Spring in the Okefenokee Swamp, 3 Days of FUN.

Come with us and witness the Swamp as she awakens from her winter nap. This time of year is magical.

We do this trip at least twice a year. We keep going back because it is always amazing and breathtakingly beautiful.

This is a kid friendly trip. 

This is about a 5 hour drive from Atlanta.

We will see the swamp in its' spring glory. Hopefully WITHOUT THE MOSQUITOES!!!! And air conditioned cabins make the nights comfortable!!

I first visited the Okefenokee in 2016 and am truly sorry I did not go sooner. My wife and I fell in love with it and will go back at least twice a year as long as I can walk or be carried!!

The Okefenokee contains many types of habitat – islands, lakes, cypress forests, scrub-shrub areas and open ‘wet’ prairies. We might see sandhill cranes and bald eagles. In April t the swamp is really coming alive after waking from her "winter" nap.  As we paddle through the swamp, keep a lookout for alligators, otters, racoons, deer, white ibis, herons, egrets and maybe even a black bear. 

THURSDAY is check in, then happy hour and a catered meal. 

FRIDAY we will all paddle from Stephen Foster State park.  We will be leaving the boats to explore some islands and have lunch on wooden decks. At days end, happy hour and a catered meal. Optional bonfire.

SATURDAY you will have a choice of paddling a different section of the swamp OR experiencing a short hike over a board walk and then seeing the swamp from a 3 story watch tower. After leaving the tower we will take a private guided boat tour which allows us to go father into the swamp than we can go in our kayaks.  At days end, happy hour and a catered meal.  Optional bonfire.

SUNDAY you will have an optional paddle on at a black water lake on the way back to Atlanta.  We will get off the water early enough Sunday for you to drive home before dark.

The Eco-Lodge where we stay is located in Fargo, GA, just north of the Suwannee River, and is managed by the Stephen C. Foster State Park. The Eco-Lodge is a conference center with a commercial kitchen, meeting room and 10 cottages each in a beautiful, natural, private location. There will be no other guests at the Eco-Lodge besides us!  This facility is as nice as anything I have ever stayed at.

There are 4 efficiency cabins that each have one double bed.  4 efficiency cabins that have 2 double beds. (Efficiency means one large room with separate bathroom) 

Since none of the cabins have single beds filling each of them is going to get tricky.  The two bed efficiencies are suitable for families since they will sleep up to 4 people in beds. I know many of you will be coming alone and will want to share a cabin so we will pair you up with a same sex roommate, each in a double bed.  

Because of the bed situation we could have from 20 to 40 people on this trip. PLEASE BE PATIENT WITH ME AS WE TRY TO ASSIGN BEDS AND MAXIMIZE PARTICIPATION.   If you want to join us on the trip and make your own arrangements to stay somewhere else, camping, hotel, etc., that is fine also. You will simply need to purchase an event ticket and let me know where you will be staying.  Even if you stay off site, your evening meals are included.

REGISTRATION IS GOING TO BE TRICKY! 

VERY IMPORTANT:  HOW MANY TICKETS DO YOU NEED?

1. Everyone needs an Event ticket regardless of where you are staying. This ticket includes three evening meals and three days of paddling.

2. If you are staying in the Lodge with us you will need a second ticket. This is just for your cabin.

3. If you need a rental boat you will need a third ticket.

4. If you are doing the optional guided boat tour you will need a fourth ticket.

Cost of the trip will be $225 per adult, $95 per child under 16.  That fee will include a catered meal Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.  You will be responsible for breakfast and lunch.  The kitchens make that easy! (This fee does not include your cabin, kayak rental, or boat tour)

I DO NOT CARE HOW MANY YOU PUT IN YOUR CABIN.  IF YOU WANT TO SHARE A CABIN WITH A FRIEND, BUT NOT SHARE THE BED YOU ARE WELCOME TO DO THAT AND PUT SOMEONE ON THE FLOOR IN A SLEEPING BAG OR ON THE COUCH.  ONE PERSON RENTS THE CABIN, EVEYONE BUYS A TICKET.  JUST MAKE SURE I KNOW YOU ARE DOING THAT. YOU CAN SAVE A FEW BUCKS DOING IT THIS WAY.

The efficiencies with 1 double bed rent for $425 for all 3 nights. 

The efficiencies with 2 double beds rent for $550 for three nights.   

If you are coming by yourself and want to be matched up with a room mate (same sex, separate beds)  the cost will be $275 for three nights. If you have a preferred room mate let me know when you register and I will make sure you are paired up.

Tandem (2 person) sit on top kayaks will be available to rent for $125 for the weekend.

Single kayaks (sit inside) kayaks will be available to rent for $95 for the weekend.

Optional Saturday Guided Boat tour is $22.50 per person.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE CALL ME BEFORE SIGNING UP.

John Miller, 678-549-4950