the heavens seem to come closer in to earth
...sunsets, sunrises, and night-time stargazing is at its best of the entire year, beautiful paddling too, when done safely...
Lower Mississippi River Dispatch No. 951
"Voice of the Lower Mississippi River"
Vicksburg, MS ~ Memphis, TN ~ Clarksdale, MS ~ Wilson, AR
Quapaw Canoe Company ~ Celebrating 26 Years of Service ~
~Winner of the SBA 2024 Small Business of the Year Award~
Happy Winter Solstice from the Mighty Quapawz! Shortest day and longest night on the year. I suffer from this syndrome: the loss of light can be depressing. But not if you temper it with lots of outdoors time, where the experience is magical! The sunsets, sunrises, and night-time stargazing is at its best of the entire year. The heavens seem to come closer in to earth. Build a small fire, and share the wonders with your loved ones. Share some love with Mother Nature, the birds and the fishes, the creatures of the forest. We need to do a better job of taking care of our sweet mother earth for all of creation.
If the weather is inclement, gather around a candle inside and share stories, and the grace of some much-needed peaceful downtime, sweet music, and good teas and food, and the wonderful magic of the season. The fire ever burning, the flowing forever flowing. We send big river love & wishes to you and yours, wherever you are!
River Report: This week's rain is bringing us out of the doldrums -- finally! The Lower Mississippi River is forecast to rise up to 21.1 (Helena) by Christmas Day, a 20+ foot rise in the matter of a week! As result, there will be lots of interesting turbulent activity in all of the chutes, passes and any entrances to back channels behind the islands. The opening into Mellwood Lake, or DeSoto Lake, for instance, will be a muddy torrent full of froth & fish, and possibly standing waves. Ditto for Tunica Lake Pass, Lake Whittington, and many other old river connections to the big momma of all rivers. We saw very active fish life yesterday in the back channel of island 63, no doubt the fishery is getting replenished after the long drought.
We haven't seen any signs of the bird flu, but we also have not witnessed the giant flocks of snow geese, white pelicans, and blackbirds that are normally flying through this time of year. Cedar Waxwings have come and gone, the first wave. We did have one drone visit us at a campsite about a month ago, origin unknown.
Check out recent story by Kevin Tate in the Tupelo Daily Journal. Thank you Kevin! Click here for story: Group canoes Mississippi River full length of State. Dec 20, 2024. Re-run by AOL news.
Need any last-minute presents? We can make a Mighty Quapaw gift certificate and email to you to print up by Christmas Eve!
Safe Paddling Suggestions: the paddling is wonderful this time of year, when you watch the weather forecast and wear appropriate clothing, and pack extra emergency gear. Wetsuits are a must. Also pack extra food, water, and emergency overnight. Better safe than sorry. A thermos filled with your favorite hot beverage is awfully nice. There are no mosquitoes, and the night time skies are spectacular. Gemini's this week. We'll be in slow motion for the next month, but can still offer trips for individuals or small groups if anyone is interested. Respond to this mailer, or call 662-627-4070 for booking a custom-guided trip!
Merry Christmas from the Mighty Quapaws of the Lower Mississippi River!
thank you dear John, River, Layne for all the joy you give and we take. Merry Christmas and HAPPY new year. Love, Peggy P
Love and miss ya’ll. See you at JJ Festival