2011 River Ramble!

This year's River Ramble, a choice of either a 5k or a 10 mile race, was a total success.  While we had a little cloud cover and light rain, the dedicated runners enjoyed perfect running weather.  It was nice and cool and everyone at the event commented on how stunning the lilies are.  Timing was perfect as the runners got to run next to the largest stand of Cahaba Lilies in the world.  We were really pleased to be able use the race to collect baby supplies and toiletries for the recent storm victims.  Three big baskets of diapers, pull-ups and cleaning supplies were collected and delivered to one of the many donation points.  Thank you to all that came out, we had such a good time getting to see all of your smiling faces.

The River Ramble!

It's that time of year again, The River Ramble has triumphantly returned.  This Saturday hundreds of runners will converge on The Cahaba River to run, or maybe walk, on the banks of our beautiful river.  The 5k sounds innocent enough.  It is said to be straight and flat, which I think I can handle.  I consider myself a pretty capable runner and could probably handle the 3 mile race.  The other option is another beast altogether, as it is ten miles long.  Ten miles.  To me that sounds like an eternity, utterly impossible and entirely terrifying.  Where the 5k is on a road, the ten mile version leaves the beaten path into the gorgeous woods surrounding the river.  There are creeks to cross and trees to navigate.  For the seasoned trail runner this sounds delightful, for this intern it sounds like an injury waiting to happen.  Either way, the lilies are in bloom and words just can't get across how beautiful they are.  They are like the fireworks of nature, they absolutely take center stage.  Sure, there is a race going on, but have you seen these flowers?  They are not, as it turns out, only beautiful.  They are also the largest stand of Cahaba Lilies in the world.  When looking at them one starts to realize that the flowers are not only pretty, they are biologically unique.  They are important, their existence transcends the typical nature outing into a discovery of that which is truly special in the world.  So come out, whether you want to run, walk or just ogle at the flowers.  We at The Cahaba River Society would love to have you join us for what we are sure will be a magical time in the woods.