August 07th, 1999 - Alapaha River Bed Run

Thanks to Joe Bocek and Chase Gregory for a great trail ride this past Saturday down the Alapaha River Bed, in north Florida. There was a good turn-out: 6 FJ40's, 2 FJ60's, 1 Four Runner and 1 Mini truck. We were on the river for approximately 6 hours, and had it pretty much to ourselves. The only traffic was 3 horses, 2 sand rails, and a couple of quad-runners.

The river is really beautiful and interesting. With no water in it, it is a deep revine, approximately 30 to 40 feet lower than the surrounding terrain and 75 to 100 feet wide at the bottom. The sides are quite steep and are covered with large old oak trees, willows and other foliage. The bottom is covered with white coarse beach sand, that appears to have been deposited there from upstream over thousands of years. The white sand is a stark contrast to the surrounding dark soil that runs up the sides of the river bed. Scattered throughout the river, both along the bottom and up the sides, are large limestone rock formations. These rocks are very porous and sharp, and appear to have been shaped by the rushing waters when the river is full. Many of these rock formations are engulfed by intricate root formations of giant oak trees that could be up to 200 years old.

Everywhere you looked, you could see evidence that this all had been created by the forces of the river water. The bizarre thing was the fact that there was little water to be found. There were water holes every now and then but the river bed was mostly dry for the length of our run. The water became more frequent and deeper the further down stream we traveled.

We had driven under 3 highway bridges during the course of our day. These bridges are supported by concrete pilings that rise apprixmately 30 to 40 feet from the river bed. Looking closely, you can see the high-water marks on these pilings about 25 feet up. It is those water marks that make you realize how much water this river actually can carry.

Our day was spent travelling upstream for about 3 miles, playing on rocks, logs, and other obstacles along the way. As Chase had said earlier, you can make this run as 'mild or wild' as you like. After playing upstream,we then decided to turn back downstream to further explore and try to reach the Swannee River. Again we played on rocks and the sloping river banks along the way. We travelled about 10 to 12 miles further down stream, going under the I-75 bridges and continuing to what is known as bridge #3.

It is at this bridge that we ended or ride down the river, climbing up its' steep bank to gain access to the pavement. We fell short of reaching the Swannee and had to endure a couple of rain showers, but a great time was had by all. Our only casualties were Jerry Juniors' battery, Joes' ampmeter, Dougs' birfield and wiring harness, and Brians' tranny cooler.

We all re-grouped at the truck-stop and made plans to do it again sometime. Chase says that the terrain on the river bed changes all the time. We are planning another run down the river in the future, hopefully making it all the way to the Swannee River. We hope to have another good turnout for that run. Chase promises to show us where all the fish go to.

Jim Harangody

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