Hosted by John Ruskey of Quapaw Canoe Company
Britt Hill, Mary Smith and Erin Johnson, all with Audubon Arkansas. Photo by The Delta Bohemian
Delta Bohemian writers Poor William (aka Billy Howell), Fat Clyde (aka Lil’ John McKee), Young & Free columnist Corinne Vance and Publisher/Producer Magical Madge Marley Howell enjoyed a recent excursion with fellow DB contributing writer John Ruskey, owner and founder of Quapaw Canoe Company. The special guests on this outing included:
- Chuck Dovish, host of Arkansas Educational Television Network (AETN) television show called “Exploring Arkansas“
- Michad Holliday, director of filming and photography for Chuck Dovish’s “Exploring Arkansas”
- Mary Smith, Director of Education for Audubon Arkansas
- Britt Hill, NATIVE Project Coordinator for Audubon Arkansas (promotes growing native grasses with farmers)
- Erin Johnson, Audubon Arkansas Intern from UCA
- Johnnie and Trisha from Fordyce, AR
PLUS
- Quapaw Staffers: Ellis Coleman and John “Mad Dog” Fewkes
- Mighty Quapaws: Jerry Jones, Darius “Daredevil” Jyrden, Markevius “Dinky” Jones, Jeremy Jones, Michael Wortham
The morning began before daybreak. The entire group during the trailer ride from Quapaw Canoe Company’s headquarters in Helena to the mouth of the St. Francis River was teaming with excited anticipation. Chuck Dovish had big plans for the day that ended at the beautiful Helena River Park. He and his cameraman from Memphis, Michad Holliday, documented the day’s activities. It will premiere as Mississippi Voyageur Canoe Excursion and Helena River Park on AETN “Exploring Arkansas“ television show which airs Monday, October 3rd at 6:30pm.
Two newly laid tern eggs on a sandbar on the Mississippi River near Helena, AR. Photo by The Delta Bohemian
Mary Smith with Audubon Arkansas along with the knowledgeable John Ruskey both enjoyed sharing information with us about birds, wildlife, the river and environmental issues. It was particularly exciting when Mary discovered a tern “nest” holding two eggs. In the video you will see this resting place or indentation in the sand for the eggs plus a very still infant tern. The sky was teaming with the squealing birds and we felt privileged to observe them so closely. It is easy to see how one could overlook these eggs and youngsters and disturb them unintentionally.
The Delta Bohemian is always grateful to spend time on the water with friend and fellow Delta Bohemian John Ruskey and his Mighty Quapaws. We encourage you to schedule your river outing today and create a memory to last a lifetime!
If you miss Chuck Dovish’s show, CLICK HERE for his page of archived episodes. Remember, this one airs October 3, 2011 at 6:30 pm.
May the river be with you.
Our Group minus Poor William the photographer. Photo by The Delta Bohemian
Chuck Dovish, host of Exploring Arkansas on AETN during his Mississippi Voyageur Canoe Excursion. Photo by The Delta Bohemian
Erin Johnson, Michad Holliday, and Chuck Dovish setting up for interview of Corinne Vance. Photo by The DB
Chuck Dovish and Michad Holliday interviewing John Ruskey of Quapaw Canoe Company. Photo by The DB
Fat Clyde (aka Mr. Lil John) and Poor William enjoying a laugh in the Mississippi River. Photo by Delta Bohemian John Ruskey
Writers Corinne Vance and Billy Howell, aka Poor William, encouraging you to buy a DB Tshirt. Photo by The Delta Bohemian
WE HIGHLY ENCOURAGE COMMENTS!!
Know from experience that was a very fun adventure. Envious I wasn’t there!
P.S. Respect “The Mighty Miss” always. She is no ordinary swimming hole.