CLUB MEETINGS ARE HELD THE FIRST TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH (Excluding December, January and February) AT THE

5 RIVERS DELTA RESOURCE CENTER (map) AT 7PM. SEE THE POSTS BELOW FOR MORE DETAILS!

To post information to this website or for further information about this website, just ask Tracy at tracy@thelannies.us
Current Club Coordinator: Tracy Lannie
MBCKC would like to express our appreciation to 5 Rivers and it's staff for all they do.

Disclaimer: This site provides general information & links on topics of paddling. Paddlesports can pose serious risks of damage to personal property & serious bodily injury including permanent disability & death. Anyone participanting in any MBCKC event or participating in any event mentioned on this website does so at their own risk and agrees to hold MBCKC harmless from any liability as a result of such participation or use of information contained herein.

Saturday, November 29, 2003

____________________________________________________
- - - Kayak for Sale - - -

10ft Old Town Castine Kayak with two storage compartments and in excellent condition. Used 4 times. Asking $375.00 with paddle. Color is blue. Phone 504-282-6685, ask for John. Location New Orleans, La.

John A. Broussard

Monday, November 24, 2003

__________________________________________________
- - - Flash Paddle - - -
Perdido River, Blackwater River, Reeder Lake


Date: Wed, Nov 26, 2003
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Place: Meet at intersection of C.R. 87 and U.S. Highway 90 (Elsanor, AL)
Put in: Seminole Boat Ramp
Contact: Frank Laraway; 945-5504

Paddle down the Perdido to the Blackwater and into Reeder Lake. Stop for lunch at an Indian Mound there and return. Take out : about 2 p.m.

Bring water, lunch, warm clothes for layering, and the usual safety stuff.

Wednesday, November 19, 2003

_________________________________________________
- - - Flash Paddle - - -
Magnolia River/Weeks Bay

Date: Sat., November 22, 2003
Time: 9:00 AM
Place: Exxon at intersection of U.S. Hwy 98 & CR 49 (Magolia Springs Hwy)
Contact: Brint Adams - 583-9919 (cell), or brintadams@yahoo.com

We will meet first to determine whether we do an out/back or point to point with shuttle from the Hwy 98 bridge. Bring fluids, snacks and sunscreen. Paddle will be about 6 mi. for 3-3.5 hrs., with optional lunch afterwards at Lulu's. Call or email with any questions.

Tuesday, November 18, 2003

_________________________________________________
- - - Baldwin County Parks and Public Accesses - - -
Foley Public Meeting November 18, 2003
by Bruce Zimmerman


The County held a meeting at Bay Minette Monday night and another meeting at Foley tonight. Cary Bentley and I showed up for the Foley meeting. The Foley meeting had 13 plus the two county employees, Stan and Cara, who were running the meeting. Stan knows some of us kayakers because we get his maps for the put-ins. I don't know of the turnout for the Bay Minette meeting. I heard from Stan that Brint Adams showed up for the Bay Minette meeting.

This meeting is a good two way communication. The county employees tell us, in a high quality slide show format, what they are doing to make our parks better. They are setting some standards for parking, for example. They have pictures of some of the better parks like Cliffs Landing and Keeny Drive East on Fish River, a FEMA acquisition. They have categorized and plotted on a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) map, the different kinds of parks and accesses the county has. The map is available at the meeting. Some parks are historic places like Mims Park, and others have environmental preservation as their goal. Some are beach parks and others are on the rivers. They acknowledge that some of these properties are not well marked; either the signs are gone or the neighbors have made the right of way a part of their yard. But the purpose of the meeting is to look ahead and not to dwell on how things were done in the past.

We had a good discussion from the public. The Mayor of Foley was present, and he had deep insight into the problems related to land title, fee simple land and developed versus undeveloped county property. We had Commissioner Price attending also. He made some helpful observations also. We had a fellow who remembers when the Marlow Ferry was operating to take cars across the Fish River; he had a depth of knowledge of the county that was helpful, since he had 12 years experience doing a similar job in the parks department.

But most of these folks were focused on getting boat ramps built for their fishing boats. Some acknowledgment of right of way access for pedestrians was thrown in too, but only if the right of way was kept discrete; they don't want their neighborhood swarming with tourists trying to get to the water.

Cara and Stan seem to be already aware of the situation in the county parks. They gave out comment sheets for us to add our comments. I recommend that we paddlers show up at the meeting in the Fairhope Courthouse Thursday at 6:30 and make comment. They have heard we have over a hundred paddlers in the club; wouldn't showing up in numbers make the impression on them? It is an opportunity to gripe, sure. But I tried to emphasize in my comments that we have a pretty good deal here. We have more put ins than we can use, if we can just find them.

And good news looking ahead, Baldwin County has acquired 400 acres on Tensaw Lake for a not-yet-opened park.

__________________________________________________

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

General Information:


1. Our monthly meetings are held the first Tuesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. at the Fairhope Yacht Club. Anybody and everybody is welcome to attend. There is no charge. The typical meeting lasts two hours. We start with a review of the previous month's paddles, continue with plans for and announcements of paddles for the next month, and end with a presentation. Presentations may include slide shows of past paddling trips by club members, member reviews of paddling gear, and safety and skills presentations.

2. If you e-mail a request to jrobber@worldnet.att.net, Julie will put you on the club's e-mail list. You will receive a monthly newsletter, which includes a calendar of events, and e-mail notices of "flash paddles" i.e., club paddles that are planned and announced on short notice. (If you used to be on Gene's e-mail list for the club and are wondering why you suddenly stopped receiving club e-mails, it's because Gene's e-mail list was suddenly and unexpectedly destroyed by his computer. You need to "re-subscribe" by e-mailing Julie, if you want to get on the new e-mail list for the club.)

3. We regularly post "want ads" for individuals seeking and selling used boats. E-mail a description of the boat desired or for sale (type, make, model, length, weight, age, condition, accessories included, etc.) to Julie at jrobber@worldnet.att.net and she will post your "want ad" to this website and e-mail it to the club membership in the next regular club e-mailing.

4. We are a group of people who enjoy paddling and sharing our experiences with others. We are not a formal organization. There are no dues, no application forms, no membership lists. All you have to do to "join" our "club" is show up at a paddle, come to a meeting, or just decide you're a member.

5. Our intention is for safety to always be the first priority. It is up to each individual to decide for him/herself whether the paddling conditions for each event are within their enjoyment and skill range. Everyone must be responsible for their decision whether to participate in each event. The coordinator of the paddle should be able to assist with information on the expected paddle conditions. However, always remember that the weather and other conditions can, and quite often do, change both quickly and dramatically. (In other words, paddle at your own risk.)

6. You should always contact the trip coordinator for any paddling trip to let them know if you plan to attend. If they don't know you are coming, trip leaders cannot contact you with changes in plans or cancellations, and you may find yourself waiting alone in a parking lot while the rest of us are off having fun somewhere else.

7. What should you bring? You should bring a PFD and drinking water on every paddle. You should also bring whatever you think you'll need in the way of snacks or meals, if anything. If we will be on the water after dark, you are required by law to bring a single, white light. (But don't turn it on unless you need it for safety and/or the trip leader tells you to. White lights ruin night vision.) We also appreciate paddlers who choose to carry a trash bag to collect litter along the way. They make it nicer for everyone.

--------------------

Contact list and links:

If you would like to subscribe to the club e-mail list, or if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions about this website, please e-mail Julie at jrobber@worldnet.att.net.

Click here to go to the website of the West Florida Canoe Club.

Click here to go to the website for the Bartram Canoe Trail.

Click here to go the website for the U.S. Geological Survey, where you can download free maps.

Click here to go to the MBCAKC's archive of "trip reports" on past paddles. This website ranges from the informative to the poetic, and sometimes includes links to maps. You are encouraged to submit trip reports of whatever genre, as well as your favorite links.

--------------------

Reminder: Permit for Boiling Creek

A current permit is required to paddle Boiling Creek in Eglin Air Force Base. The permits are good from 1 October to 30 September. They cost $5.00. (You get a map with the permit that is worth more than the fee.)

Request the Recreational Permit, which is the one for paddling. You can get the permit from one of the gates or by mail. Permits may be obtained from the Jackson Guard Office (Natural Resources Branch), located at Highway 85 North, Niceville FL 32578 (850) 882-4164. The mailing address is:

Eglin Natural Resources Branch

107 Highway 85 North

Niceville, FL 32578

For each permit requested, send a photocopy of either a driver's license or other identification card (e.g., passport) which contains a photograph, your full name, current address (including zip code), current phone number, and date of birth. Specify the type of permit (recreational) desired.

As an alternative to a photo-i.d., you can send last year's permit, if you have one.

Be prepared to wait three weeks for delivery (although recent turn-arounds have been only a few days). Payments can be by personal check, money order, or cashiers check made payable to DFAS-LI Eglin AFB. Cash is not accepted.

Friday, November 14, 2003

________________________________________________

We have a fishing paddle report from Red Boat Mickelsen on the paddle of Nov 13. Check it out at www.paddlereport.blogspot.com

Thursday, November 13, 2003

_______________________________________________
- - - Camping Outing - - -

Date: Sat Nov 15
Time: After the party
Place: Magnolia River
Contact: Larry McDuff, 928-1582

After the party Saturday night I'm planning to camp on the Magnolia River and would welcome any company. The campsite has a sandy beach for landing and a grassy area under a large oak tree for sleeping (non-snorers only). Others may wish to use a separate area located further back in the woods.

As of Thursday morning the weather forecast looks great for sleeping under the stars. If that holds the only camping gear you would need would be a waterproof groundcloth (a couple of garbage bags would do), a sleeping pad or folded blanket underneath, and a sleeping bag or another blanket or two on top for warmth.

You may call 928-1582 if you have any questions.

- Larry McDuff

Tuesday, November 11, 2003

______________________________________________
- - - Fishing Paddle - - -

Date: Wed., Nov 12
Time: 7 am
Place: Mayday Park


Who's ready to go out smart the fish? If you are, be at Mayday Park Wednesday 11/12/03. We get underway at 0700. The last time the fish stopped bitting when I ran out of bait. I used live shrimp. Bring your own bait. If there are any fishermen or women out there that can not make it, we can always go on the weekend. Us "slackers" can go anytime, day or night. :)

- Red Boat Mickelsen....

Monday, November 10, 2003

_____________________________________________

We have a fishing paddle report from Red Boat Mickelsen on his trip today. It is at www.paddlereport.blogspot.com
___________________________________________
- - - Flash Paddle - - -
- Perdido Estuary -

Date: Tues. Nov 11
Time: 9 am
Place: Perdido Estuary
Contact: Bob Andrews; cell 367-4144 or 344-8664

Bob will be leading a paddle through or around the Perdido Esutary. Detailed plans not available at this time. Please call Bob to learn full details!

Saturday, November 08, 2003

___________________________________________
- - - Paddle Reports - - -

We have reports from Larry McDuff on the November Big Boy Paddle, and from Harriett Ingraham on the Full Moon/Lunar Eclipse Paddle. Both occurred today. Check out www.paddlereport.blogspot.com for all the info.
__________________________________________
- - - Fishing Paddle - - -

Date: Mon. Nov 10
Time: 7 am
Place: Mayday Park

I am going to try to out smart the fish. Underway at 0700, 11/10/03 from MAYDAY PARK. Bring your own bait. Note: If you can't go in the morning, because you have to work so the kids won't starve, maybe we could do one in the evening.

- Red Boat Mickelsen....

Thursday, November 06, 2003

_________________________________________
- - - FLASH/FULL MOON/LUNAR ECLIPSE PADDLE - - -
Byrnes Lake to Gravine Island

Date: Sat. November 8, 2003
Time: Meet at Bruno's in Spanish Fort at 4:00 P.M.
Contact: Harriet King Ingraham, 928-4568 home; 604-3741 cell; hvk1457@aol.com
or Fritz cell 680-8928

The eclipse is early - peaking shortly after 7 p.m, but starting as early as 5:30 p.m. We plan a fun evening of paddling to Gravine, eating dinner and watching the eclipse. The weather will be cool (low in mid 50's that night) - so wear/bring adequate clothing. Bring food to share. As we will not have Bob with us, we probably will not be cooking on the island (no ship to transport the equipment), but can make a fine meal of sandwiches or anything you want to bring and share. A LIGHT IS REQUIRED BY LAW ON ALL BOATS WHEN PADDLING AFTER DARK. This is an easy paddle. If there is a breeze, the river crossing will be one point up from easy on the scale - definitely 'doable' for most or all. VERY IMPORTANT TO READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:

As they are filming a movie at Byrnes Lake, I MUST know by Friday early afternoon who is coming. The film crew has a security service on site now, due to vandalism in past weeks. They welcome us using the landing, but need to know how many are coming (and requested names, but I will have that when you say you are coming). Of course, if you find you want to come, I am sure that will be no problem - I just need as accurate a count as I can get.

The parking around the landing is filled with construction equipment and filming equipment, therefore we must try and team up and put as many kayaks and people on as few vehicles as possible. WE MUST CONVOY FROM BRUNO'S TO THE LANDING - NO ONE IS ALLOWED TO GO AHEAD WITHOUT THE GROUP AS WE MUST ARRIVE AS ONE GROUP.

Parking will be slim, so at Bruno's, we will swap some boats to other vehicles, and leave some cars at Bruno's. IF YOU HAVE A VEHICLE THAT CAN ACCOMODATE EXTRA BOATS, PLEASE ALLOW YOUR FELLOW PADDLERS THE OPPORTUNITY TO PUT THEIR BOAT ON YOUR VEHICLE.

Remember, call me, email me, or call Fritz.

Wednesday, November 05, 2003

_____________________________________________
- - - Kayak for Sale - - -

14 foot Old Town kayak bought in Fairhope and used twice. It is dark green with a rudder and hatch installed. Also includes paddle and anchor and rubber car top carrier. All for $650.00. 928-9095 or cell # 540-761-2773.
____________________________________________
- - - Meeting Notes - - -

The monthly meeting was held on Tues. Nov. 4. Stuff worth noting is:

New President

Fritz has stepped down and our new president is Harriet Ingraham. Thanks Fritz for all of you hard work and congrats to Harriet.
-----

T-Shirts

The idea of club shirts has been in the works. What we need are designs. Designs are due by the next meeting on December 2nd.
-----

Annual Club Party

Jane is once again hosting the annual party. Thank you Jane. She really needs your help in setting up and cleaning up. She cannot do it this year.

Paddling will be from 3:30 - 6:00
Dinner will start at 6:00 - Bring a covered dish, your own beverage and chair.
Date: Saturday, November 15th
Contact: Jane, 978-1651
-----

Byrnes Lake Closing:

Byrnes Lake landing will be closed from Sunday Nov. 9th until the first of the year. They are filming a movie on site.
-------

Baldwin County Parks

The Parks and Land Management Committee for Baldwin County is meeting with the public to discuss future plans at county parks. The meetings will be held as follows:

- Bay Minette, Monday, November 17, at 6:30 p.m., at the County Administration Building

- Foley, Tuesday, November 18, at 6:30 p.m., at the City of Foley Chambers

- Fairhope, Thursday, November 20, at 6:30 p.m. at the Satellite Courthouse

The county employee who is the point of contact is Stan Arbaczauskas, phone 580-1655 x7251.

-----

Full Moon Paddle

Bob will be leading a full moon paddle. The date is not set yet, but will happen prior to November 11th. Check the web site for information
-----

Big Boy Paddle

Date: November 4th
Time: 9:30 meet at WalMart in Tillman's Corner
or
10:15 at Bayou Cumbest at the state line
Contact: Carl Hlavenka, chlavenka@hotmail.com
Comments: Approximately 13 mile, 5-6 hour loop Day Paddle. Paddle begins in Bayou Cumbest near AL/MS border, a pristine saltwater marsh leading to bird-popular shell mound islands (Bangs Indian Mound and Rigolets Islands) - partially exposed to Gulf (one may stay close to shore or have brief open water experience - cut across 3-5ft deep Pt.aux Chenes Bay). Loop return via Crooked Bayou, marsh creek with occasional hammocks of pine. Alternatively, meet at 9:30 am at Wal-Mart in Tillmans Corner, AL on Rangeline Rd. (AL-193 North/Higgins Rd), exit 17B off I-10. We will then continue I-10W to first MS exit 75, Franklin Creek Rd. Go left, or south to Hwy90. Next, go right, or west ~3.6 miles to Orange Grove Rd. on left past boat launch sign and gas station. Next, go ~1.7 miles on Orange Grove Rd. Finally, take a left onto Grand Bature Rd, follow to end. $2-$3 Launch Fee.

-----

Little Bateau / Conway Creek

Date: Sunday, November 16th
Time: 10:00 am
Place: Texaco on the Causeway
Contact: Matt Darring, 343-1196 or 341-1669
-----

Lower Perdido River

Date: Saturday, November 15th
Time: 9:00 am
Place: Ruby's Fish Camp
Contact: Mark Vance, 458-7574

Meet at Ruby's Fish Camp, shuttle to Adventures Unlimited, Take out at Ruby's. Ruby's is on Hwy 90 just east of the Perdido River which is on the AL/FL State line. Take I-10- to Hwy 90 alternate (9 mile road) go west to meeting place on north side of road.

Bring lunch, $3.00 - $5:00 for launch and take out fee

Monday, November 03, 2003

___________________________________________
- - - Fishing Tournament Anyone ? - - -

Anybody have any feelings about getting into this "Causeway Classic Fishing Tournament"? It could be fun and someone could win something. How about it? Lets see some feed back on this. See you at the meeting.
- Red Boat Mickelsen.

___________________________________________
- - - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - - - (FAQs)

General Information:


1. Our monthly meetings are held the first Tuesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. at the Fairhope Yacht Club. Anybody and everybody is welcome to attend. There is no charge. The typical meeting lasts two hours. We start with a review of the previous month’s paddles, continue with plans for and announcements of paddles for the next month, and end with a presentation. Presentations may include slide shows of past paddling trips by club members, member reviews of paddling gear, and safety and skills presentations.

2. If you e-mail a request to jrobber@worldnet.att.net, Julie will put you on the club’s e-mail list. You will receive a monthly newsletter, which includes a calendar of events, and e-mail notices of “flash paddles” i.e., club paddles that are planned and announced on short notice. (If you used to be on Gene’s e-mail list for the club and are wondering why you suddenly stopped receiving club e-mails, it’s because Gene’s e-mail list was suddenly and unexpectedly destroyed by his computer. You need to “re-subscribe” by e-mailing Julie, if you want to get on the new e-mail list for the club.)

3. We regularly post “want ads” for individuals seeking and selling used boats. E-mail a description of the boat desired or for sale (type, make, model, length, weight, age, condition, accessories included, etc.) to Julie at jrobber@worldnet.att.net and she will post your “want ad” to this website and e-mail it to the club membership in the next regular club e-mailing.

4. We are a group of people who enjoy paddling and sharing our experiences with others. We are not a formal organization. There are no dues, no application forms, no membership lists. All you have to do to "join" our "club" is show up at a paddle, come to a meeting, or just decide you're a member.

5. Our intention is for safety to always be the first priority. It is up to each individual to decide for him/herself whether the paddling conditions for each event are within their enjoyment and skill range. Everyone must be responsible for their decision whether to participate in each event. The coordinator of the paddle should be able to assist with information on the expected paddle conditions. However, always remember that the weather and other conditions can, and quite often do, change both quickly and dramatically. (In other words, paddle at your own risk.)

6. You should always contact the trip coordinator for any paddling trip to let them know if you plan to attend. If they don’t know you are coming, trip leaders cannot contact you with changes in plans or cancellations, and you may find yourself waiting alone in a parking lot while the rest of us are off having fun somewhere else.

7. What should you bring? You should bring a PFD and drinking water on every paddle. You should also bring whatever you think you’ll need in the way of snacks or meals, if anything. If we will be on the water after dark, you are required by law to bring a single, white light. (But don’t turn it on unless you need it for safety and/or the trip leader tells you to. White lights ruin night vision.) We also appreciate paddlers who choose to carry a trash bag to collect litter along the way. They make it nicer for everyone.

--------------------

Contact list and links:

If you would like to subscribe to the club e-mail list, or if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions about this website, please e-mail Julie at jrobber@worldnet.att.net.

Click here to go to the website of the West Florida Canoe Club.

Click here to go to the website for the Bartram Canoe Trail.

Click here to go the website for the U.S. Geological Survey, where you can download free maps.

Click here to go to the MBCAKC’s archive of “trip reports” on past paddles. This website ranges from the informative to the poetic, and sometimes includes links to maps. You are encouraged to submit trip reports of whatever genre, as well as your favorite links.

--------------------

Reminder: Permit for Boiling Creek

A current permit is required to paddle Boiling Creek in Eglin Air Force Base. The permits are good from 1 October to 30 September. They cost $5.00. (You get a map with the permit that is worth more than the fee.)

Request the Recreational Permit, which is the one for paddling. You can get the permit from one of the gates or by mail. Permits may be obtained from the Jackson Guard Office (Natural Resources Branch), located at Highway 85 North, Niceville FL 32578 (850) 882-4164. The mailing address is:

Eglin Natural Resources Branch
107 Highway 85 North
Niceville, FL 32578

For each permit requested, send a photocopy of either a driver’s license or other identification card (e.g., passport) which contains a photograph, your full name, current address (including zip code), current phone number, and date of birth. Specify the type of permit (recreational) desired.

As an alternative to a photo-i.d., you can send last year’s permit, if you have one.

Be prepared to wait three weeks for delivery (although recent turn-arounds have been only a few days). Payments can be by personal check, money order, or cashiers check made payable to DFAS-LI Eglin AFB. Cash is not accepted.

Sunday, November 02, 2003

__________________________________________

We have a fishing paddle report from Red Boat M. Check it out at www.paddlereport.blogspot.com

Saturday, November 01, 2003

_________________________________________

Brint Adams has filed a report on the paddle down the lower end of the Styx River. Check it out at www.paddlereport.blogspot.com
_________________________________________
- - - Sierra Club Events - - -

NOV 14-16 ALABAMA ANNUAL RETREAT.
Plan to join Sierrans from across Alabama at our annual retreat on the shores of Weeks Bay at at Camp Beckwith. This encore gathering (we met there in 1997) will include boating, nature walks, and distinguished speakers. Registration Forms have been mailed to members and are also available at http://alabama.sierraclub.org/registr.pdf

TUE NOV 18 MOBILE SIERRA CLUB MEETING.
Mobile Botanical Gardens, 7pm. Members and non-members are invited for a discussion of current, local environmental issues and a program by Tommy Swearingen on legal and ecological land preservation techniques for Alabama. For more info contact Dianne at 251-344-1890.

WED DEC 3 IN-TOWN MOONLIGHT HIKE AND DINNER.
Meet at the Statue Garden at the Women's and Children's Hosptial as the sun goes down. Our hike will be lit by holiday lighting and the nearly full moon. We will walk for less than an hour. Those interested will reconvene for dinner at the Dew Drop Inn after the walk. For more information, contact Kevin at 251-928-6231.