Paddlers came from near and far on Friday to set-up camp at the Ochlocknee State Park. Our gracious host and hostess/organizer, Susan and Michael Lampman planned a great weekend. No shortage of fun and food for our Atlanta guests, number 13 in all, as well as 8 Tallahassee paddlers.

Alligator Harbor waters, with a slight cuddling chop and sunshine, greeted us as we launched on Saturday morning. We locals waited anxiously to meet our Georgia guests. The fun began watching them enter the water with shouts of "Saltwaternow I'm on vacation!!" With the speed of gazelles they were soon halfway across the Bay. Our host watched from the launch with a longing stare and a yearning to be in the pack, but recent surgery (and a persistent wife) prevented his participation.

After crossing the Harbor, with minimal boat traffic, the group beached at the tip of the Nature Conservancy for a brief interlude. At this point, some of the locals turned back (possibly due to the fact that their poor muscles needed additional conditioning) and encountered a scary sitea young mother attempting to teach her teenage daughter how to operate one of those maniacal machines (jet ski). The remainder of the group paddled on around the tip of the Conservancy to test the surf and hopefully meet the host for lunch.

The crew returned to the campsite for hot showers and rest to prepare for the evening camp feast that was graciously and expertly provided by the Atlanta paddlers. The relaxing vocal CDs provided the icing on the cake. For a nanosecond even the yellow flies took a hypnotic time out.

On Sunday morning 11 of the group paddled from Skipper Bay to Spring Creek across Oyster Bay. Five others drove to The Spring Creek Restaurant, the meeting point for lunch and some very good seafood. Mari saved the day with her cooler of cold beverages.

Sunday evening tested the spirit of the tired paddlers. Some wind, choppy water and a muted sunset resulted in a few paddlers deciding to drive, instead of paddle from Mashes Sands to the Oaks for dinner. The lights of Angelo's restaurant seemed to be closer than in reality. Shallow water and cross currents kept the group alert. After dining and hearing tales of the day's events, a nap should have been next on the agenda. However, the lure of a full moon over the now calm Bay rejuvenated everyone as we scurried to enter the water. The water was like glass and the glow sticks on our kayaks resembled fireflies over the vastness of the water. Graceful silhouettes and intermittent murmurs of conversation provide the comfort to those who might have been slightly scared of the dark. Soon the conversations lulled and all that could be heard was the lapping sound of the paddles. The moon provided ample lighting for beaching at Mashes Sands. Our welcoming party consisted of some hungry no-see-ums and a disgruntled park official with a need to exercise his authority. The last laugh was had by Michael as he locked the gate leaving the official alone with his thoughts and the bugs.

Monday morning farewells were exchanged as well as email addresses by both groups. Now we can get on with nursing some blisters, bites, muscles and shopping for new boats and planning future adventures with the Atlanta gang. They are a great group of fun loving, experienced paddlers who are always welcome by the Tallahassee crew.

Michael thanks for all of your efforts in ensuring that everyone was safe and having a great time. We owe you!

-Larry Zwagil

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