Poker Paddle A Success!!

On Sunday March 7th Wild Native held a unique kayaking event. An "on the water" scavenger hunt named - The Poker Paddle. Contestants were given maps of the route and were required to navigate to specific areas along the Delta. Once there, they would search the river banks for hidden boxes that contained their next set of directions and playing cards.

Hunt participants relaxed and socialized at the conclusion of the Paddle, while enjoying homemade pulled pork sandwiches courtesy of Wild Native and Captain Michael Dorie. Envelopes were then opened and players' hands revealed: Two pair, aces and fours was the winning hand held by Paul Babb. Even those who didn't win prizes went away happy with having spent a beautiful day on the water and making some new acquaintances along the way.

Wild Native offers many of these types of events throughout the year:

• Our next paddling event is scheduled for Saturday March 20th.
• We also have a Full Moon Paddle on Tuesday March 30 at 6pm - Have you ever paddled by moonlight?
• Or join WildNative April 10th./11th for an overnight canoe trip and camp-out.

For more info or to reserve a spot on any of these events please call 1-800-508-ADVENTURE.

In addition to fun paddles Wild Native also offers specialty guided paddles focusing on nature and wildlife viewing, nature photography, native american indian mound exploration, birding, camping, even kayak lessons for those unfamiliar with the sport. In fact, Kayaking 101 is being offered this Sunday at 10am!

Wild Native, Inc is the parent company of 5 Rivers Delta Safaris. A tour boat company operating out of the 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center. 5RDS specializes in a variety of pontoon boat eco-tours in the Delta. They also offer safari and pirate themed youth birthday parties. Visit them online at www.5RDS.com to see all they have to offer.

Another Bird & Gator Filled Day on the Delta!

Today's tour was great. The temperature was nice and the water was like glass. We had a good crowd of families and friends spending time together.....away from the mall! Great to see on this "Shopping Weekend" right after Thanksgiving.

Passengers on the boat were treated to a great diversity of wildlife. Before even leaving the dock we saw Osprey circling looking for fish and a Double-Crested Cormorant did a fly-by just as we cast off. Along the way up river we saw a Snowy Egret and some American Coots, all feeding in the shallow waters along the Blakeley River. We made our way into the Appalachee River and saw a flock of White Pelicans overhead. We then encountered a Great Blue Heron and some more Coots. All of the birds we had seen to this point were then trumped by the sun-bathing American Alligator! We sat quietly and observed this gator for some time. In fact, he was so intent on basking in the sun that we drove off with him still sitting there. Our presence never disturbed him. On our way downstream we saw more White Pelicans and a KingFisher. All in all a great day in the Delta.

~ Captain Michael Dorie
www.5rds.com

Delta News April 2009

'Tis the Season for Delta Photography

Welcome back everyone. Whew, where to begin? I want to start by thanking all of you who continue to read our newsletter each month. The responses and feedback we’ve received has been great. So, keep it up!

I also want to thank all the school teachers and group organizers that have kept us so busy these last few weeks. It really is a privilege to take young students out and give them a first hand look at this wonderful outdoor area.

With the warming weather we have been spending more time than ever in the Delta and have made some exciting discoveries. The re-emergence of the alligators and greater activity amongst all the other animals leads to excellent viewing and photo opportunities.

Bring your binoculars and/or camera and come see for yourself!

As the Osprey guard their nests and the eggs held within them,
we are able to see them in action!

SUNSET / WINE CRUISES
Another favorite has returned!

With the great weather comes our popular Wine Tasting & Sunset Cruises. Come out and experience a beautiful Delta sunset while enjoying a glass of wine and some great company. Beginning in late April we will be offering these Wine Tasting Cruises once a month. These cruises will be offered on the last Saturday of each month. Times vary slightly as summer progresses, here is the upcoming schedule:

April 25th: 5:30pm – 7:30pm

May 30th: 6:00pm – 8:00pm

June 27th: 6:30pm – 8:30pm

These cruises include wine, hors d’euvres and a beautiful sunset, all for $36 per person. Reservations are required so call now!

In addition to these regularly scheduled Wine Tasting and Sunset Tours, we are able to provide these tours any time for private groups (birthday parties, office socials, family gatherings). All you need is 12 people or more! Call today for more info.


MOTHER’S DAY SPECIALS
May 10th is Mother’s Day. Looking for a special outing for Mom this Mother’s Day? Why not take her out on a narrated Delta Tour? In honor of Mother’s Day we’re offering 3 opportunities for you to get Mom out on the water. We have afternoon Eco-Tours departing at 12pm and 2pm and a special Sunset Tour at 6pm. Book your reservation now to insure your seats.


CANOE & KAYAK SAFARIS
As these offerings become more and more popular we are able to adjust our prices to make them even more accessible as the summer season approaches. Please click HERE to download the latest PDF version of our itineraries and NEW pricing (total download 4.14 Mb).

An Easter Excursion
A group of staff and guests took advantage of 5 Rivers closure on Easter Sunday to explore Bay Minette as part of one of our 1/2 day Kayak Safaris. Our Delta expert Joel Borden lead the group as we meandered amongst the plethora of waterlilly's currently lining the basin. I was amazed at how stunning the water lilly's were up close, with these wonderful bright yellow blooms! Travelling down the quiet, peaceful river with tree lined banks really gave me the feeling I had escaped! And no doubt the wildlife felt the same way, especially one majestic blue heron who put on a show for the group. We finished the day with a tasty barbeque served up by Captain Michael on the banks of the river.
Elizabeth Croover - 5RDS

***SPECIAL OFFER***
From April 20th – May 20th book your canoe or kayak safari and SAVE! All bookings of 4 people or more, will qualify for the 8 person group rate. Book your adventure today!

I hope you all enjoy reading the newsletter as much as I enjoy writing it. It seems as though there is so much going on at 5 Rivers it is hard to keep up with it all. I thank you for reading and look forward to seeing you in the Delta real soon.

Sincerely,

Captain Michael Dorie
Manager
Five Rivers
Delta Safaris, LLC.
A WildNative Company