Riverbloom Cottage: A Sunny Kayak Adventure on Fish River

Living right on Fish River in Daphne, Alabama, means I’ve got the perfect front-row seat to all the sunshine-filled adventures I could wish for—especially those involving a kayak and a paddle. Recently, I set out on one of the clearest, calmest days we’ve had in a while to explore the river’s hidden nooks and crannies. As always, the trip was filled with gorgeous scenery, a few unexpected obstacles, and the ever-present wonders of wildlife that make this area so special.

Launching into Sunshine

The morning sun was warm and bright as I slid my kayak off the bank behind my river home. The water sparkled with that telltale clarity Fish River is famous for, giving me a perfect view of the submerged grasses and fish darting about near the shoreline. With my paddle in hand and a gentle current at my side, I couldn’t help but feel that familiar rush of excitement that comes from heading out into nature.

Clearing the Way: “Idiots with Chainsaws”

Fish River owes its navigable paths in large part to a band of devoted volunteers affectionately known as the “idiots with chainsaws.” While their name might raise an eyebrow or two, these folks are anything but foolish. They’re the dedicated souls who spend their free time removing downed trees, branches, and other debris that can block the river, creating dangerous log jams for paddlers.

Encountering a Few Log Jams

Of course, no matter how much work the “idiots with chainsaws” do, log jams happen. Fish River’s beauty is partly due to its winding course and shaded banks. But those twists and turns, coupled with the occasional storm, mean that trees do topple into the water from time to time.

During my paddle, I came across a few minor jams. One was nothing more than a cluster of branches, easy enough to nudge my kayak around. Another had a slightly bigger trunk that angled halfway across the river. Thankfully, the passage was wide enough to squeeze by with a quick paddle stroke—no portaging needed! I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before the volunteer crew spots it and cuts it away to keep the river clear. I think I’ll bring my own little saw next time to help them out a bit.

Wildlife Wonders

While the “idiots with chainsaws” are responsible for maintenance, the wildlife is responsible for the magic. Fish River is home to an impressive variety of birds, fish, and other animals, and spotting them is a highlight of any trip:

1. Osprey, Bald Eagles & Herons

   • I spied a couple of osprey and eagles scanning the river’s surface, no doubt hunting for breakfast - my chickens most likely.

   • A great blue heron perched on a fallen log, eyeing me warily as I drifted past.

2. Turtles & Fish

   • Small river turtles popped up now and then, only to vanish at the sound of my approaching paddle.

   • Clear water meant I could see shoals of bream and the occasional bass darting among the river grasses.

3. Occasional Otter or Raccoon

   • Fish River is known for playful river otters. I didn’t see any this time, but I caught a glimpse of raccoon tracks in the muddy bank as well as some deer tracks from early morning visitors.

Every new bend brought a new surprise, reminding me that the best part about paddling is the possibility of an up-close encounter with nature in its purest form.

Returning Home

After a few hours of exploring, I was picked up at Bohemian Park by a friend and brought back to my house, I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face—there’s something about a good kayak trip that restores the soul and reminds you why you fell in love with a place in the first place.

Reflections & Future Adventures

Fish River is a slice of natural beauty, and we’re fortunate to have volunteers like the “idiots with chainsaws” who work hard to keep it safe and accessible for everyone. With each paddle trip, I become more grateful for this vibrant community and the diverse wildlife that call this place home.

If you’re lucky enough to own a kayak (or can borrow one for the day), I can’t recommend a sunny journey down Fish River enough. Just be sure to keep an eye out for those lingering log jams, wave hello to the local birdlife, and, above all else, appreciate the tireless effort that goes into preserving our watery playground. Here’s to many more mornings launched under a golden sun and afternoons full of fish-spotting in crystal-clear water!

Happy paddling, and see you on the river!