Several things drove my desire to take a canoe trip down the MS River. Lately, I have been looking for more adventure. For a long time, I have wanted to explore the nature that surrounds Memphis. Finally, I had a birthday coming up.
Some quick googling led me to the Quapaw Canoe Company based out of Clarksdale, MS. Their mission is to get people out on the MS River, anywhere on the River for any length of time. A hasty IM to my husband got the trip booked for October. Emails then flew around to friends resulting in 13 people accepting the mission to canoe 17 miles of the MS River. We put in at Shelby Forest and ended at sunset at the Mud Island River Park Marina. Let me just say that the MS River at Memphis’ feet is cleaner and has more wildlife than you imagine. And our guide, John Ruskey, made it all accessible for novices. The rest you can see here in photographs.
Our son Max plays on Hickman Bar, the first of three sandbars we visited. The canoe is handmade by John’s team and modeled after the ones used by French explorers of the MS River.
A fine campfire lunch of garlic shrimp completed with artisan breads and cheeses from the Memphis Farmers’ Market.
A group of friends help celebrate by birthday by paddling down the MS River.
Artist Elizabeth Alley sketches on Pebble Beach, our second sand bar stop.
Deer tracks, one of the many animal tracks we found. Others include coyote, raccoon, and crane.
Max and his friend James Trenthem sat in the back and paddled nearly the entire 17 miles. These two are taking kayaking lessons at their school, the Maria Montessori School.
Surrounded by serious beauty, Brian Dixon, Clay Combs, and Chris Wood talk it over.
Some very unusual views of Memphis icons.
Brian Dixon as he floats backwards under the Hernando Desoto Bridge.
To see another version of this journey, check out my father’s website: http://wbangham.blogspot.com/2009/10/day-on-mississippi-river-my-grandson.html.
All photographs above by Shannon MB Dixon.
Wonderful!!! It makes me want to do it too…for real…
I love the article and the pictures…
Thanks for getting the word out about our local wilderness adventure. Memphis doesn’t have mountains or an ocean, but the Mississippi is a grand site for recreation. I married into kayaking, and it has broadened my view of the city I grew up in.
Great article, Shannon. This sounds (and looks) like a super fun trip. We all need to incorporate the Mighty Mississippi into our recreational plans more often. It is a great and often under-appreciated asset that should be promoted and celebrated.