June 2009 - July 2009 |
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06/06/2009 Saturday Launch at 7:30PM Paddling Moderate Titusville FL |
Bioluminescence Night Paddle -
Certain marine life have developed the ability to use chemicals within their bodies to produce light, that is bioluminescence. On this paddle, we hope to see this phenomenon. From the swirl of your paddle or the trail of a speeding school of mullet, every movement is illuminated. We'll paddle to an island for a break and to watch the sunset, bring snack or dinner, no drugs or alcohol. Must be familiar with rescue skills.
We'll return around 11PM. Bring waterproof flashlight. Must wear PFD ( type III). For members only. RSVP contact your hosts Ken Knapton at kensmowers@yahoo.com or Mariam Mohsenin atmohseninma@gmail.com. |
06/12/2009 Friday Time: Contact Host Paddling Moderate Explore Bulow Creek Bulow Plantation S.P. Flagler Beach FL |
Exploration Paddle of Bulow Creek - This is a Friday paddle down an estuary creek of the Halifax River north of Tomoka State Park and south of Flagler Beach. I have biked this scenic area a number of times over the years, and the creek is very inviting as part of the creek follows the road from the Highbridge Rd. boat ramp on the intercoastal to Boardman Rd bridge. The bike ride alone is possibly one of Florida's most scenic. The creek narrows immediately and will provide a good distance of wooded and remote paddling. However, we will NOT launch from the Highbridge area, but rather at Bulow Plantation State Park. Basically if you are heading north on I-95, the Old Dixie Highway exit, (mile 278), go right and then go left on Old Kings Road, then look for the Plantation on the right from there. Check out the map in "aerial" view of Bulow Creek. |
06/13/2009 Saturday Time: 9:30 Paddle At Least Moderate Strickland and Thompson Creeks Tomoka Tributaries Tomoka State Park Ormond Beach FL |
Strickland Creek and Thompson Creek -
This is a great paddle into the narrows of both the Strickland and Thompson Creeks which both flow into the Tomoka River; but with the help of mankind, the two creeks form a circuit such that we traverse up the wider, wooded and sandy shored Thompson Creek and paddle back down on the more estuary looking and narrow Thompson Creek. We did this trip last year in March which hit us with some hard winds for the first mile while on the Tomoka River; but once off the open Tomoka, you are transformed into a preserve with no development and plenty of places to stop and stretch your legs. I mention this, because wind can turn this moderate fun, into a serious workout. Check out this aerial map of the two creeks as it shows the large (and boring) Tomoka River, but the straighter north-south Strickland and the tiny Thompson parralleling it. Here is another drawn map of the Preserve and the creeks. The state park and ramp is at the top of the map north of the bridge crossing. Last year, we saw more than our share of Manatee, which will not be there in June, and a couple of bald eagles. Of course Osprey rein the waters as they fish right before your kayak. Please arrive early enough for a 9:30 departure from the boat ramp in Tomoka State Park. The park is more than 20 minutes from I-95 either the S.R. 40 exit or the Old Dixie Highway exit, which is one exit north of 40. The State Park offers Kayak Rentals if you do not have a kayak and want to give it a try. There is a $4.00 entrance fee to the park. This trip is in the open sun, so lotion, a hat, sunglasses, and plenty of hydration is essential. At the end of Thompson Creek we actually come to U.S. 1 and there is a city park with a covered picnic table and clean restrooms. Bring lunch, we will take our time at this location and possibly explore all the way up to U.S. 1. If you care to, you can camp Friday night at Tomoka State Park as there will be some of us that will be kayaking the day before on Bulow Creek. Get your reservations soon. Click here for Tomoka State Park details. Host: Clark Getz at cagola1@aol.com |
06/21/2009 Sunday Launch Time 9:00 AM Paddling Moderate Location: Contact Host Merritt Island FL |
Exploratory paddle in Sykes Creek and Barge Canal in Merritt Island -
estimated 10 mile trip. This is a popular area for kayakers. We will enjoy the nature, birds, hope to see Manatees and Dolphins. Must wear PFD.
Event Host: Contact your host Ken Knapton at Kensmowers@yahoo.com or Mariam Mohsenin at mohseninma@gmail.com |
06/28/2009 Sunday Kayak Skills Session Lake Mills Park Chuluota FL |
Kayak Skill Session- For All Skill Levels -
The session is about three to four - hour long with Ken Knapton, Michael Shugg and Mariam Mohsenin. Guaranteed that you will learn a new skill or improve on existing skills. RSVP is required. For members only. The session will be at Lake Mills Park located in west Seminole County. See Map. If for some reason, Lake Mills is not open/feasible, the alternate venue will be announced to responders and will be held in Orlando area. PFD and whistle are required on all sessions. We'll start at 9:00, so come early enough to ready yourself.
Event Host: Focus all reservations to Mariam Mohsenin at (407)325-7596, mohseninma@gmail.com |
06/28/2009 Sunday Biking Moderate West Orange Trail Winter Garden Station |
West Orange Trail western section -
The West Orange Trail is a paved trail that runs from Apopka through Winter Garden and to the county line at highway 50. There is an extension that goes into Lake County and connects it to several of the bike trails in Lake County. We will be starting at the Winter Garden station which is on the north side of Plant St. right before you get to Dillard St. and downtown Winter Garden. See Map. We will be riding to the county line and then into Lake County to tackle some of the hilly sections of the trail and then back for a total distance of about 26 miles. If you don’t want to travel the whole distance, you can turn back at any time, the ride from Winter Garden to the County Line Station and back is about 13 miles and is very pleasant. There is a nature preserve in Oakland that you can stop at as well. It has a boardwalk that goes to the shores of Lake Apopka. To avoid as much of the heat as possible and avoid rain as well, we will be starting at 7:30 and should be finished shortly after 10:00. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a snack. If anyone is interested, but lacks a good bicycle, I have a couple of extras to loan, just contact me.
Event Host: Tony Owen towen@finfrockdmc.com |
07/03- 07/04/2009 Friday - Saturday Paddling - Car Camping Leisure to Moderate Long Point Park South Melbourne |
Paddling near Sebastian Fourth of July Weekend -
Car Camping in Melbourne Beach, at one of the most
beautiful waterfront Brevard County campgrounds for two
nights, Fri. & Sat. Launch your kayak or fish from your
own campsite ( Dogs are welcome ! ) or go kayak fishing or ride your bicycle for miles on A1A. Hosts have campsite # 5 . Call to reserve your campsite. This campground gets full very very quickly
because it's so Out of This World ! :) If you are having problem reserving a campsite, contact Mariam at mohseninma@gmail.com. If you are not camping, then Join us for a day of paddling the Indian River and Sebastian Inlet area , or go fishing, swimming, kayak fishing , or do nothing & relax over the weekend. Tides are good and depending on the interest, we may be able to squeeze in a night paddle. Call the park at 321-952-4532 to reserve your campsite or check the link for more information http://www.campingspacecoast.com/rv_tent/longpoint/index.html The park has overflow camping also which is kept as secret ! Hosts: Ken Knapton & Mariam Mohsenin mohseninma@gmail.com or (407)325-7596 |
Sorry Cancelled 07/18/2009 Saturday 9:00AM Paddle Leisure to Moderate Alexander Springs Ocala National Forest |
Alexander Springs Paddle and Cool-off -
We will put in at the spring head to paddle downstream for about 90 minutes. Then we will just turn around and paddle back taking probably twice as long. Count on at least 3 hours in the boat. Your reward is the swimming in the fantastic spring head. Bring a lunch and let's just have a good time before the thunder clouds roll in and the heat beats us. Get up early to meet at 9:00. There is a bit of a distance for the shuttle of your craft from the parking lot to the water, so give yourself plenty of time. The park has wheeled boat haulers for you to use. We will disembark at 9:30 sharp. There is a charge to gain access to the park, so bring cash. Bring hat, lotion and sunglasses as this is an open run and the sun will git ya! Bring plenty of hydration. Just keep that 74 degree swim at the end in mind. See Map Members and their invited guest. RSVP to Clark at cagola1@aol.com. |
07/19/2009 Sunday 8:00AM Paddle Moderate Juniper Run Ocala National Forest |
Juniper Run -
This technical paddle is great fun as the rushing waters tightly wind and twist their way through the scrub of the Ocala National Forest creating an out of this world paddling experience. This is a one way paddle from the spring head to the S.R. 19 take out. Meet at the Juniper Springs Recreation Park Gate at 8:00. See Map Park entrance fee is $4.00 plus tax. We will park the vehicles in the park and take the bus back. Shuttle cost is $6 per person plus $6 per boat. You will pay for this at the park store in the morning. Bring cash. Moreover, the canoe drop off area is a fair distance from the launch platform , per new policy, the park has their carts reserved for their boats only . Bring your kayak/canoe cart. Park details are at Juniper Springs Recreation. Address is 26701 E. Hwy 40, Silver Springs, zip 34488 tel 352- 625-2808 or 352-625-3147. RIVER RESTRICTIONS: Do not bring anything disposable, anything that you will throw in garbage. Example ziplock bags, disposable water bottles, the trail mix wrap. This means you need to store all your lunch/snack in tupperware. You'll open up your trail mix or rice crispies bar & put it in a tupperware. This type of restriction is becoming more common. If you have any questions regarding this, it is best to contact the park for further details. Bring your canoe, sit on top or your rec. boat. Must wear PFD ( Tupe III ) . Contact your hosts for any additional information you may need. Ken Knapton at kensmowers@yahoo.com or Mariam Mohsenin at mohseninma@gmail.com. RSVP so hosts can contact you in case for any reason the trip is cancelled. |
07/26/2009 Sunday Kayak Skills Session Lake Mills Park Chuluota FL |
Kayak Skill Session- For All Skill Levels -
The session is about three to four - hour long with Ken Knapton, Michael Shugg and Mariam Mohsenin. Guaranteed that you will learn a new skill or improve on existing skills. RSVP is required. For members only. The session will be at Lake Mills Park located in west Seminole County. See Map. If for some reason, Lake Mills is not open/feasible, the alternate venue will be announced to responders and will be held in Orlando area. PFD and whistle are required on all sessions. We'll start at 9:00, so come early enough to ready yourself.
Event Host: Focus all reservations to Mariam Mohsenin at (407)325-7596, mohseninma@gmail.com |