by Jessi Hafer

It happens. Despite the fact that anyone can physically handle the easy-going “Canoe Adventure” trips offered by the San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust, despite the fact that a friendly and helpful tour guide warned the group of tricky spots along the way, and despite the fact that the multitude of 12-year old girls scouts on the trip seemed to do fine, your Undercurrent correspondents managed to completely tip their canoe. Things we learned: (1) it was a good thing we put the camera in a sealed plastic bag; (2) someone should have worn a strap to secure their sunglasses; (3) canoe communication can be tricky and challenging, what with two people paddling different ways from different vantage points; (4) tipping over while a bunch of girl scouts watch is a humbling experience; (5) it’s a good idea to wear a swimsuit under your clothes when canoeing, and that’s all I care to say about that; (6) after initial frustrations, anger, coldness, etc, tipping over feels good on a hot day; and (7) we still had fun.

“Canoe Adventures,” available on weekends from May through October, provide a great time while supporting a great cause. The Trust formed as a non-profit land trust in 1988 in response to growing public concern over growth and development along the San Joaquin River. By 2000, the Trust had purchased over 2500 acres of land. Today, they provide recreational and educational opportunities along the beautiful natural resources they protect.

Most of this part of the San Joaquin River is very shallow, and life jackets are provided, so lack of swimming abilities is no excuse. The trip goes with the current—you need to paddle, but it isn’t too difficult. Instruction is provided at the beginning and throughout the trip. There are some tricky spots (no rapids, just shallow, curvy, or rockier areas), but the tour guide stops the group to tell everyone what the next section of the river is like. Volunteers also assist, canoeing behind larger groups. The second half of our half-day trip was wider and less twisty. Overall, you’ll encounter mild exertion and beautiful scenery.

Contact the Trust for specific tour dates (May-October), but in general, half day canoe trips are available Friday evenings (4:30 – 7:30 pm) and Saturday mornings (8:30 am – 12:00 pm) for $30 per person, and full day trips are available on Sundays (8:30 am -3:30 pm) for $50 per person. You can enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the San Joaquin River on a more flexible schedule by taking advantage of canoe rentals. That said, I’d recommend the guided tour for those (like myself) who don’t canoe often or who aren’t familiar with the San Joaquin River. It was very helpful to have someone tell me, for instance, to watch for the big rock on the right and then curve to the left.

There are many other ways to support the Trust, including their monthly “Respite by the River” readings featuring Central Valley writers, their fall and spring nature walks, their Summer camps and school programs for children, or their “Parties at the Parkway” fundraising events. You can peruse the exhibits at the River Center (11605 Old Friant Road) on Saturdays and Sundays (11am - 3 pm), or you can even go explore their nature trails on your own ($3 entrance fees may apply). The San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust provides something for everyone, all while making sure the San Joaquin River is preserved for everyone to enjoy. “Canoe Adventure” trips are a fun way to take part and get out in nature without leaving Fresno. For more information, visit www.riverparkway.org.