07/04/2006 – Memories

Launch: Memories Fish Camp. Launch Cost: $3 Route: Up Fowl River about three quarters of a mile, down Fowl River about 1.5 miles, then back. Distance: 3 miles. Average Speed: 1.5 mph. Time: Approx 2 hrs. Pace: Slow. Weather: Partly cloudy with thunder coming from Baldwin County. Wanted to do a short morning paddle before going over for the annual Fairhope 4th of July Paddle.

(1) Above left. After rounding the first bend in the river, the area took on the appearance of a botanical garden in a pond with a lot of different contrasting clusters of green. (2) Above right. Meadow Beauty, aka Handsome Harry, aka Rhexia virginica was in bloom, and is noted for its square stems which is typical of the Mint Family, however, Rhexia is not in the Mint Family. Speaking of flowers and botanicals, I thank Amy for the link here. Check out her site about Gardening in Mobile.

(3) Above left. When launching at Memories, do not be alarmed if you get honked at. (4) Above right. I’ve seen a lot of different ducks over the years, but this one gets the award for being most memorable – one seriously tuft duck.

(5) Above left. I tried to kayak up to the Cold Hole swimming area, located just off Bellingrath Road, but a pack of mean dogs caused me to turn around. Isn’t there a leash law in Mobile County? (6) Above right. Photos cannot seem to depict the beauty in some of the hidden recesses of upper Fowl River. This paddle was short and sweet.