Riverdave Owen announced this afternoon on his Web site that he is ending his popular Wafting the Eno program he began in 1990. From April into October, nearly every day of the week and twice a day on some days, Riverdave led two-hour "wafting" trips on the millpond at West Point on the Eno city park in Durham. On the paddle up, Riverdave would provide a nature lesson about the river he knows better than anyone. On the trip back, wafters were on their own, allowed to kick back in the rubberized two-seater kayaks and let the barely perceptible current carrying them downstream. It was a highlight of summer for the Triangle, an amazing escape in the heart of Durham.
Riverdave said he was forced to end the program because of proposed changes in his contract with the city of Durham. You can read about them here.
I'll be report back in the next few days with more on this loss.
Comments
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Well quite sad, I wish he
Sun, 11/01/2009 - 04:17 — dew_DropsWell quite sad, I wish he could had continued this. He's so good at it. Its his passion and love.
Toronto Condos
A decade ago...
Tue, 02/24/2009 - 21:26 — CommonGreenDarnerA decade ago I was a chaperone for my son's elementary school field trip on the Eno River. River Dave lead his class on a trip up the Eno River that made a big impression on us. After that trip, my family purchased boats and we continue to enjoy the river to this day. Over the years I have become very connected to the park and the river, and both my children have spent many delightful hours immersed in the nature of the Eno.
- It is pleasant to have been to a place the way a river went. Henry David Thoreau -
Thanks River Dave for showing us the way to waft.
Wafting the Eno River with River Dave
Tue, 02/24/2009 - 12:38 — NavyDocThis is government at work. My wife and I moved here in August 2007 and this was one the 1st 'adventures' we have had the good fortune to have here in the Durham area. Even though some think the trip was to short, River Dave made it a memorable experience by relating his many stories about the river, the area and Indian lore as it relates to both. We could have spent many hours on the river with him listening to these stories delivered in a slow, easy going manner that made you not want to 'rush' to explore the river. His mantra was the last one to the next stop was really the winner, don't rush the trip. Now the City/County of Durham has rushed to make this living experience nothing but a dream and memory. We will miss you River Dave. Keep us posted on where your next adventure is, we would like to join you.
Riverdave's next move
Tue, 02/24/2009 - 16:01 — jmiller (author)Riverdave reports he is working on another program, the details of which he's still working on.
It is what it was...
Tue, 02/24/2009 - 10:47 — robdarichAnd it was enjoyable.
It comprises boats, a guide, a river and a millpond. Viewed from an accountant's spreadsheet, one can grasp how this program seems like a commodity.
But on a nice day, paddling around the Eno, I didn't notice anyone reading spreadsheets. Did this with my kids about a decade ago and we all have vivid memories and recollections of the experience.
Durham should certainly direct resources to programs that "Stick" in your mind for decades. If Wafting on the Eno doesn't do this as well as other programs, The others must be fantastic -and they must be closely guarded secrets because I would put Wafting in the top slot of things to do in Durham. It was a wonderful sister-activity to canoeing Dismal Swamp (one of the best experiences in the State).
All I can say is: "Welcome to getting jerked around", Riverdale's in better shape than most small business owners because at least he's made the news. Still, the outcome's the same and another viable business is sandbagged into buckling-under. Maybe some politician needs this work to go to a favored friend. Is Mary Easley a good paddler?
Say it isn't so Dave!
Tue, 02/24/2009 - 10:35 — Cicero02Always wanted to do this. Thought I would this year. City of Durham--get your act together.
About the cost
Tue, 02/24/2009 - 09:56 — jmiller (author)FYI, the cost of his trips hadn't gone up in years. And I'd be curious to hear about your experience, nc27704, if you came away thinking he was in it for the money.
Hey nc27704 ... you don't
Tue, 02/24/2009 - 09:39 — amedlin18Hey nc27704 ... you don't want River Dave to be "in it for the money" ... ???
It's called a job. You get paid to do it. For about the same cost of a movie people can get a much more wholesome experience. I think it's too bad we're losing the program.
it's not such a great loss
Tue, 02/24/2009 - 09:02 — nc27704He was charging at least $12 per person, including children, for a very brief trip on the river in an inflatable raft. It would be more of a loss if he charged about half that amount and didn't seem to be in it for the money. The "education" was given much more by the river and its surroundings merely by being there than by any value added by Dave. Just my two cents.