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.

Thursday, March 31, 2005

Don Prosch to perform with The Alabama Contemporary Dance Company

When: Saturday, April 9, 2005 at 7:30 PM
Where: Saenger Theatre in downtown Mobile
Comments: Don Prosch, one of our new kayak enthusiasts, will be performing in his human-sized GyroGym to music by Erik Satie & Tom Petty in concert with The Alabama Contemporary Dance Company. Director Candice Christakos Prosch will also feature an evening of new dance works entitled "Fresh Start." Alabama Contemporary Dance will be joined by the Le Flore High School dancers performing "Moving Images." Tickets are $12 adults & $7 for children, students, and seniors. The program promises an exciting evening of modern dance, entertaining for the entire family.
Spring Party/Paddle on Fowl River - POSTPONED UNTIL MAY

The spring party and paddle at Marilyn Craig's originally scheduled for April 9, 2005 has been postponed for a month and will be rescheduled for sometime in May. Details will be announced as soon as they are firmed up.

Monday, March 28, 2005

Out of town paddler looking for a trip this weekend

My name is Chris Donovan. I'm a kayaker from near Chicago. I found out that I will be driving to Fairhope the weekend of April 1st (arriving Thursday night, March 31st) with my wife and I am looking for some suggestions for day trips. I'm planning on paddling Friday, Saturday and Sunday (the 1st-3rd). I'm looking for trips anywhere from 10 to 15 miles long or 6 to 8 hours long. I'd classify myself as an intermediate paddler and I am used to paddling solo or with groups. I'm bringing my own gear, an NDK Explorer, PFD, paddles, VHF, GPS, etc. I plan on purchasing charts as soon as I determine what day trips are good candidates. If you can help me out or point me in the right direction, I'd really appreciate it.

I was hoping to get at least one day of open-water padding and one day in the rivers, lakes, and creeks. The third day I'd just leave for whatever comes up.

Please contact me by email, if you are interested in paddling with me.

Chris Donovan cdonovan@xnet.com

Weeks Bay Reserve Research Symposium

Friday, 22 April, 2005 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Weeks Bay Reserve Auditorium, Fairhope, AL

This CTP sponsored Weeks Bay Reserve Research Symposium features presentations and poster displays about research findings in our watershed. Invited speakers include independent researchers, university students and faculty, National Estuarine Research Reserve System Graduate Research Fellows, and the Reserve staff.The varied topics include species diversity, nutrient loading, habitat restoration, and the impacts of mercury contamination. A complete agenda will be available soon. Contact me with any questions and for reservations.

Sincerely, Cheryl

Cheryl D. McClary, Coastal Training Program CoordinatorWeeks Bay Reserve, ADCNR-Lands-Coastal Section11300 U.S. Highway 98Fairhope, Alabama 36532Phone: 251.928.9792Fax: 251.928.1792cmcclary@dcnr.state.al.us
Funding for this project provided by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, State Lands Division, Coastal Section, in part, by a grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management.

Wednesday, March 23, 2005

EASTER SUNDAY PADDLE IS CANCELLED!!!

Matt Darring is unable to lead the Easter Sunday paddle previously posted. So, unless someone else steps up and takes over or wants to lead a paddle somewhere else that day, we no longer have a paddle trip scheduled for Sunday, March 27, 2005.
New trip reports are posted on the MBCAKC Paddle Reports site located under Links over in the right hand column. Enjoy!

Tuesday, March 22, 2005

Welcome back to Rob Nykvist, who has been out of town for the past nine months. I am confident he will be back leading a few paddle trips again as he had in past years. Rob has started a new weblog including photos, which is linked over in the right column, so take a look at it and see where Rob has been lately. Note: Rob has already announced early plans to lead a paddle on Sunday, May 1st in Bayou La Batre for the Blessing of the Fleet. More detailed information will follow later.

Monday, March 21, 2005

---UPDATE--- FULL MOON @ MEAHER PARK
Full Moon Paddle - Meaher State Park
Date: Friday, March 25
Time: 6:00 PM
Contact: Brint Adams 251-583-9919
Place: Meaher State Park boat ramp
Directions: From Spanish Fort or Daphne, take the Causeway east, past the new Beach House Grill, cross over the Blakeley River bridge and immediately turn left before the chainlink fence that encloses the park. Do not go down to the main park entrance. From Mobile, get on the Causeway either in Mobile or take I-10 to the midpoint, where it crosses, and get off. Continue east past Ed's Seafood Shed, Blue Gill's, etc., cross the next bridge over Apalachee River and start looking on the right for Meaher State Park. Do not go into the main entrance. Drive past it and along the chainlink fence and turn right, down the driveway just past the fence and before you cross the Blakeley River bridge.
Comments: We will paddle up the Blakely River to Sardine Pass to Justins Bay. This will be a beginner-friendly paddle of about 3-4 miles. We will watch the sun set and when we turn around for the return, will be looking at the full moon to guide us back. For those inclined, we may dine at a local restaurant afterwards.
///UPDATE\\\ BOILING CREEK, EGLIN AFB, FL

Boiling Creek, Eglin Reserve, FL
Date: March 26, 2005
Time: 8:00 AM
Contact: Harriet & Fritz Ingraham 928-4568; 604-3741; 680-8928 or email hvk1457@aol.comSaturday
Comments: Boiling Creek is somewhat narrow and twisty - so the ability to be able to turn your boat is a necessity. This is not a hard paddle, but a bit twisty. Meet at the Wilcox Road Exit 53 on I-10, at the Oasis Truck Stop (on North side of Interstate) at 8:00 AM. We will caravan over - should take about an hour from the truck stop. Bring snacks or lunch and plenty to drink - This trip requires a shuttle, so time will be spent shuttling drivers to their vehicles. Bring rain gear in the event of a rain shower. Temperature is showing low 80's for the day - bring sunscreen in the event of no rain shower. Paddle time will be determined by group size and speed - could be 3 1/2 hours, could be 5 hours. Come and enjoy.

Click here for detailed directions to the Yellow River shuttle location, in case you will drive separately or miss the caravan. Remember each paddler will need to carry a current green Eglin Recreation Permit FY05. Go to FAQ for more information.

Friday, March 18, 2005

For those procrastinators out there, it looks like there may be an opening or two left for the overnight paddle to the Jug Lake platform this weekend. If you are interested, call Bob Andrews to sign up and get the latest information for meeting time and place. Here is the paddle information previously listed in the March calendar:

Overnight to Jug Lake
Date: March 19, 20
Time: TBA
Contact: Bob Andrews (251) 367-4144
Place: Call Bob
Comments: Camping on the platforms, limit six persons.

Thursday, March 17, 2005

Due to popular demand and since we are an all-inclusive club and do not want to leave out those who like the dining out experience, the new website previously named "MBCAKC Cookbook" has been expanded to include area restaurant reviews. This site is renamed "MBCAKC Recipes & Restaurant Reviews".

So, for those inclined to expound on the virtues of the local fare, whether or not with skewed thinking following a strenuous paddle, please opine and submit your reviews to either Julie or I, and we will post reviews, as well as those old family recipes you wish to share.

Saturday, March 12, 2005

***FLASH PADDLE - EARLY SUNDAY AFTERNOON***

Date: Sunday, March 13, 2005
Time: 12:30 PM
Place: Meet at Buzbee's on Hwy. 225, Spanish Fort, AL
Contact: Larry McDuff - 928-1582
Comments: Larry (the highly charismatic leader), who led last Sunday's successful trip for 21 paddlers, is back again a week later, to lead a beginner-friendly trip. Depending on the winds, he will either paddle up Bay Minette Creek, looking for Mountain Laurel and Bald Eagles, or out into Bay Minette Basin and the middle of the delta, on what appears to be another beautiful afternoon. Buzbee's requires a $3.00 put-in fee. It is located about 2 mi. north of Bruno's (intersection of Hwy. 31 & 225) in Spanish Fort, on Hwy. 225.


LINKS TO NEW MBCAKC SITES IN RIGHT COLUMN

Due to popular demand, we are trying out two new websites.

MBCAKC Cookbook is now starting to list all of those culinary treats you have prepared or tasted at club picnics, parties, potlucks, camping trips or just your favorite "can't miss" recipes in all food categories, from appetizers, salsas, main dishes, side dishes, salads, breads, desserts, etc. So, if you want to include some of your favorites, just email them to Brint and I will try to post them as soon as I can.

MBCAKC Prose and Poetry is ready to post all of those haiku, poems and fictional pieces hiding in the dark recesses of your minds. The intent is for entries to be generally related to kayak, canoe, camping, outdoors, water, oceans, earth, universe, etc. type subjects. So, dust off your keyboards, expand your minds and email any creative missives to Brint and I will try to post them as soon as I can.

Friday, March 11, 2005

////LATE BREAKING NEWS\\\\

FLASH PADDLE - SATURDAY AFTERNOON
Magnolia River, Magnolia Springs, AL
Date: March 12, 2005
Time: 1:00 PM
Place: Exxon @ Hwy 98 & Magnolia Springs Hwy (southeast of Fairhope)
Contact: Brint Adams - 251-583-9919
Comments: We will drive a few blocks to the County water access at the end of Rock St. Depending on group concensus and wind conditions, we will either paddle one-way out Magnolia River and up along the eastern shore of Weeks Bay to the take-out at the Hwy 98 bridge, or out Magnolia River and back to the put-in. The trip time should be about 2.5 hrs. Bring fluids, hat, sunscreen. This will be low-key and suitable for beginners and those wanting to see springtime flowers and wildlife on the Magnolia.

CANCELLED - SATURDAY, 3-12-2005 JOHNSON'S BEACH PADDLE

Due to anticipated strong SW winds, Larry McDuff has cancelled tomorrow's paddle.

Wednesday, March 09, 2005

DUE TO LATE CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES

The Saturday paddle to Red Maple Slough has been CANCELLED. If anyone is interested in leading a FLASH PADDLE on either Saturday or Sunday, please give me a call at 251-583-9919 or send me an email to brint and I will post it for you.
GET OUT AND PADDLE THIS WEEKEND!!!

This weekend looks to have highs in the 70's with little chance of rain. It should be a great time to get out and see spring starting to bloom in the delta or along the coast. With scheduled paddles in both areas, you have no excuses... so, dust off your boat and head for the water.

Here are the paddles scheduled for this weekend so far:

Red Maple Slough CANCELLED
Date: March 12
Time: TBA
Contact: Harriet 928-4568 Hvk1457@aol.com
Place: TBA
Comments: Red Maple Slough is between Little Bateau and Big Bateau Bays. Where the land is high enough, red maples grow tall and thick. Their red seeds are maturing this time of year giving the justification for the name Red Maple.

Johnson's Beach
Date: March 12, 13
Time: 1:30 PM
Contact: Larry McDuff 928-1582
Place: Put in Big Lagoon State Park
Comments: Overnight camping trip, beginner friendly, on a barrier island in the National Seashore system.

Monday, March 07, 2005

Wait no more, the highly anticipated Econfina Creek trip report, written by both Gary and Brint, is finally posted at MBCAKC Trip Reports, for your reading pleasure. Recent paddle trip reports into the Mobile Tensaw Delta, penned by Larry McDuff, Brian Westcott and Gary Worob, are posted as well.

Friday, March 04, 2005

****FLASH PADDLE****RICE CREEK TO BIG CYPRESS TO JUG LAKE

Date: Saturday, March 5, 2005
Time: 9:00 AM
Place: meet at The Stagecoach Restaurant in Stockton
Directions: Take I-65 N to the Stockton exit 31 or Hwy. 225 north, cross I-65, and continue north to Stockton.
Contact: Gary 850-259-9337 cell or Tom 251-680-4445
Comments: Put in at Rice Creek Landing, paddle to Bayou Jessamine to marker 5 for short muddy trek to large Cypress, then on to the Jug Lake platform for lunch. Trip will be about 8 miles and 5 hours.
\\\ANOTHER FLASH PADDLE\\\OLD RIVERDOC'S ON THE CAUSEWAY

Date: March 6, 2005
Time: 1:30 PM
Place: Meet at the old Riverdoc's parking lot on the north side of the Causeway about 100 meters west of Ed's Seafood Shed
Contact: Larry McDuff - 928-1582
Comments: This will be a beginner-friendly paddle in the delta, possibly to Whiskey Ditch, Chacaloochee Bay or parts unknown!
March Club Calendar
by Bruce

Trip to Jug Lake, Jessamine Bayou
Date: March 5, 6
Time:TBA
Contact: Gary Worob or Tom Meyer
Place: Rice Creek Landing
Comments: Paddle to Jug Lake via Bayou Jessamine w/ a side hike to the big cypress. Need secure foot wear for the muddy hike. Tom (251) 680-4445 twmeyer@bellsouth.netGary Worob (850) 259-9337 gworob@yahoo.com

Maple Slough
Date: March 12
Time: TBA
Contact: Harriet 928-4568 Hvk1457@aol.com
Place: TBA
Comments: Maple Slough is between Little Bateau and Big Bateau Bays. Where the land is high enough, red maples grow tall and thick. Their red seeds are maturing this time of year giving the justification for the name Red Maple.

Johnson's Beach
Date: March 12, 13
Time: TBA
Contact: Larry McDuff 928-1582
Place: Put in Big Lagoon State Park
Comments: Overnight camping trip, beginner friendly, on a barrier island in the National Seashore system.

Overnight to Jug Lake
Date: March 19, 20
Time: TBA
Contact: Bob Andrews (251) 367-4144
Place: Call Bob
Comments: Camping on the platforms, limit six persons.

Full Moon Float
Date: Friday, March 25
Time: 6:00 PM
Contact: Brint Adams 583-9919 brint.adams@us.army.mil
Place: Meaher State Park boat ramp
Comments: Paddle up the Blakely River to Sardine Pass to Justins Bay. Dinner at a restaurant afterwards.

Demo Day
Date: March 26
Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Contact: Pensacola Kayak & Sail or Fairhope Boat Store
Place: Pensacola
Comments: kayak vendors will have dozens of boats to try out on the water.

Boiling Creek
Date: March 26
Time: TBA
Contact: Harriet and Fritz Ingraham
Place: TBA
Comments: You should get a recreation pass for Eglin Air Force Base now for the coming season. See the website for details.

Matt's Easter Sunday
Date: March 27
Time: 2 p.m.
Contact: Matt Darring iama@backpacker.com
Place: from Hurricane Landing to Six Bits Creek
Comments: Hurricane Landing has a $3 launch fee. Trip is about 10 miles, intermediate level. Leave Hurricane, cross the Tensaw River to Basin Negro. An island at the top of the basin marks a creek to the left.

Marilyn's Party
Date: April 9
Time: TBA
Contact: Marilyn Craig, marilyncraig@hotmail.com
Place: Fowl River
Comments: Marilyn hosted the club last year at her home, where we had a fine paddle on the river and potluck supper afterwards. She's going to do it again this year. Please let her know you are coming; she is providing chicken, sodas and paper plates.

At the meeting we had 37 people attending, including our guest speaker Casi Callaway, Executive Director, Mobile Baywatch. Ms. Callaway gave an overview of four projects Mobile Baywatch is doing now:
(1) Liquified Natural Gas,
(2) the Causeway and a Hydrological Modification Impact Study,
(3) Pritchard Sewer, and
(4) U.S. Highway 98 over Big Creek Lake.

Mobile Baywatch and the Waterkeeper Alliance benefit the State of Alabama. If you want to learn more see their website at http://www.mobilebaywatch.org or phone (251) 433-4BAY (4229)