Stranded Like a Gar
Lower Mississippi River Dispatch No. 845 (Test Run)
~~~~~~~~ Tuesday, Sept 7, 2021 ~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~ Quapaw Canoe Company ~~~~~~~
Clarksdale, MS ~ Memphis, TN ~ Vicksburg, MS
Mark River Blog — The Stranded Ones
Mississippi River islands are some of the last untouched wilderness areas in our country. Formed by a combination of the River's natural meanders, floodwaters, and man made infrastructure. During low water, typically they are massive deserts of hematite sand and fossil full gravel beds on the top end, deciduous forest in the middle, along with swamps,, bayous, and wetlands, with a sandy point protruding at the bottom with a glorious tall stand of willows, like palm trees in the sand.
During Summer Camp, an observant group of students noticed a small stream-like feature pouring into the main channel the River from somewhere deep in the middle of the island. I've seen such features time and time again on these islands. The River rises in the Spring from all the snow melt in the Rockies and Appalachian Mts. This annual rise is beneficial to the health and prosperity of the the River itself and all living things attached to it. They say if it's 10 species in the River itself, then there's 10,000 species in the wetlands and floodplains adjacent. When the water drops in the Summer, small inlets cut through the sand and empties back to the River. The waterways are full of small fry and fingerlings trying to survive making this treacherous journey. They either make this journey or get landlocked in the middle of the island and their faith be at the mercy of the River's next rise. At the mouth of the River waits big hungry fish of all species waiting for the conveyor belt full of food. Some fish, particular the gar species try to escape the ambush by a leap of faith around the gauntlet of predators sometimes stranding themselves on land, compromising themselves and becoming food for the scavengers of the night like raccoons and coyotes who need the valuable protein to replenish their milk supply for hungry offspring.
Here at Quapaw Canoe Company, we have just finished a month of summer camps for kids ages 6 through 18; girls and boys, women and men, black and white, LBTQ and straight. I watched closely as the group eased away from their electronics letting the natural muse of the Mississippi River rid their minds of trials and tribulations on land, challenging their comfort zones and watching them grow daily. I couldn't believe the effect the River had on them. I thought the whole time that these individuals knew each other from school- later to find out they were all strangers. The bonding was smooth and swift. We had kids that lost parents to Covid-19, opiates and methemphedamines, and violence in our communities.
Our kids are stranded like those gar.
Dodging our society’s communal failures as they grow searching for their pathways, purposes, and passions in life. The River is the perfect place for that. The River treats everyone the same. There's no discrimination and equality breaths through the surroundings. I recently seen two of my most challenging campers and they received me with big hugs. I thought they hated me, keeping them structured, and sometimes raising my voice, but the River effected their souls like it effects me. It brings me peace and frees my soul. In our quest for equity and inclusion, the Mississippi River is a valuable, under utilized resource. From a boy born in East St.Louis, losing his Mother at 13, giving my life to the Mississippi River- I can honestly say that the River save my life.
Author: Mark River Peoples
About Mark River:
Mark River Peoples is chief guide and youth leader for the Quapaw Canoe Company. He produces and narrates an ongoing podcast called "May the River be With You." He is southern leader of the 1Mississippi Program, which connects people who care about rivers with the people who make decisions about rivers. He is self-isolating during pandemic in the canoe shop for construction of the next big canoe, and in very limited river trips with discrete groups of clients. His blog writing is inspired by his work on the Mississippi River -- and its many tributaries such as the Yazoo, the Big Sunflower and the Arkansas Rivers.
Mark River grew up hunting and fishing along the river with his father near St. Louis, MO. After attending Central Missouri State University, and becoming defensive back with the New York Giants, Mark left a career in professional football for the river. Mark is a writer for the Lower Mississippi River Dispatch and shares his intimate & nature-filled musings about river life in presentations and online platforms. When not on the water, Mark mentors Mississippi Delta youth and educates them on the importance of the protection and preservation of our national treasure for generations to come. He himself is a tributary to his community, like the stream is to the big river. Mark works hard on changing the perception of our great River and its tributaries. Through river trips, cleanups, and workshops, Mark’s goal is overall systemic health of the Mississippi River.
Huckin' Around
Clarksdale, MS
Sept 9-10, 2021
All Aboard!
Yazoo Yaupon and Delta Arts District are proud to present Huckin' Around - A celebration of the Mississippi River, its culture, ecology, and history - and how it all leads into our own magical story of the Yaupon Holly!
This family event features renowned Twain-scholar, Dr. Cindy Lovell, National Geographic Explorer Andrés Ruzo, Geologists James E. Starnes & Jonathan Leard, Yaupon expert Bryon White, and lots of local food, art, music, and fun for the whole family!
COVID-19 Statement:
We take the safety and health of our guests and community seriously, and as such, we require that all attendees at Huckin' Around show proof of COVID-19 vaccination. A digital photo of your vaccine card will do just fine. Additionally, MASKS ARE REQUIRED in all indoor spaces, and venues will be set up to accommodate social distancing. Most of the events are outdoors. Please do not attend if you are ill, or showing symptoms of COVID-19. Please reach out to us if you have any concerns or questions regarding our policies.
Event Details:
Plan to arrive Wednesday night to enjoy all that Clarksdale has to offer. Contact Scott@revilopark.com for lodging questions.
Clarksdale Civic Auditorium, Clarksdale, MS - Exhibit viewing on Thursday from 3pm-5pm, talks begin Friday at 3pm.
For VIP Raft Brigade, you may choose between the Thursday and Friday expeditions, which meet at the Quapaw Canoe Company at 9 am. You will then drive your own vehicle to the launch site near Friar's Point - more instructions below!
Speaker Lineup for 09/10:
ANDRÉS RUZO
America’s Amazon: An International Explorer’s Take on “Mississippia”
Can a dead fish stuck high and dry in a fence lead to a career-defining realization? Are key answers to saving the Amazon Rainforest hidden in the fields of Mississippi? We know we can miss the forest for the trees—can we also miss the river for the levee? National Geographic Explorer Andrés Ruzo´s work as a researcher, conservationist, educator, and communicator has taken him all over the world, but this will be his first trip to the Delta. Join Andrés and the Huckin’ Around Team as we explore “Mississippia” with new eyes in order to discover the hidden magic of America’s Amazon.
BRYON WHITE
Cultivating Change: The Revival of America’s Forgotten Heritage Beverage
A movement is brewing in America's Heartland, with roots stretching deep into an 8,000 year old past, steeped with wild tales of the sacred, the cutthroat, and the resilient. Yaupon, America's only native caffeinated plant, once a cornerstone product of native civilizations, nearly became a victim of colonial erasure. Now, a renewed appetite for this heritage beverage, and the unique benefits presented by its cultivation, are revealing yaupon's amazing potential as a catalyst to build a better America.
CINDY LOVELL
Mark Twain: Author of America's Sacred Texts
The Mississippi River was Mark Twain's holy water. What he saw and experienced on the river shaped his ever-evolving views about humankind. Twain was more than a humorist. He was a moralist. With his pen warmed up in hell, he delivered some of his mightiest sermons that still resonate today. We'll examine a condensed look at his life and work through the relevant lens of current events.
John “Driftwood Johnnie” Ruskey & Mark “River” Peoples
River Time
Ready to get out of town? (Like Huck?) Ready for some river time? Warning: you may not want to return. Through personal stories, music, and slide show, seasoned Mississippi River rats Driftwood Johnnie and Mark River guide you over the levee, and then down the muddy banks of the river, into the expansive forest and floodplain of the biggest river in North America! A paradise thriving just over the levee, where the waters flow forever wild and free — as they bounce back and forth between the big sky and the big islands -- and your imagination is set free amongst the whirlpools, eddies and boils, and the profusion of wild birds, fish, and mammals. We might have our feet in the mud, but our eyes are on the heavens. We call it "river time." This is our reality. You may not want to return once you get a taste of it!
JAMES STARNES
Unlocking the Great River’s Ancient Past to Understand the Treasure it Holds for our Future
In this landscape, the Mississippi River acts like the hand of God-- creating islands out of nothing, reshaping state-lines, and defining the geology that is the basis for the environment. Its meanders weave past, present, and future together into a fascinating mystery written into this sacred ground-- a mystery, that if decoded can reveal both ancient treasures and the keys to a better future.
For accomodations: we recommend the Shack Up Inn, and we have reserved some rooms there which are available on a first-come-first-served basis. Email Scott@revilopark.com or call (720)-939-9428 to confirm reservations and obtain details.
We look forward to seeing you at the first annual Huckin’ Around! Let’s work together to make it a safe and enjoyable event. Don’t forget your mask and vaccine card, and get ready for an unforgettable experience!
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Raft Brigade & Hobnob Krewe - $250
All activities included, PLUS VIP GIFT BAG
VIP Canoe Float on the Mississippi River with Dr. Cindy Lovell and the Quapaw Canoe Company, 9am-1pm on September 9th or 10th, 2021. Includes Hobnob Krewe- see below.
Canoe paddlers will meet at Quapaw Canoe Company at 9 am. Please email bryon@yauponbrothers.com in advance to let us know if you prefer the Thursday or Friday canoe trip. Bring sun and insect protection, and prepare to get wet. Bring water and snacks, too! The trip is an out-and-back and lasts 3-4 hours. It will probably be hot, so dress appropriately! All participants must be willing to paddle!
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Hobnob Krewe Only - $150 seats are limited
VIP Cocktail Hobnob and Yaupon Maze Tour, September 9th, 2021, 6pm, at the residence of Bill & Francine Luckett, which was designed by famed Arkansas architect, E. Fay Jones. The Luckett Residence is located at 333 Westover Drive, Clarksdale, MS 38614.
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$250 VIP packages include a poster and gift bag!
PLUS - Fun, music, art, and games!
Public Reception -Friday - 7pm, on the lawn at Ground Zero Blues Club.