Can Any Good Come of the Oil Spill?

In the last two weeks, we've been asked many times: "will the oil spill affect the Delta should the oil reach this far north?" The answer, of course, is yes. It could be catastrophic. However, could we also benefit in any way from this threat to our eco-system? The answer is the same. Yes!

Sometimes we take for granted the serene beauty that lies at our back door. For those of you who've taken our tours or explored this vast Delta by kayak or canoe, you might remember the incredible wildlife you saw: the egrets and herons feeding at the shor; the osprey diving for a meal or keeping a close watch over their nest; or the alligator sunning himself on the bank. The white pelicans and white ibis that over winter here; the beautiful cypress with Spanish Moss draped over their branches; and the lilies; the Blue flag iris; Golden Club and other wetland flowers that are now in bloom. You may also remember "hearing" the"quiet" of the rustling of the grass or twittering of songbirds.

Maybe it's time to reflect on the opportunity we have to explore and learn about this unique and delicate environment, the recreational opportunities it provides, its significance in the lives and lifestyle of the residents of the Mobile Bay area, and those who visit. Maybe it's time to revisit and take a closer look at the plants whose roots hold the soil in place, where birds, mammals and reptiles, seen and unseen, feed, nest and live. Maybe we should listen more carefully for the songs and calls of the birds both in the air, water and on land.

I know I will.

By Carol Furman

Carol Furman is a Delta Guide with Five Rivers Delta Safaris (5RDS.com)

Delta Adventures Update! March 3, 2010

IN THIS ISSUE:
- Canoe/Kayak Poker Paddle -- Deadline for Registration = March 3rd
- Wildlife & Nature Photography Hike
- WildNative is Hiring!
- Safari & Pirate Themed Birthday Parties @ 5 Rivers

This weekends Forecast for the Delta! --
Mostly Sunny with a high near 65 --

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*LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER*
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Canoe/Kayak Poker Paddle - Sunday, March 7th. 11am - 5pm.
An all ages event. A beginner level paddle with a twist!

Compete against other teams as you paddle through the delta following clues and picking up playing cards along the way. A BBQ will be held at the end of the course and the boat with the best poker hand of cards will be our grand prize winner.
Entry Fee: $20 per boat. Registration required by March 3rd.
Canoe & kayak rentals are available.

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*SCHEDULE CHANGE*
As of March 1, 2010 our Delta Eco-Tours aboard "The Pelican" will depart
Wednesday thru Sunday, at 11am. Reservations are recommended.

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*Wildlife & Nature Photography Hike* Saturday, March 6th. 10am - 12pm.

Guided hike around the 80 acre property of 5 Rivers Delta Center. Focus on nature and beauty as well as local wildlife. Bring your own camera and get tips on how to shoot nature photos.
All participants can enter online photo contest to win prizes.

Cost is $10 per person. Reservations required.

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*Delta Canoe/Kayak Paddle & BBQ* Saturday, March 20th. 10am - 4pm.

Join us for an exploratory paddle of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta. The exact location of our paddle has yet to be determined. Any suggestions? Anywhere in particular you'd like to explore? Please let us know. We are always happy to plan trips to areas that folks want to see.

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Canoe & kayak rentals are available any day of the week. Please call in advance to arrange a guided or an unguided canoe/kayak excursion.
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Party Party Party!
We also now host Safari and Pirate themed childrens Birthday Parties.
Maximum of 30 Children.
Party Favours, Cake, Games and much, much more
Reservations are required: For more information and a brochure, email info@5rds.com or call 1-877-411-SAFARI (7232).

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PLEASE NOTE:
1. All the above events can be arranged for groups any day, any time.

2. Canoe & Kayak rentals are available any day of the week. Please call in advance to arrange a guided or an unguided canoe/kayak excursion. Canoe/Kayaks can be launched from a variety of locations across the Delta.

3. Our ever popular Wine Tasting Sunset Cruises will be starting again in March - Dates to be advertised in the next issue.

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Hovercraft Sale:

Finally, it has come time for Five Rivers Delta Safaris to sell it's Hovercraft to make way for our new 2010 model. If you are interested in owning a hovercraft of your own, please contact us for more information.

You may have noticed the new WildNative () sign at the Convention Center in South Water St, Downtown Mobile. This heralds a whole range of new Tours and Charters aboard the "Native Princess", our 49 passenger bay boat. Keep an eye on this space, call 1-800-508-ADVENTURE (2383) or email mailto:info@wildnative.com?subject=Native for more information.


We will be combining the WildNative and 5RDS newsletters for a short time, before providing the opportunity for everyone to choose the items that interest you most.

I look forward to seeing you all aboard very soon.

Captain Michael Dorie
Manager
Five Rivers Delta Safaris, LLC.

5RDS is a WildNative
Company