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)

Gators Galore

Well spring has definitely arrived and we are seeing 'Gators galore out here in the Delta. From baby gators to 13ft monsters, it is a real treat for guests and staff alike. In addition the bird life is in abundance, with Bald Eagles, Osprey catching fish and nesting, Great Egrets, Snowy Egrets, Blue Heron and many more showing off for our visitors. The Alabama Red Bellied Turtles are also hatching, so please keep an eye out as you drive through the park and help them get to the safety of the water injury free.

New Website Goes live

Well, after much deliberation, frustration and design, our new website has finally gone live! Now customers can purchase tours, charter boats and rent Canoes/Kayaks all over the Delta, drect from http://www.5rds.com/ We hope you enjoy the new design and layout and find it much more informative. We aim to continue to work on our new site, load more tours and ensure that it continues to showcase the best of what the delta has to offer.

Currently, we are loading up all of the below tour and service offerings:

• boat tours,
• boat charters
• canoe / kayak tours
• canoe /kayak rentals
• childrens birthday parties
• hiking tours
• photography tours
• birding tours
• indian mound tours
• and much much more.

Not only that, but 5RDS has started working with other local providers to include their service offerings in the 5RDs site. We aim to make 5rds.com THE place to go for outdoor adventure in Mobile/Baldwin County.

Please let us know what you think by emailing info@5rds.com. If there is something you would like to see on our site, that isn't already there, please let us know and we will do our best to incorporate it!

New Team Member!

5RDS would like to welcome local Teacher Sarah Hoeb to our team! Sarah, we hope you enjoy as much as we do guiding, educating and experiencing the Delta! Sarah's first day was Saturday and what a Saturday it was - Animals, Charters, Canoe and Kayak rentals and Boat Tours... Nothing like a trial by fire!

Delta Adventures March 29, 2010

In This Issue:

• Full Moon Paddle at Oysterella's Tomorrow Night! (Tues)
• Delta Camp-Out Canoe Trip - April 10/11th
• Bottle Creek Indian Mound Tour - April 18th
• Pic of the Month - Osprey at 5 Rivers!
• Wine Tasting Sunset Cruise - April 17th
• Bartram Canoe Trail #1 - April 24th (paddle the whole trail with us)
• Full Moon Paddle - April 28th
• Bartram Canoe Trail #2 - May 8th

ALL events require advanced reservations. Please call (251) 259-8531 for reservations or more info.

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Full Moon Paddle - Oysterella’s March 30th, 5pm-10pm
FREE – 5 pm meet us at Oysterella’s restaurant on the Causeway for dinner or appetizers (participants pay for their own meal). 6:30 we will launch our canoes & kayaks and paddle out near the Battleship Alabama to enjoy a delta sunset and then we will continue to paddle by moonlight after dark.

N.B. The weather tomorrow night is forecast to be perfect, clear and calm for this paddle!! Call (251) 259 8531 to reserve your spot - rental canoes/kayaks available starting at $35.

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Delta Camp-Out Canoe Trip April 10/11th 9am Sat - 5pm Sun
$75 per person – Meet at 5 Rivers Delta Center at 8 am, Saturday morning. Enjoy a beautiful delta paddle as we make our way by canoe into the central delta. We will spend the night at a remote campsite. Day 2 will lead us to Mound Island, where we will explore 1000 year old Indian Mounds. We then paddle back out of the delta and return at approximately 5pm on Sunday. Fee includes canoe rental and all necessary gear, transport to and from launch site, campsite and guide service. Participants required to bring own camping gear/food.
Call now to book your spot: Toll-Free: 1-800-508-ADVENTURE (2383) or (251) 259 8531.

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Bottle Creek Indian Mound Tour April 18th 1pm – 7pm
$60 per person – More than a Boat ride, this tour begins with a presentation outlining the history of the Mississippian people and their culture, by 5 Rivers staff historian. Participants are then shuttled by van to the boat launch, where you will have ample time to relax and enjoy the Fauna and Flora of the Delta on our way to Mound Island. A narrated hike into and up the 1000 year old mounds will take place on the island. Lunch will be served on the return boat ride.
To book your spot call: Toll-Free: 1-877-411-SAFARI (7232) or (251) 259 8531

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PIC OF THE MONTH

Osprey at 5 Rivers after a successful catch!

Picture From 5RDS Visitor Pics
Joshua Murrah kindly provided the photo above, after taking part in one of our Photography & Nature Hikes at 5 Rivers. Tickets for our Pontoon Tour are being forwarded to Joshua as the winner of the Pic of the Month competition.

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Bartram Canoe Trail #1 Paddle April 24th: 10am-4pm
$15 per person (own gear) $50 per person (rental gear)Join us every other weekend as we paddle different segments of the Bartram Canoe Trail! All trips are guided by WildNative and 5RDS guides. Certificates will be issued to all participants who are able to paddle the entire trail within two years. There are 13 segments in all.This particular segment is "Globe Creek Trail" and is approximately 6.8 miles long.

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Wine Tasting Sunset Cruise April 17th: 6pm-10pm
$45 per person - Our Wine Tasting sunset cruises take in the majesty of the delta sunset, the tranquility of the delta night, all while enjoying fine wine, tasty Hors d'Oeuvres and warm company!

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Full Moon Paddle April 28th 6pm-10pm
Details/Location to be determined. Join us as we paddle after dark by full moonlight and enjoy a different perspective.

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Bartram Canoe Trail #2 Paddle May 8th 10am-4pm
$15 per person (own gear) $50 per person (rental gear)Join us as we paddle segment #2 of the Bartram Canoe Trail. All trips are guided by WildNative and 5RDS guides. Certificates will be issued to all participants who are able to paddle the entire trail within 2 years.

This particular segment is "Red Hill / Proctor Creek Trail" and is approximately 6.5 miles long.


Don't forget our Pontoon Eco-Tours run Wed - Sun at 11am - 1pm and we have Rental Canoes / Kayaks and guide service available any day of the week.

We look forward to seeing you aboard soon.

Wonderful Weather at 5 Rivers

The weather has been gorgeous lately at 5 Rivers, the Delta is starting to bloom and water enthusiasts of all ages are coming out to enjoy the sunshine! We've plenty of Canoes/Kayaks available for those interested in renting for the day. Rates start at $35. We of course still have the Eco tours on the Pontoon boat.

I've attached a picture below taken at dusk a few days ago by Michael. Absolutely stunning!

Imagine sitting in a Canoe while viewing this! We have a sunset / Full moon paddle coming up on Tuesday evening (March 30th), launching from Oysterella's, give us a call and make sure to bring your camera! 251-259-8531

See you out there!

Kristian...

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.