Not deterred by the pouring down rain or the tornado warnings only a dozen miles to the south, our party starts to arrive in Lake Park, GA just as the sun is setting on Feb. 1. Harold Carter, Ron Rowland and Louis Bondurant all from Georgia are soon joined by Tom Schulte and Leo Stamm who have traveled in from Kentucky. Last but not least, Dave Reyburn arrives from Northern Indiana after towing his double craft trailer some 900 miles through snow, sleet and rain.

As planned we arise early Friday morning with the intent to arrive at our launch point in Fargo, GA by 8:30. While the rains had stopped hours before, many of the creeks were still running well over their banks. Surprisingly upon arrival, we found little evidence of the previous day’s 2” rainfall when we reached the Suwannee River in Fargo. We later learn that this is no coincidence as the ½ million-acre Okefenokee Swamp with its sill and narrow spillway serve as an excellent buffer for river flow in this area.

With surprisingly few challenges 5 hovers are started, off-loaded and made ready for the day’s cruise. A quick check with the rangers at the adjacent Suwannee River Visitor’s Center verifies that all is well regarding our presence and plans to use their ramp and parking area. We advise them of our plans and expected return time and soon we find ourselves on the river pointed downstream toward the Florida state line.

A high level of respect is quickly gained by all regarding operation on this part of the Suwannee. While the river is some 15’ to 20’ wide here, it is flanked on either side by large cypress trees. Further complicating matters was the occasional tree (or trees) that were in the middle of the streambed. This created an interesting skills test for pilots of the smaller craft, but was a lot less enjoyable for those operating larger craft.

After 3 or 4 miles Leo and Tom experience mechanical difficulties and several participants decide to hold over to support their repair needs. Dave and Louis opt to push on toward the Florida state line, now only 10 miles to the south. About 2 or 3 miles short of this goal the river has widened, but fuel supplies have depleted to about 60% and they too decide to head back to Fargo. Back at the ramp around noon they meet up with the balance of the party and learn that the Svept Ving problems had been resolved by substituting a different battery.

In route to Bell, FL from Fargo, several individuals detour to White Springs, FL in hopes of launching for a cruise to the Big Shoals section of the Suwannee. In comparison to many other states this is not significant white water. It is, however, Florida’s finest. Unfortunately our efforts are thwarted by the fact that the ramp is closed due to a construction project at the community park. Other launching options in the area are explored, but ruled out as being impractical for our use. Finally the decision is made to move on to Bell for a pre-dusk arrival.

At 9AM Saturday our party starts to congregate at Guaranto Spring Park on the Dixie County side of the Suwannee. The temperature is cool (low 50s), but there is no rain and the outlook for an afternoon high is up in the mid 60s. Joining our ranks now are Gary Tanous, Alan Lindsey, David Elzbeck and Phil Whitney. We also have a number of non-craft owners stop in from as much as 300 miles away. After an hour of so of rides, visiting and technical discussion we launch and head toward Manatee Springs, some 25 miles downstream.

Manatee Springs Park does not have a suitable location for us to pull out, however, we do pause for extended breaks at Hart Springs at the mid-point during the trip down and back. During this 25-mile run the width of the Suwannee increases noticeably, but it never looses its jet-black color. At our turnaround point we were less than 5’ above mean sea level and a few sizeable boats (+30’ in length) are noted. After the day’s activities, we retired to the Tanous residence, where we were treated to an extraordinary meal by Gary and his wife Denise.

Sunday morning we return to Guaranto Spring Park in weather similar to Saturday’s. This time, however, those who dressed marginally on the previous day are properly prepared. The trip to Suwannee River Cove starts later than planned, but a consistent pace gets them to the ramp around 11:30 as planned. Unfortunately it is here at the ramp that the winds of luck shift toward the undesirable. Louis is 1st up and his thrust engine starts to lose power at the top. This is later diagnosed as a wrist pin bearing failure on his rear cylinder. Dave is 2nd up and his instrumentation goes haywire during his ascent. Finally, up comes Harold who catches a crosswind and is blown off the side of the ramp and into a very precarious position several feet below.

Despite the arrival challenges, we finally proceed into the Suwannee River Cove (restaurant) and enjoy a brunch fit for a king. Afterward Louis confirms that his craft will have to return via trailer and Harold, Dave and Alan head downstream for a run up the Santa Fe River. This is a beautiful narrow black water river that winds through the Spanish moss draped cypress trees. This is an area that you would expect to see an abundance of alligators, however, the cool weather has them tucked into their holes.

After 3 days on the river, exhaustion displaces earlier plans for a Super bowl party on Sunday night. After a night’s sleep the remainder of our crowd disperses on Monday. Now, before closing this story I would like to take the opportunity to reflect on our reception by the community in this area. In an effort to assure that we did not unknowingly violate local law or regulation, I contacted several local organizations well in advance of our trip. Through discussions with the Chamber of Commerce, I was directed to management of The Suwannee River Wilderness Trail (www.suwanneeriver.com) and the Pure Water Wilderness group (www.purewaterwilderness.com). Not only did these groups welcome us into the area, they expressed genuine interest in our sport.

In view of the success of our first two events in this area, preliminary planning is already underway for a Suwannee River III event. To reduce the probability of cool weather SRCIII will likely be conducted in late March or early April instead of early February. Keep an eye on HOVERNEWS and/or the club’s web site as details will be posted as they are firmed up.

Louis Bondurant #5452
Atlanta, GA

SRC-II handout for drivers meeting

SRC-I Writeup

Atlanta Chapter HCA - Home Page

The Suwannee River Visitors Center in Fargo, GA provided great access to the Upper Suwannee River. Photo by Harold Carter.

Leo Stamm and Tom Schulte brave the quite narrow upper Suwannee River in their 17’ craft Svept Ving. Photo by Harold Carter.

No speed records to be set here, but good opportunities to test your maneuvering skills. Photo by Louis Bondurant

Based on fuel and time, Dave and Louis decide to head back to Fargo a couple of miles short of the Florida state line. Their plan is to load up and trailer down to a ramp in White Springs, FL. Here they hope to run Big Shoals, which is only a few miles upstream. Unfortunately their plan is blocked by the fact that the only suitable ramp is closed for construction. Photo by Dave Reyburn

The 10 mile return trip to Fargo takes about 45 minutes. An adequately exciting pace for river such as this. Photo by Louis Bondurant

The Eagles Nest, a 2-bedroom rental unit adjacent to the airstrip, was used during both the 2006 and 2007 Suwannee River Cruises. Participants settle into their spaces upon arrival Friday afternoon. Photo by Louis Bondurant