DISCOVERY AT DUSK - 2010
A guided canoe trip on the
French Broad River

RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED
along with a non refundable 50% deposit.

Cost is $50.00 per person
Call 828-877-3106 to make your reservation

• May 21st & 28th
• June 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th
• September 3rd, 10th & 24th

The late afternoon air is still now, as we slip our Old Town canoes into the current on this quiet stretch of river. The humidity and wind of the day have subsided as cool air approaches from the west. We have several hours to finish our paddle before nightfall.

We begin with a steady stroke and the water swirls behind our paddle blade. Soon, a muskrat appears ahead, swimming with purpose towards the opposite shore. We continue our pace, and move to within an arm's length of this industrious fur bearer. Finally, the muskrat dives. We shift our attention to what is ahead; the leaning sycamores and maples along the banks, the next encounter with a resident of the river on this sultry summer evening.

"A quiet canoe ride along a river forest provides an ideal way of seeing birds" states John C. Kircher in Peterson's Ecology of Eastern Forests field guide (1988). For those who enjoy watching wildlife, or simply relaxing on a quiet summer evening, the French Broad River in Transylvania County offers some of the best places in Western North Carolina to take in this recreational experience.

After its journey down the North and West Forks, the water of the French Broad slows significantly, and begins a gentle meander through farmland and forest on its long journey to the Gulf of Mexico. Flood deposits along the shorelines are very fertile for plants, which in turn provide excellent food and cover for wildlife. While a few songbirds and squirrels may be seen during the day, the prime hours for viewing the majority of the French Broad's residents occur when the sun settles in the west, and bustle of the day turns gradually into the calm and quiet of night.

While on the river at dusk, you may be startled by the warning slap of a beaver's tail on the water. However, if you paddle quietly you may be able to observe North America's largest member of the rodent family for a time before it drops below the surface to find its underwater burrow entrance. The beaver's smaller cousin, the muskrat, is less shy and is more likely to be viewed in its normal routine. Evidence of each can be found along the river banks where their burrows and trails meet the river's edge.

Abundant bird life is also found at dusk on the French Broad. Swallows dip and dive to catch insects and feed their young in the nests which have been burrowed into the dark soil of the river's bank. Sand pipers scurry across gravel bars in search of more insects, their niche in this river ecosystem. The green heron and belted kingfisher patrol from the air, trees, and shore, looking for the frog or fish that will make their meal.

Possibly the most colorful visitor to the river, however, is the American Wood duck. This tree-nesting waterfowl is known for its distressed call if flushed from its roost, or when attempting to lure predators away from ducklings. The male Wood duck carries a distinct red head with black crest, and reflects an array of colors from the feathers along its sides and back. The female is not as flashy, needing to keep a low profile while caring for the offspring. Seen singly, in pairs, and in larger flocks, this beautiful bird is always a highlight on an evening river trip.

Beginning on Friday evenings in May, Headwaters Outfitters of Rosman will offer the "Discovery at Dusk" series of guided canoe trips on the French Broad River. These trips balance nature observation with the quiet relaxation of an evening canoe outing. Departing at 4 pm from Headwaters, each trip will include all paddling gear, river shuttle, and guide service. Guests may bring along river snacks to eat while on the river. Prior canoeing experience is helpful, but not necessary.