Delta Magic
Interpretive culture, history and geography from downtown Helena, AR
Sorry for radio silence: over 30 Waters-Ruskey-Halsey family & friends gathered over the past couple of weeks for a ceremony to return the ashes of my beloved mother, Lou Dell, back to the universe -- via the Mississippi River. Her spirit freed, now her body also.
River Report: the river crested yesterday at 29.1 Helena Gage (HG), and is now on steady, but slow descent. Highest she's been in months. Beautiful sunny warm days in forecast. But be prepared for cold water if paddling. Sandbars refreshed at mid level, but still overgrown higher up from prolonged low water. Willows, cottonwoods, sycamores, and most upland hardwoods are leafing out. First wave of songbirds have re-entered our part of the great Mississippi Valley on their northerly migration including Yellow-Rumped Warbler and the tiny Ruby-Crowned Kinglet. Good to see returning friends! I counted 49 species over the past couple of weeks. Mourning Dove are gracing every morning with their gentle coos, and many owls in the evening. Woodpeckers are tearing up live and dead-standing trees, seen the Red-Headed, Red-Bellied, Pileated and Downy this week. If you go paddling, making long crossings on main channel, best practice is to wear wetsuits or drysuits. The water is still in the high 40s low 50s. Maybe 30 minutes maximum before hypothermia sets in. Easy to get fooled into complacency by springtime warmth. Write me if you want more content about this -- or to hear some sobering stories of those who should have known better, and headed out unprotected this time of year -- and never returned. More also in the Rivergator: Paddler's Guide to the Lower Mississippi.
What Are We Up To? See below for some springtime offerings. If nothing appeals, consider booking a custom-guided adventure! See below for contacts. Our calendar is quickly filling.
~~~Lower Mississippi River Dispatch No. 1023~~~ Since 1995 ~ “Voice of the Lower Mississippi River” ~Quapaw Canoe Company, Clarksdale, Mississippi~
So sorry to hear of your mother's passing, John. I missed that news last year. Just finished reading her life story. Sounds as though Lou Dell experienced a wonderful and whole life. The spreading of ashes along the Mississippi so very fitting.