Lower Econ from Snow Hill to S.R. 46 -
On Sept 11, 17 paddlers came together to paddle the lower section of the Econ River. The group covered all areas of Florida from the east coast, west coast and in between. We stopped every so often and that made the 13 miles seem much easier and manageable for those that were trying a paddle of this distance for the first time. The weather was very nice for this paddle. There were many bald eagles on this trip but we couldn’t spot anything else. A fun game of bumper boats emerged and water cannons were fired at will..It is very apparent that the lower Econ is a favorite of many judging by attendance. Can’t wait to do it again…….

Lower Econ from Snow Hill to S.R. 46 -
On April 18, 2010 Curt, Rich, Ken K., Mariam, Sabine, Lee, Mac, Jim N., Jim S., Barry, JayJay & Michael paddled the lower Econ river from snow hill road to the Jolly Gator just beyond the bridge on SR 46. Overcast kept everyone from getting too hot and the weather was a delight. The scenery was just beautiful and we saw a variety of vegetation as well as some bald eagles and even came across a skeleton that was thought to be an alligator but may have been a cow. We had fun splashing and just playing with our kayaks. Many had fun rolling while others tried their hand a seal launches down a bank and everyone had fun paddling. It was fun and games the whole 11 or so miles. All participants had a great time and we had a blast working together loading 12 kayaks onto the trailer for our trek back to the put-in and to our vehicles. I for one can’t wait to do this trip again. This trip was hosted by Rich Miller and co-hosted by Curt Gashlin. Special thanks to Ken Knapton for his assistance. Thanks to all in attendance for making this a memorable paddle. See you all again on the water!!

Host: Rich Miller Co-Host: Curt Gashlin Submitted by: Curt

Impromptu Econ Trip - 419 to Snow Hill -

We met up as scheduled at 7:00am sharp at the 419 "put-in" @ Willingham Rd.,Oviedo. Bobby had his card table & camp stove  w/frying pan & spatula ready to cook us breakfast and get a healthy, energy start to our day.   Bobby brought cooked bacon, & then scrambled us up some delicious eggs, accompanied by  individual  bottles of milk.   Good protein breakfast.   We ran our own little shuttle - Camille, Val's 16-year old daughter stayed & watched our kayaks & gear while climbing & sitting on the boulders under the bridge.     The 3 of us  put in at 7:58am, and hit 5 major portages in the first 1/4 to 1/2 a mile!     We half-way expected that, but we made it fun, getting out, climbing over logs, getting wet, negotiating around the fallen logs & brush.     Although the water was quite low, and we hit many sandbars requiring boat exit & short dragging, the overall trip was extremely enjoyable.   The water was more clear than I recall before, more pale yellow/clear than the orange-y tannin color, with many jumping catfish, & 1 or 2 gar spotted.   We only saw little baby alligators together on 1 bank.   No big gators seen this time at all.   Quite surprising to me.   Numerous back-packers, hikers, bicyclers, boy scout paddlers, & campers were seen along the river banks, which kept us company & gave the reminder we weren't really alone at all out there.     It's the busiest (people-wise) I've ever seen the Econ, but it was refreshing to see so many folks enjoying the beauty of our natural resources.   We refreshed ourselves by dipping in the water at our lunch break at the BoyScout Bridge, visiting with 2   "hurricane Andrew" survivor horses & their owners, walking them & stopping for a drink in the clear river water.     Bobby gave me some tips/information about the trailheads that now give me confidence to get out & walk those hikes with my kids & dogs in the near future with a picnic lunch - perhaps host a shorter/beginners hike someday.   Really nice, really beautiful, great company, and Bobby  took some good photos of wildlife & people.   We finished up at Snow Hill Bridge at 12:43pm;   with our leisurely lunch stop & all those portages & slower spots, we made it in normal time (for me, 5 hours is normal for an 8-9 mile paddle)

Host: Valerie Mundo

Econ Trail Hike - Little Big Econ/Florida Trail Hike -

We chose to take the path less traveled as we left the Barr Street trailhead and instead of heading for the Boy Scout Bridge, hiked a 2.5 mile section of the Florida trail.   Following the north bank of the river towards Lockhart road we encountered a scenic landscape covered in forest and scrub.   Near the end of our trail, we reached an area that is slated for development ? the surveyor stakes were all around us, though stepped back from the river?s edge.  The weather was cool, starting out at about 40 that morning, but warming up just enough to be comfortable.   The group was a mix of experienced WT hikers and brand new members experiencing their first WT event.   We even worked in a little bit of education - learning how to find north from the location of the sun.

Host: Shelley Claudin

Middle Econlockhatchee Paddle -

We all met in Oviedo at 419 bridge, signed in, got name tags, and ran our shuttle to Snow Hill.  Of 26 who RSVP'd,  5 called ahead to cancel, and 17 showed up = a good showing I think!People came from Tampa, Gainesville, Riverview, plus local folks - many Econ first timers! We actually fit all of us in just 2 vehicles back to the put-in.  That was comical :)  and it worked fine for such a short trip.  We paddled 7.6 miles from Oviedo to Geneva, in 14 boats total, seeing vultures & heron & just one (large) gator just before we stopped for a wonderful lunch hour.  We found the perfect primitive camp site sort-of spot on the riverbank more than half way down river.  We had tree root benches, plenty of shade & extra chocolate chip cookies to share :)   We talked, swam, made new friends, ate and had a blast.  The water was beautiful.  The sun was high, so the shady lunch spot was an awesome place to rest & swim.   When someone yelled "snake" many of us in the water jumped out.  Turned out to be a little non-venomous water snake.  We all got a good giggle & adrenaline to finish the paddle.  My mother came along - her very first kayaking trip.  She's 75 years old, and didn't even show signs of being tired.  She never even flipped her boat!   I'm so proud.  She's a trooper, and special thanks to Bobby Judah & Woody for helping mom out when she got tangled up a bit :)   A wonderful time was had by all.

Host: Valerie Mundo