Sebastian and the 2009 Florida Paddlers Rendezvous-

About 45 - 50 people from various clubs braved the unusually hot humid weather (temperatures in the high 90s) to attend this year’s Rendezvous held in Sebastian.  The Indian River Paddlers’ Club did a nice job hosting the event.  We camped at various campgrounds in the area and met at Skydive Sebastian before the daily trips and for evening presentations.  An extra dimension was added by watching skydivers float down, some faster than others, to land just beyond our gathering area.  Each day 4 paddle trips were offered.  I paddled the St Sebastian River which offered some shade, and part of the Indian River at Round Island Park in Vero Beach where manatees cavorted at the launch area.  Some people paddled the Blue Cypress Lake, part of the headwaters of the St John’s River and also the Indian River at Pelican Island Nat’l Wildlife Refuge.  Friday evening there was an interesting presentation about the animals, ecology and environmental issues of the Indian River.  The next night a slide show of local paddling trips was to be offered, but I had to leave before it started.  The area offers some protected intercoastal paddling, the Sebastian River, beaches, fishing and wildlife.  I look forward to visiting again in cooler weather with fewer no-seeums.           

Written by:  Erica Johnson