WOKA EXPEDITION! (update includes July 15, 2024 photos)

This is the building and sign that you see, when you enter the campus of WOKA.  The word "WOKA" is a reference to "the Waters of Oklahoma and Arkansas" Whitewater Park.

The original date of publication for my blog about WOKA was January 1, 2024, and I mentioned that I had the goal of returning to WOKA, when it was warmer, so that I could actually experience going through the whitewater, in a kayak.  I achieved my goal, and this updated blog tells about that experience, which took place on July 15, 2024.   

I was the first customer at the park that day, so I was able to park my white car very close to the rental concession:

Y arrived shortly thereafter, and also got a close parking space.  The parking fee to enter WOKA is ten dollars, no matter how many people are in your vehicle, so if you want to reduce your expenses, carpooling is a consideration before you enter the park. 

The first employee I talked to upon entering the park, was very helpful in telling me what I needed to know to get started.  She is wearing one of the many logo items available for purchase at the park concession booth.

 This photo shows my WHOyaker friends lining up to pay the rental fees and sign the waiver, that each individual must sign.  Check the website at www.VisitWOKA to find out the current rental prices.  All rentals come with a helmet and a life jacket, because no one can enter the water channel unless they have on a helmet, lifejacket, and secure footware.  The park only accepts credit cards for payments--no cash or checks. 

 

This photo below was taken from in front of the concession booth, closer to the water's edge.  One can see my white car in the background.  By having such a close parking spot, there was no need to pay the six dollar fee to rent secure storage for valuable items, as I could keep them in my car. 

By arriving before 10 am, the sun was still somewhat low in the sky, so it gave a silver shimmer to the flowing waters of the whitewater park. 

If one has their own whitewater-designed watercraft, life vest, and helmet--then no rental equipment would be necessary.  Notice that the kayak in the photo below is a very short one, and the paddler is enclosed and surrounded by an "apron", that makes it possible for him to roll over, then paddle his way back to the upright position.  It is not something I want to attempt!

 

Notice the paddler is completely submerged, in photo below: (thankfully, he was able to get himself upright!)  Those who want to practice this maneuver frequently, are probably those who take advantage of season passes to the park.

Photo below is taking from center of walk way, and is looking towards the take out point.  The sign says not to drag your kayak.  Back home, I am able to carry my kayak, as it is very light.  However, that was not the case for the WOKA inflatable kayak I rented.  It was much heavier and bulkier.  Since I am so short, I could not keep it off the ground by holding it with one hand, the way I can do for my kayak back home.  I soon found out it takes two people to walk the kayak back to the start of the rapids!

Photo below is from the halfway point, looking upstream towards the beginning of the rapids.  I read it is about a 1200 foot distance, which amounts to around one fourth mile.  The ride down the waterway in your watercraft is great fun---the walk on the concrete (carrying your kayak!) back to the start---not so much. 

In the photo below, one can see a blue round raft at the top of the waterfall on the right.  There is a blue single-person kayak at the top of the waterfall on the left. 

Photo below shows the type of inner tube and inflatable kayak that is available for rent at WOKA.  

All of us crowded into one of the large, round rental rafts for a group photo.  However, when this raft went down the waterway, there was never more than three adult ladies in it, and only one of the ladies had a paddle.  We took turns trying it out, and it was definitely a thrill ride going over the waterfalls!

I was the first one to complete reading/signing the electronic waiver, and paying the rental fee, and hence, the first one to shoot the rapids in the inflatable kayak.  The park employee advised me before I started,  NOT to raise my arms above my head holding the paddle in a victorious gesture, when I was going over the waterfalls.  She said I had a much better chance of making it through upright, if I kept my arms and paddle low, and thus keep my center of gravity low.  I did as she suggested, but as soon as I successfully completed the course, I was raising my arms in gratitude!  (Thank you to K for taking the photo below of me!)

K also took this photo of three of our ladies coming down in the round raft.  Notice there is only one paddle in the group.

I had been watching the live cam on the WOKA website several days previous to our visit, and I noticed that sometimes two people were carrying two kayaks, as shown by two of our WHOyakers in photo below.  Other times, two people were carrying one kayak and one innertube.  To get the giant round rafts back to the starting point, most people were turning them on their side and rolling them.

I took photo below of K with her phone, which was in a waterproof case.  The FAQ on the website advises against taking a phone onto the course, but as far as I know,  the waterproof case protected K's phone.  

K asked Y to take some photos with her phone, so Y used the opportunity to snap one of her famous selfies!  That is me in the middle, and D on the far end. 

This is another photo K took of me, expressing thanks to God that I was able to have this experience with a group of wonderful friends!  It gave me "MILES OF SMILES'1

 

Remainder of photos are from 2023 "pre visit"

The photo below shows the entry gate cars must go through, to enter the park.  It only accepts credit cards, as the park is listed as a "cashless" facility. As you can see from the photo I took through my windshield, it was raining on the day that I went, but the park does not close just because it is raining.  However, on busy days when the weather is nice, there will be many visitors.  To prevent the park from becoming dangerously overcrowded, the gate will not open when the parking lot is full. 

I was the only one in the park that day, so this gentleman had time to come out and give me a tour.  His name is Jared Skaggs, Director of Outdoor Experience.  This waterpark is a result of a cooperative working arrangement between the city of Siloam Springs (www.siloamsprings.com), and the Grand River Dam Authority (www.GRDA.com). 

The rain drops clinging to one of the hand rails on upper viewing platform, serve as a frame for the waters flowing in the distance.  Rain does not prevent the park from being open to visitors, UNLESS, there is so much rain that the Illinois River is in flood stage.  The water level of the river is shown in real time, on the WOKA website (www.visitwoka.com).

The autumn leaves in photo below, serve as a reminder to say the park is open year round.  I was there on a chilly day in November.  Just three days earlier, on Thanksgiving Day, several paddlers came to the park (wearing wet suits), and enjoyed playing on the rapids .  (I had seen photos of them on the WOKA Facebook and Instagram pages.)

The repurposed railroad cars contain concession amenities, that are open during the warmer parts of the year.  Stairs lead up to viewing decks on the roof of the concession stands, equipped with picnic tables.  They provide a great overlook of the entire water park.  The canopy on a stand at ground level can provide shade to the picnic tables underneath, on days when it is hot and sunny. 

This is the view from the rooftop, when looking towards the beginning of the rapids.  WOKA is a 1200 foot long, 100 foot wide, side channel of the Illinois River, and features 8 drops/whitewater features. 

The photo below shows the rapids, and boulders, that one must navigate to get to the end of the water park.  These obstacles might be thought of as "trials of many kinds" to challenge one's paddling navigational skills on rough water.  So I am using this as the visual aid for one of my First Place 4 Health (www.FirstPlace4Health.com) memory verses that says, "Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.  And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."  James 1:2-4

There is a very colorful mural painted on the side of the railroad car that faces the river.  I like the way the artist incorporated the letters "w  o  k  a" into the art work to make them "flow" with the river!

 

Photo below shows the picnic tables and Adirondack chairs on the rooftop viewing area of the railroad cars.  Visitors may bring outside food and drink, but no alcohol.  This would be a very scenic location for a picnic in nicer weather!

The second railroad car also has an appropriate message, since the park is located on a "channel" of the Illinois River!  Likewise, a paddler needs to "channel" their concentration to make it though these challenging water features!

There are placards that show the elevation drops of the rapids, so that paddlers can know what exciting challenges await them!

There are temperature-controlled restrooms, lavatories, and changing stations at the park.  Likewise, water fountains are provided, that even have a place for refilling water bottles.  A series of photos on a timeline, adorn the covered porch between the restrooms.  I was thankful that Jared alerted me to these photos, because they answered many of the questions I had about the history of the park.  I would encourage visitors to be sure to check out the history timeline when they visit.

Jered told me the channel was blasted out of solid bedrock, to construct the whitewater drops.  Since these are rocks newly exposed to running water, their edges have not been smoothed from hundreds of years of flowing water.  Therefore, I determined when I return to "shoot the rapids" in warmer weather, I am going to wear the dive skin or wetsuit I had from scuba diving, to protect my skin from scrapes with the rocks. 

For those who do not want to come by car, you can walk or bike this three mile paved path between Siloam Springs and WOKA, then brag you walked from Arkansas to Oklahoma!  The photo below shows the walking/biking path that you can use.  As a reward for your efforts, there is no entry fee if you arrive at the park via walking or biking!  The trail and the whitewater park owe a debt of gratitude to the Walton Family Foundation (aka, Walmart ) for the generous grant that made this a reality. 

WOKA is located in an area that used to be called Lake Francis, which was created by a dam across the Illinois River.  There were numerous issues with the dam, so eventually, it was taken out.  The orange balls on the left of this photo mark the boundary of the remains of Lake Francis, that leads to the remains of the former dam. 

Photo below shows former Lake Francis Dam, that has been modified to "stair step" down to river below, so that if a paddler accidentally were to go over it, there is no strong undertow that might cause a drowning hazard.  Speaking of drowning, there are NO LIFEGUARDS at the park.  Each person is responsible for their own safety.  Life jackets, secure footware, and helmets are REQUIRED. (This translates to "no flipflops".) One can bring their own kayak, IF it is designed for whitewater.  Rental kayaks, standup paddleboards, helmets, and round intertubes are available for rental in season.  Lifejackets are included with all rentals.

Paddlers know where to get out by this exit flag, which is very helpful!

There is a very wide slab at the takeout location, which can accommodate more than one visitor at a time. 

This is the view downstream, where the Illinois River continues its meandering .

This is the only sign you will see, as you are traveling south of Siloam Springs, on Highway 59, to alert you to the place you need to turn off the highway to drive to the park.  

Before visiting, you will want to take a close look at the safety rules, and other tips, that are available on their website at www.visitwoka.com   Some of these guidelines are shown in photo at end of this blog.

 The physical address of the park to put in your navigation system is 474986 Twin Falls Road, Watts, Oklahoma.  Their email is woka@grda.com and the phone is 918-610-9652.  

A visit to this new attraction in the Ozarks gave me "MILES OF SMILES"!!

MANGROVE KAYAKING EXPEDITION!

I first learned about kayaking through mangrove tunnels five years ago, when I was visiting Sarasota, Florida, for the first time.  From that moment on, I put it on my "to do" list!

I was able to book a mangrove tunnel kayaking trip on my 2023 return trip to Sarasota, using SRQ Kayaking Company (www.kayakingsrq.com),  and this blog tells about my experience.  One thing  helpful to know on any trip to this area is the initials "SRQ" are used frequently to refer to the entire Sarasota-Bradenton region, because "SRQ" is the airport code you will see when you fly into the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (www.srq-airportcom)

I waited until the day before, to book my trip, in part, because I wanted to assess the weather prediction before I committed.  When I phoned their number to request a single-style kayak, the employee told me it was good I called when I did because it was their last single kayak.  The high volume of their booking for the day I wanted, was probably because it was the federal holiday for President's Day, and the weather predictions were for magnificent conditions!  My email confirmation ticket gave me the address to find the location to start (190 Taft Drive), and I got there early, not knowing how long it would take me to find the staging area, located in The Ted Sterling Nature Park.  What I observed upon arrival was a plethora of watercraft outfitters, which is a good thing to know in case the first outfitter you try, is already booked up.

I took a photo of the sign showing a map of the park, which showed that the mangrove tunnels were numbered, and had suggested "directions of travel" for paddlers who would be exploring the park. Also located at the sign was a supply of life jackets for those who did not bring their own, or have one provided by the outfitter. 

One thing I was happy to see was a wheel-chair accessible restroom building, with flush toilets and handwashing sinks:

Nestled among the banyan trees, were covered picnic tables, and each one had a number.

The employees of the various outfitters were busy unloading the kayaks from trailers, to get them closer to their waterfront entry spot.

One VERY talented guy was able to push one dolly of kayaks in front of him, and pull another dolly of kayaks behind him, while he balanced on a device called "One Wheel" that propelled him across the parking lot so fast, you wanted to stay out of his way!

When we checked in at the Kayaking SRQ trailer, we were given a number which indicated the picnic table we were to gather around,  when it was time for the tour.  There were dozens of customers on the day I went, but we were divided into groups of ten, so that the number of paddlers would be manageable for each guide  .  I was in a group led by a guide named Patrick, and he gave us a brief demonstration of how to hold the paddle, and a few safety tips to make our trip more enjoyable.

I was the first of our group of ten to launch my kayak, and he instructed me to paddle out into the open water, and wait for the rest of the group to arrive.  Being "led forth" by his instructions, gave me great joy and a sense of peace, and made me want to break forth into singing and clap my hands! (Because it gave me plenty of time to take photographs!)   Therefore, I am using this experience as the visual aid for one of my First Place 4 Health (www.FirstPlace4Health.com)  memory verses that says, "For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands."  Isaiah 55:12

The time waiting for the rest of the group also gave me an opportunity to snap a photo for a Facebook page I enjoy, called "Look at the Front of My Kayak".  It requires that the contributor show only the front part of their kayak, and the view beyond that.  One can take a "virtual" sight-seeing paddle around the world on this site!

This wide expanse of open water is one reason the mangrove tunnels exist today.  It used to be a small lake, separated from the sea water in Sarasota Bay.  The stagnant water of the lake promoted the growth of mosquito populations, which carry malaria and other harmful diseases.  Therefore, decades ago---before much was known about its hazards---a chemical substance was spread over the lake to kill the mosquitoes.  It not only killed the mosquitoes, but all the flora and fauna associated with the lake habitat.  The officials came up with the solution of making small canals, connecting the sea with the lake.  Over time, this allowed the damaged lake water to flow out into the open ocean.  As the habitat improved, mangrove trees begin to grow around the tunnels, eventually forming a canopy over them.  Folks enjoyed exploring the green tunnel habitats, and "voila", a tourism attraction was created.  The tunnels are very shallow, so the advent of lightweight, plastic-like kayaks that require just a few inches of depth in order to proceed, was  also a factor in its popularity.  Then, the increasing numbers of folks starting to do standup paddle boarding (SUP), brought another group of outdoor enthusiasts to the location. 

After all ten in our group had made it to the open water, the guide asked us to paddle up close to him, so he could tell us more about the habitat we would be exploring.  Patrick had a specially-designed kayak that is suitable for either standing up or sitting down.  When I booked the tour, I asked if the outfitter provided life jackets (they are required with the "WHOyaker" group of ladies I kayak with back in the Ozarks).  He said every kayak had a lifejacket with it, but considering the water was no more than two feet deep wherever we paddled, it was doubtful I would need it.  You can see in the photo below how shallow the water is.

Patrick also pointed out how clear the water was, and pulled up a "critter", that I had assumed was a plant.  However, he called it an "upside-down" jellyfish (cassiopea), because the tentacles float above the body of the animal, instead of below it.

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The jelly fish lay upside-down so that the algae covering it, is exposed to the sun, allowing it to photosynthesize.  The jelly can sustain itself off just the byproducts of the algae, and capture zooplankton for additional energy to grow.  I read later that these jellyfish may sting humans, but our guide did not appear to be bothered by this possibility. 

The information plaque back at the park had explained this area had three main types of mangroves---red mangrove, white mangrove, and black mangrove.  The leaves of the red mangrove are a darker shade of green on the tops than on the bottoms.    

I took the photo below of roots from a black mangrove tree, which are very unique, because they grow straight up like straws, for breathing.  They usually reach heights of about 12 inches.  These roots are called pneumatophores. I took this photo several feet away from the water's edge, because black mangrove trees grow on higher ground than red mangrove trees. 

The guide pointed out a wading white ibis, feeding among the mangrove roots, indicating another example of the success of this effort at habitat restoration.

The group stayed single-file, once we started through the tunnels, because they are very narrow.  I tried to stay as close to the guide boat as possible, so I could hear what he was saying.  (By the way, it is not a requirement that you have a guide when paddling through the mangrove tunnels.  One can rent a kayak and start out on their own to explore.  However, since I was a "newbie" and knew nothing about the area, I preferred the added feature of a guided tour.) 

The photo below shows a paddler as she is exiting Tunnel number 2.  One would probably not even notice there was an opening in this mangrove forest, if it were not for the floating buoy. Notice how clear the water is, and how shallow it is.  In fact, some folks plan their paddling adventure based on the tides.  At low tide, you may be a "walker", instead of a paddler through the mangroves.  At very high tides, you will be closer to the "ceiling" of the tunnel, than at other times.  This means that a paddle boarder may not be able to go through the tunnels standing up, at very high tides. 

Patrick told us that the roots of the mangrove trees serve as a nursery for starfish.  Most of the ones he pointed out were about the size of a quarter, which I had trouble seeing.  However, we eventually passed over one that was about the size of a hamburger bun, which even I could see!

When we passed over that large starfish, the guide told me he wanted to wait beside it, so he could point it out to the other nine paddlers.  He told me to go on ahead, and keep paddling until I came out on open water.  I loved this, because it gave me time to snap a few photos without slowing down the group behind me!  Can you see from the photo below how paddling through this aquatic labyrinth can be a little intimidating??!!  However, I had read in the information provided,  indicating this was NOT alligator habitat, so I found that reassuring.  In the instructions Patrick gave us before we started, he alerted us that on some of the turns, we might get "hung up" in a root system, but he cautioned us to use our paddles to free us up, NOT OUR HANDS.  This is because oysters attach to the mangrove roots, and the sharp, jagged surfaces of the oyster shell, can slice open the skin of someone who inadvertently grabs on to them. 

Patrick turned around to tell our group that this area had much more sun exposure due to the damage done to the mangrove forest from Hurricane Ian, in September of 2022.  Many of the trees were stripped of their leaves.  Yet that massive root system for which mangrove trees are known, helps reduce the amount of beach erosion when violent storms/hurricanes hit the area.

As I waited for all the paddlers to make it out of Tunnel #2, I could easily understand why the roots of the red mangrove tree are called "stilt roots" or "prop roots"  They are literally "propping up" the trees in the harsh brackish water, in which they have to survive.   I imagined that as the limbs on one side of the tunnel were reaching out to touch the limbs on the opposite side of the tunnel, they are "clapping their hands",  as they form a Arc de Triomphe (arch of triumph) from which the victorious paddler can emerge!

About midway through our tour, we stopped at a sandbar, and got out of our kayaks to stretch our legs.  Lest you think this was a "potty break", it was NOT!  There are no toilets from the time one starts the 2.5 hour tour, until it ends, so keep that in mind when deciding how much coffee to consume before you start the tour!

As I looked down at the sandy beach, searching for pretty shells, I saw the item pictured below.  On a previous visit to Florida, that included a stop at the Bailey Shell Museum on Sanibel Island, I learned that this strange looking strand is the egg case of a whelk mollusk.  Whelks lay their eggs in a long spiral-shaped casing that can reach up to 33 inches in length.  The strand can have as many as 200 pouches, and each pouch can have as many as 99 eggs.  I counted over 30 pouches on this piece, so that means this strand had the potential to produce about 300 whelk molusks!  The female protects the string of eggs by anchoring one end at the bottom of the bay.  Sadly, this string had become dislodged, and desiccated after being washed up on dry land.  

As I mentioned, the weather was perfect for being outside, and many of the participants took the opportunity to wade in and cool off, as they surveyed the area for interesting sea life features.

Patrick also mentioned that he would be available to take photographs, if anyone had brought their cameras or cell phones on the trip.  Naturally, I took him up on his offer!

This photo of me with arms uplifted is an expression of gratitude and praise to God that I was able to have the long-anticipated experience of kayaking through the mangrove tunnels.  Likewise, I have high praise for the job our guide, Patrick, did interpreting the ecosystem we were exploring!  If you would like to try out this paddling adventure, or numerous other recreation opportunities here, check out the website of www.VisitSarasota.com for more details.  I can assure you a visit to this area will give you "MILES OF SMILES"!!  Tricia