Might Mayo River Trip (MMRT) 2024

    It was a freezing morning on January 20th 2024, the day of the Mighty Mayo River Trip (MMRT). I shivered as I checked the temperature: 18 degrees, with no hope of going above 27. I layered up as much as I could, knowing that I would not dare to dip a toe in the icy water. But I was still thrilled to be part of this amazing event, armed with my camera to capture the action. For nearly two decades, Joe Berry has been inviting fellow boaters from all over NC to join him for a thrilling ride down the “Mighty Mayo” north fork. His enthusiasm was contagious, and every year more and more people showed up. Joe realized that this was a unique opportunity to do more than just have fun. He wanted to make a difference in the environment and the community. So, he turned the MMRT into a day of service, where people could donate food to a local non-profit (Lot 2450) and clean up the litter near the takeout area of the Mayo River State Park. This year, a group of volunteers tackled the heaps of garbage that lined the sides of Old Anglin Mill Loop Road. After they completed their noble work, they gathered around the camp stoves and warmed up some delicious chili, soups and water. The food was hot and satisfying, and it was the ideal way to conclude the day.

    I believe that it is essential to acknowledge the good deeds done by this group of people because tourism can have a mixed impact on a small town. The outdoor/adventure community is generally mindful of these potential effects and strives to preserve the natural beauty and access of these areas. Many outdoor enthusiasts adhere to the Leave No Trace Principles and also volunteer to clean up the messes left by others who do not respect the environment. One thing that river people understand is that “we all live downstream”. This phrase not only means that they care about keeping the rivers free of pollutants, but also that they care about the local communities that they visit in order to enjoy various recreational opportunities. That is why they include litter clean-ups and a food drive as part of this annual event.

    The food drive recipient, Lot 2450 is a salvage and recycling ministry that operates in Madison, NC, that helps people move from crisis to stability by providing food and other resources. Much of the work they do is funded through their store that accepts donations of clothing, furniture, rescues used building materials and sells them to the public. (You can learn more about Lot 2450 here: L.O.T. 2540 A Salvage & Recycling Ministry - Madison, NC - www.ShopRockinghamCounty.com)

I certainly look forward to watching this event continue to grow more in the future.

**Many more images from this day may be found at:  https://snapped4u.com/galleries/20477