad to see the ramp for the cottages of SRP.

While the weekend was filled with memorable moments, Saturday’s dinner was clearly one of the prominent ones. Sage Piotrowski arranged to have a large large smoker brought in to cook the 80# hog that he contributed for our main course. Kevin and Cecilia Moyers took charge of implementation and dedicated essentially their entire day to this project. Our Hoverclub participants brought various side dishes, including corn on the cob, baked beans, salad, desserts, etc. We never did an exact headcount, our crowd was in the range of 30 and everyone seemed genuinely pleased with the result. After dinner the beer and bonfire kept several of us up quite late, especially considering the early start we had seen Saturday morning. What the heck its just the price of having fun.

In comparison, Sunday was a quiet day. Several needed to start their journeys back home and filed out after packing and loading. Others sat out the day’s activities due to mechanical troubles that surfaced with their craft. Everyone agreed that last night’s huge meal had squelched the desire for a heavy brunch at the Suwannee River Cove restaurant about 20 miles upstream. Late morning Harold and Janet Carter are joined by Tom Schulte and Leo Stamm on a cruise up to the confluence of the Sante Fe and Suwannee Rivers. After a safe return Tom & Leo pack their gear and begin their venture back to Kentucky.

Remaining behind for a Sunday night stay over are Alan Lindsay, Harold & Janet Carter and Louis Bondurant. For afternoon recreation they jump into 3 golf carts and head out for some backwoods exploration. Several paths are located which appear to be improved pig trails, are now smooth and wide enough to comfortably accommodate the carts.

Once Monday morning arrives it's time to face reality and accept that yet another outing has come to an end. On the way out Harold, Janet and Louis stop in at out previous SRC venue, Shady Bend Airpark. They visit with Gary Tanous and Kent DuBose a bit and get a good look at Kent's latest aircraft build, a beautiful RV-7. As always, he has done a top shelf work.

While still a year away, a number of participants have already expressed their desire to "do it again before 2010". Details to follow, how could we say NO?

Narrative by Louis Bondurant, HCA #5452
LPB3@mindspring.com

Links to:
1st Suwannee River Cruise (2006)
2nd Suwannee River Cruise (2007)

River level was 10' above that we had seen the year before.
D.Reyburn photo Click on any image for a closer view.

Participants of Friday's cruise on the upper Suwannee included Alan Lindsay, Dave Reyburn and Louis Bondurant. A.Lindsay photo

In Feb 2007 this same stretch of river was a narrow ribbon of black water winding between steep banks of white sand. A.Lindsay photo

Pull off points were few and far between with the water's current level. Nonetheless a few good break spots were were found.
D.Reyburn photo

Troubled waters ahead? No problem, just follow me!
L.Bondurant photo.

At an elevation of 59' above sea level, Big Shoals is rated Class III rapids. On Feb 29, 2008, we exceeded this threshold.

Our journey through Big Shoals was covered on the front page of the March 1, 2008 issue of The Gainesville Sun. Click here for a link to the story and video. Photo by Doug Finger.

Ready for more action, Dave Reyburn heads back upstream.
L.Bondurant photo.

Dave "Sponge Bob" having a bit of difficulty with visibility due to the foam generated by Big Shoals. L.Bondurant photo.

As is often the case, Mother Nature triumphs over machine. Unfortunately a number of Dave's fan blades fail this rather grueling hydrodynamic function test. L.Bondurant photo.

Our base camp for SRC III was The Cottages of Suwannee River Preserve. Excellent accommodations with a private ramp right in the back yard and golf carts for travel between units. D.Reyburn photo

Tom Schulte and Leo Stamm travel in from Kentucky for their second Suwannee River event. C.Scalf photo

Harold Carter takes Pat Duggan for her first hovercraft ride.
K.Moyers photo

Cypress knees can pose a challenge for hovercraft, but are a most unusual sight. H.Carter photo.

The high waters had dislodged vast amounts of debris, creating rather undesirable floating islands. K.Moyers photo

Donnie Filaski's Scat II is doing well with its new Rotax 503.
© Bill Kilborn 2008, used with permission.

Michael Murphy logged over 100 miles on his Rennegade on the trip to Suwannee and back. C.Scalf photo

A beautiful view from the town of Suwannee, FL. D.Reyburn photo

The live oaks, spanish moss and black water. Its easy to see how someone could fall in love with the scenery way down on the Suwannee River. © Bill Kilborn 2008, used with permission.

Some of the channels through the high grass were little more than 20' wide. © Bill Kilborn 2008, used with permission.

Despite the fact that the lower Suwannee River can facilitate rather large boats, we saw little other activity during our 6 or so hours on the river on Saturday. Remarkable to have this much privacy in such a substantial area. © Bill Kilborn 2008, used with permission.

Do we detect a look of concern on Donnie Filaski's face?
© Bill Kilborn 2008, used with permission.

Tom & Leo mosey on up Salt Creek. D.Reyburn photo

The highlight of Saturday night's feast was the hog donated by Sage Piotrowski, owner of the cottages of SRP. K.Moyers photo

Our participants rounded off the meal with numerous side dishes and dessert. K.Moyers photo

Alan's craft waits under the palms while we enjoy lunch at the Salt Creek Seafood Restaurant in Suwannee, FL. H. Carter photo

Clyde Sharman, a WWII P-51 fighter pilot from Orange Park, FL., came down with his recently finished UH-18SP modified which took him eight years to build. H. Carter photo

Leo and Tom head for the Gulf Coast in their UH-17T "Svept Ving" enjoying the warm sunshine along the way...a far cry from the snow in northern Kentucky. H.Carter photo

Kevin and Cecilia Moyers did a wonderful job roasting the pig for the Saturday night cookout so Harold returns the favor by taking Cecilia on her first hovercraft ride. K.Moyers photo

Michael Murphy readys his craft for the +50 mile return to Bell from the town of Suwannee. D.Reyburn photo

Afternoon recreation late Sunday included backwoods exploration on golf cart of the nature trails which wind through the Suwannee River Preserve. A.Lindsay photo

On the way out several of us stop by Shady Bend Airpark. Check out the detail and artwork on the RV-7 Kent DuBose is building. L.Bondurant photo

While the Suwannee River Cruise III is now only a memory, the decision has been firmed up for a continuation. Mark your calendar for the SRC IV in early 2008. L.Bondurant photo