Gracie and Hope have a younger sister, Faith. Faith is quite the outdoors lover. She shines the most when experiencing all the senses of the outdoors. Kayaking is one of her favorite things things to do. On New Years Eve she went with some friends kayaking at Magnolia Branch Wildlife Reserve located in Atmore, AL. She had never been there before so she was quite surprised at how much the campground had to offer. It is nestled deep in the woods and makes you feel like your are light years away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Surely one of Atmores's best kept secerts. Located on Big Escambia Creek there are acres of pristine timberland and scenic waterfront. It is one of the many Creek Indian Enterprises run by the Poarch Creek Indians and only minutes from Wind Creek Casino.
The Tribal leader, Billy was there to greet everyone and volunteered to shuttle the group up creek to make it easier for them. Along the way he showed them some of the many things to do there, Horseback Riding, Zip Lining, Tubing, Camping, Fishing and many more. He talked of the native plants and trees that were along the way and told some Indian "Tall Tails".
When they arrived at the take off point they found the water level was just right with a few rapids and it was crystal clear. The scenery was as beautiful as Billy had described it to them. They stopped a little ways down the creek, beaching at a sandy spot and hunting cool and unusual stones. Faith's dog Bratt, who also went along, went for a swim and driftwood was collected along the way in the rushing water and strapped to the back of a kayak. "This piece will look great in the garden", she thought to herself as everyone else was giving her down the road for dragging it home. It was sorta sad when the paddle came to a close because everyone was having so much fun.
After loading up the kayaks and equipment they had a wonderful cookout in the campground. Hamburgers and Hot Dogs were enjoyed and Billy stopped by to see if they needed anything else. He showed them where there was some great firewood to collect for later. After filling their bellies they relaxed fishing in the lake. Two catfish were caught but the fun was just having the pole in the water and watching the bobber float around with all their worries.
Around the campfire everyone had a taste of marshmallows and shared their New Years Resolutions which probably will be broken but it is nice to try anyway. Fireworks were seen all along the drive home. It was a great way to start the new year.
Faith gets ready for the trip.
Faith is wearing a Unique Handmade Turtle necklace that she got at Gracie's favorite online Boutique Inklings Designs: www.inklingsdesigns.com. Since this necklace has found a loving home please check back soon for a new and very different Turtle Necklace.
Ready to go!
Spider webs covered in dew, shining in the morning sun. What a beautiful sight.
We're here!
Lots of driftwood to be found.
Bratt enjoying the paddle.
A little white water...woo hoo!
Was that a squirrel?
Beautiful and peaceful.
Nice piece of Driftwood.
What a beautiful Day!!
