Jan Moore, business editor for Statesboro Herald
Jan Moore, business editor for the Statesboro Herald, posted a very nice feature article on Mill Pond Kayak. Check it out at http://www.statesboroherald.com/section/6/article/21296/ and the videoclip at http://www.statesboroherald.com/multimedia/1071/
Adirondack Shelter
Pit Toilets
George L. Smith State Park has a pioneer campground available which is perfect for a weekend of scouting activities. It has two adirondack shelters, 4 large tent pads, picnic tables, a charcoal grill, and a fire ring. There are two water spigots, but no electricity. The campsite is close to the hiking trail, and the boat ramp is an easy walk or a short drive away, making it convenient to hit the water and explore the mill pond by kayak. The campsite rents for $40.00 per night.
Picnic Tables
Members of the Atlanta chapter of Outdoor Adventure Club South and the Georgia Canoe Association are coming to George L. Smith State Park on Saturday May 15th to go paddling. Check out the details on their website at http://www.oacs-atlanta.com/calendar/12624114/?success=mailing_list_sent and save the date! This will be a great opportunity to get acquainted with other kayak enthusiasts.
Ogeechee near Herndon
If you’re interested in paddling a particular section of any of our local rivers, including the Ogeechee, Ohoopee, Canoochee, or Ebenezer Creek, just let me know. I will be happy to customize the trip to fit your level of interest, whether it be for a half-day or full-day trip. It may be that you prefer to bring your own snacks, or you may want to have a full meal prepared for you. What could be more convenient than to have Papa Buck’s BBQ waiting for us at our take-out point with a hot meal? If you have your own boat, tag-alongs are certainly welcome. The more, the merrier!
Ogeechee near Herndon
Ebenezer near Rincon
Ebenezer near Rincon
If you’re looking for a unique gift idea for that “hard-to-buy-for” loved one, consider giving a $25.00 gift certificate from Mill Pond Kayak. It’s good for $25.00 off the cost of a guided tour, plus a bonus value of an extra $5.00 off the purchase of a $10 t-shirt or $15 cap. The certificate is good for one year, so the recipient can use it whenever it’s convenient for them. It’s a great gift idea for any occasion, including Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Birthday, Anniversary, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, or Grandparent’s Day. It’s also great as a Thank You gift, a prize for winning a competition, or a reward for a job well done! Just send a $25.00 check to Mill Pond Kayak, P.O. Box 576, Twin City, GA 30471 with your contact info and I’ll mail the gift certificate right back to you.
‘Twas a month before Christmas, and all through the park
Not a creature was stirring, not even a lark.
I was paddling the trails to see what was there,
And came upon Santa, in a kayak, … I swear!
I said, “Hey there Santa, what are you doin’ here?
You should be at your shop with your elves and reindeer.”
He said, “Times are tough, and we’ve had a layoff.
I need gift ideas, or my sleigh can’t take off.”
I said, “Don’t despair, I have what you seek,
Something new for this Christmas, something unique.
Give a certificate to all who’ve been nice,
So they can paddle a kayak, that’s my advice.
It’s fun for all ages, and easy to do.”
He said, “You’re so right, and it’s relaxing too!
You’ve shown me a way, and a pretty good reason,
To bring smiles to some faces this Holiday season.”
As he paddled back North, he exclaimed, “We’ll be back
To redeem our coupons from Mill Pond Kayak!”
"I may trade in my sleigh for a kayak!"
On Wednesday afternoon, 10-28-09, Mill Pond Kayak, LLC was officially “launched” with a ribbon cutting on the water at George L. Smith State Park. Attendees included members of the Swainsboro/Emanuel Chamber of Commerce, Twin City Development Authority, park staff, Forest-Blade, my family, and some of the folks who’ve helped me get the business “afloat”.
Several guests went out on the mill pond to get a taste of kayaking. Then Mr. Von Johnson and his son Jeremiah treated us all to a taste of Papa Buck’s BBQ and the trimmings. Special thanks to my talented wife, Patti, who baked and decorated a delicious cake for us. It was definitely an unusual ribbon cutting ceremony, and one I’m sure we won’t soon forget!
On Monday afternoon, Oct. 26th, a Bible study group from Lyons FBC came to the park for a tour. It was the first time in a kayak for most of them, but I’m pretty sure it won’t be the last. Before we finished, some of them were actually racing one another! We had a very nice afternoon on the water.
16 Ft. Cargo Trailer
Mill Pond Kayak, LLC has fifteen kayaks available for your group. There are five 2-person tandem kayaks made by Wilderness Systems. These Pamlico 135T kayaks are 13-1/2 feet long, 31″ wide, weigh 69 lbs., and can carry up to 500 lbs. The cockpits are a spacious 24″ wide and 90″ long. They can quickly be converted into a solo kayak as well.
The ten single kayaks are made by Old Town. There are five Vapor 12XT kayaks that are 12 feet long, 28.5″ wide, weigh 56 lbs., and can carry up to 375 lbs. The cockpits are 19.5″ x 49″. The remaining five Vapor 10XT kayaks are 10 feet long, 28.5″ wide, weigh only 48 lbs., and can carry up to 325 lbs. The cockpits are 19.5″ x 48″.
All of these kayaks have comfortable seats with adjustments for back support, cup-holders, adjustable foot rests, and ample storage space. They have handles on each end for easy transport. They are very stable in the water and easy to navigate. We have five youth PFD vests that fit kids from 50 to 90 lbs. We also have 20 adult universal PFD vests.
Some folks seem to have a phobia of kayaks. They are familiar with the “whitewater” version that has a small cockpit opening, and they’re afraid they’ll flip over and get trapped underneath the water. But our style of recreational kayaks are completely different, with spacious cockpits that are easy to enter and exit. Also, they are very wide so they do not tip over easily.
There’s a good reason why this activity is growing so fast in popularity. So please come see for yourself how enjoyable it really is. I promise you won’t regret it!
The George L. Smith State Park camping and picnic facilities make this an ideal place for your next group outing. You can get out and enjoy the natural beauty of the mill pond while still having the convenience of the nearby group shelters and restrooms. If you don’t want the worries of preparing a meal for your group, we can arrange to have your event catered by Papa Buck’s BBQ.
This is a great place to get together for a birthday party, class or family reunion, school field trip, company picnic, or sunday school class trip. The pioneer campground is ideal for a weekend of scouting activities. Or maybe you just have a group of friends and neighbors who want to get their kids away from the TV set, video games, and internet, and get out for a little exercise in a beautiful outdoor setting.
Whatever the reason, I’d love to have you join us for a kayak tour, so give me a call at (478) 299-6616 or email info@millpondkayak.com to reserve your date.
