Invitation from Patrick Kennedy, now in Panama City Beach
This is Patrick Kennedy. I was on the old mailing list and thought I would let you guys know I am now living in Panama City Beach, FL. I am still kayaking and love it here. If you guys ever want to do any day or overnight trips in the gulf, just let me know. I have a place here on the beach and don't mind company. One thing I am disappointed in, is the lack of serious paddlers here. I have only met two other people who like to go out in big water. Anyway... Just thought I would drop you guys a line and let you know the door is open.
Take care and thanks for running a great website... Patrick Kennedy
334-391-7677
or email Patrick
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
4th ANNUAL DOG PADDLE, LUSCHER PARK, MOBILE, AL
June 11, 2005 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM
The 2005 Dog Paddle kayak, canoe and rowboat races are fast approaching. Early discounted pre-registration forms are available on the race event website, just click here or for more detailed information about the schedule of events, click here or here. Return the registration with payment by June 4, 2005 to take advantage of the $5 discount ($2 discount for child entries).
Pictures of last year's events are found here.
I participated the past two years and recommend it as a fun morning for the whole family. You get a great t-shirt and help out a worthy cause. For spectators, the novice, junior and parent/child events are probably the most fun to watch, but may be rivaled this year with the newly added dog & owner event. So, bring your boat or come and borrow one and get in on all the fun.
June 11, 2005 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM
The 2005 Dog Paddle kayak, canoe and rowboat races are fast approaching. Early discounted pre-registration forms are available on the race event website, just click here or for more detailed information about the schedule of events, click here or here. Return the registration with payment by June 4, 2005 to take advantage of the $5 discount ($2 discount for child entries).
Pictures of last year's events are found here.
I participated the past two years and recommend it as a fun morning for the whole family. You get a great t-shirt and help out a worthy cause. For spectators, the novice, junior and parent/child events are probably the most fun to watch, but may be rivaled this year with the newly added dog & owner event. So, bring your boat or come and borrow one and get in on all the fun.
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
####FLASH#### RESERVATION DEADLINE SOON!!!
KAYAK & SNORKEL FIELD TRIP for the Southern Association of Marine Educators & the Environmental Education Association of Alabama
Econfina Creek, Chipola River, Holmes Creek and Seven Runs Creek all north of Panama City, FL
Date: June 10 - 12, 2005
Time: Noon on Friday through Sunday afternoon
Join us for three days of fun and exploration in the creeks and springs of northwest Florida! We have put together a kayak trip for SAME & EEAA members. The trip is also open to all other paddlers as well. It will be held Friday, June 10th through Sunday, June 12th and will be led by Sonya Wood Mahler.
On Friday, beginning at noon, we will paddle along Econfina Creek, the drinking water supply for the city of Panama City. We will tuck into several gorgeous springs where you can swim, snorkel, or just play with the tadpoles. On Saturday morning, we will launch at the boat ramp in Florida Caverns State Park near Marianna. We'll paddle up the Chipola River and explore cypress-lined inlets. Saturday afternoon, participants can go on a 45-minute tour of the caves and hike the nature trail that takes you up the rocky bluffs towering over the river. On Sunday morning, we will paddle up Holmes Creek just south of Chipley, FL to Cypress Springs, another great place for snorkeling. On the drive back, for those who haven't gotten enough of crystal-clear water, we will stop and paddle for a couple of hours on Seven Runs Creek, located just south of I-10 near Ponce de Leon Springs.
The size of the group will be limited to 18 people to insure that we have a good experience and have the opportunity to see some wildlife. For those who do not have their own kayak, we will rent single sea kayaks from Gulf & Delta Canoe & Kayak Co., in Whitehouse Fork, AL. Sonya will lead a session for beginners on how to paddle and how to get in and out of the boats. The minimum age for participants is 12. We will spend Friday and Saturday nights in a motel in Chipley, FL, just off I-10. Chipley is a three-hour drive from the Daphne/Spanish Fort I-10 exit in Alabama.
The registration cost of the field trip is $25 per person. This fee covers guide service, insurance, bottled water and fruit juices, and first aid supplies. Add $30 if you would like to rent a kayak. Add $10 if you would like Sonya to transport the kayak that you rent or your own kayak from Baldwin County, AL. Each person should make their own motel reservations (Super 8 at 850-638-8530: $64.99 + tax per night or Holiday Inn Express at 850-638-3996: $79.95 + tax per night) by May 20th.
For details, contact Sonya at 251-937-7176 or smahler@aces.edu and Rhonda Bryars at 251-937-7176 or bryarrm@aces.edu. Rhonda will mail you a registration confirmation, a map showing where to meet at noon on Friday, a paddling resource packet, and information on how you can join SAME or EEAA. The deadline for registration is May 20th.
KAYAK & SNORKEL FIELD TRIP for the Southern Association of Marine Educators & the Environmental Education Association of Alabama
Econfina Creek, Chipola River, Holmes Creek and Seven Runs Creek all north of Panama City, FL
Date: June 10 - 12, 2005
Time: Noon on Friday through Sunday afternoon
Join us for three days of fun and exploration in the creeks and springs of northwest Florida! We have put together a kayak trip for SAME & EEAA members. The trip is also open to all other paddlers as well. It will be held Friday, June 10th through Sunday, June 12th and will be led by Sonya Wood Mahler.
On Friday, beginning at noon, we will paddle along Econfina Creek, the drinking water supply for the city of Panama City. We will tuck into several gorgeous springs where you can swim, snorkel, or just play with the tadpoles. On Saturday morning, we will launch at the boat ramp in Florida Caverns State Park near Marianna. We'll paddle up the Chipola River and explore cypress-lined inlets. Saturday afternoon, participants can go on a 45-minute tour of the caves and hike the nature trail that takes you up the rocky bluffs towering over the river. On Sunday morning, we will paddle up Holmes Creek just south of Chipley, FL to Cypress Springs, another great place for snorkeling. On the drive back, for those who haven't gotten enough of crystal-clear water, we will stop and paddle for a couple of hours on Seven Runs Creek, located just south of I-10 near Ponce de Leon Springs.
The size of the group will be limited to 18 people to insure that we have a good experience and have the opportunity to see some wildlife. For those who do not have their own kayak, we will rent single sea kayaks from Gulf & Delta Canoe & Kayak Co., in Whitehouse Fork, AL. Sonya will lead a session for beginners on how to paddle and how to get in and out of the boats. The minimum age for participants is 12. We will spend Friday and Saturday nights in a motel in Chipley, FL, just off I-10. Chipley is a three-hour drive from the Daphne/Spanish Fort I-10 exit in Alabama.
The registration cost of the field trip is $25 per person. This fee covers guide service, insurance, bottled water and fruit juices, and first aid supplies. Add $30 if you would like to rent a kayak. Add $10 if you would like Sonya to transport the kayak that you rent or your own kayak from Baldwin County, AL. Each person should make their own motel reservations (Super 8 at 850-638-8530: $64.99 + tax per night or Holiday Inn Express at 850-638-3996: $79.95 + tax per night) by May 20th.
For details, contact Sonya at 251-937-7176 or smahler@aces.edu and Rhonda Bryars at 251-937-7176 or bryarrm@aces.edu. Rhonda will mail you a registration confirmation, a map showing where to meet at noon on Friday, a paddling resource packet, and information on how you can join SAME or EEAA. The deadline for registration is May 20th.
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
====FLASH==== Moonlight Paddle Update
Check out updated information in the May Club Calendar about the Moonlight paddle this Saturday night. Click on May.
Hurricane Creek Paddle Update
Weather permitting, the paddle on Sunday, May 22nd will still take place as listed on the calendar. Brint Adams will now be leading in lieu of Nancy Milford.
Check out updated information in the May Club Calendar about the Moonlight paddle this Saturday night. Click on May.
Hurricane Creek Paddle Update
Weather permitting, the paddle on Sunday, May 22nd will still take place as listed on the calendar. Brint Adams will now be leading in lieu of Nancy Milford.
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Thank you Julie Robberson
The title of web-mistress does not adequately describe what Julie Robberson brought to our club. Her position was one of huge importance and was a daily commitment to the heart of our very large club. We have made huge strides during the time that Julie directed us through cyber world. Without the dedication of this fine lady, our club would not have the website as it stands now. We thank Julie for the years of dedicated service to Mobile Bay Canoe and Kayak Club, we thank her for the levity she brought the club, we thank her for the advice and direction she brought to the club, and we thank her for the laughter she brought to the club both in person and through emails.
We will miss your constant presence in our lives, Julie.
Thank you for everything, Harriet Ingraham
The title of web-mistress does not adequately describe what Julie Robberson brought to our club. Her position was one of huge importance and was a daily commitment to the heart of our very large club. We have made huge strides during the time that Julie directed us through cyber world. Without the dedication of this fine lady, our club would not have the website as it stands now. We thank Julie for the years of dedicated service to Mobile Bay Canoe and Kayak Club, we thank her for the levity she brought the club, we thank her for the advice and direction she brought to the club, and we thank her for the laughter she brought to the club both in person and through emails.
We will miss your constant presence in our lives, Julie.
Thank you for everything, Harriet Ingraham
****FLASH PADDLE**** GRAND BAY
Date: Saturday, May 14, 2005
Time: 8:30 AM
Place: Grand Bay, AL
Contact: Juli Day 251-479-8368 (home), 251-377-0054 (cell) or email Juli
Directions: Take I-10 west across AL-MS state line and take first exit in MS. Turn south to Hwy 90, meet at the intersection and caravan to the put-in at Heron Bay.
Comments: Contact Juli to sign up. This will be a moderate paddle of about ten miles taking about 4-5 hours. There is a $3 parking/put-in fee. Bring the usual items, such as plenty of water, sunscreen, bugspray, lunch, etc.
Date: Saturday, May 14, 2005
Time: 8:30 AM
Place: Grand Bay, AL
Contact: Juli Day 251-479-8368 (home), 251-377-0054 (cell) or email Juli
Directions: Take I-10 west across AL-MS state line and take first exit in MS. Turn south to Hwy 90, meet at the intersection and caravan to the put-in at Heron Bay.
Comments: Contact Juli to sign up. This will be a moderate paddle of about ten miles taking about 4-5 hours. There is a $3 parking/put-in fee. Bring the usual items, such as plenty of water, sunscreen, bugspray, lunch, etc.
Addendum to May 4, 2005 post below regarding Grand Bay - Duncan Oil drilling
Two letters are now posted on the Alabama Coastal Foundation website, click on Duncan Oil and Grand Bay and then on ACF and Wild Law. Their cases against immediate approval, by the Corps of Engineers, of the exploratory drilling request are very well laid out. Now it is up to concerned individuals to voice their opinions to the Corps, State of Alabama legislators and Federal legislators, before the May 15, 2005 deadline for public comment.
If you are so inclined, please send your letters (you may use parts of the ACF and Wild Law letters) right away to the addresses linked on the May 4th post below.
Two letters are now posted on the Alabama Coastal Foundation website, click on Duncan Oil and Grand Bay and then on ACF and Wild Law. Their cases against immediate approval, by the Corps of Engineers, of the exploratory drilling request are very well laid out. Now it is up to concerned individuals to voice their opinions to the Corps, State of Alabama legislators and Federal legislators, before the May 15, 2005 deadline for public comment.
If you are so inclined, please send your letters (you may use parts of the ACF and Wild Law letters) right away to the addresses linked on the May 4th post below.
****FLASH-HELP NEEDED SATURDAY****
Rockwell Elementary School 6th Grade Cardboard Boat Race
Date: Saturday, May 14, 2005
Time: 9:00 AM (come just before)
Place: Fairhope Beach Pavilion
Contact: Debbie Movelle 454-9824 cell or email Debbie
Comments: Please call Debbie to volunteer, assisting with your kayak in the water, to be a monitor during the Cardboard Boat Races, to take about 30-60 minutes total. This will be similar to our help with the Triathlon. It will be a plus if you are a certified lifeguard or can bring one along.
Since we do not have any scheduled paddles yet for Saturday morning, please see if you can spare some time and help out with what appears to be a very fun event. You will be right in the middle of the action. We will want a quick report from those helping out, to see how well the cardboard boat builders design, build and race their boats without sinking! Maybe one of the designs will be so good, the boat will be sea-worthy enough to come along on one of our club paddles!
Rockwell Elementary School 6th Grade Cardboard Boat Race
Date: Saturday, May 14, 2005
Time: 9:00 AM (come just before)
Place: Fairhope Beach Pavilion
Contact: Debbie Movelle 454-9824 cell or email Debbie
Comments: Please call Debbie to volunteer, assisting with your kayak in the water, to be a monitor during the Cardboard Boat Races, to take about 30-60 minutes total. This will be similar to our help with the Triathlon. It will be a plus if you are a certified lifeguard or can bring one along.
Since we do not have any scheduled paddles yet for Saturday morning, please see if you can spare some time and help out with what appears to be a very fun event. You will be right in the middle of the action. We will want a quick report from those helping out, to see how well the cardboard boat builders design, build and race their boats without sinking! Maybe one of the designs will be so good, the boat will be sea-worthy enough to come along on one of our club paddles!
Volunteers needed for the Grandman Triathlon hosted by Mobile Bay Watch
Put two dates on your calendar for Grandman volunteer opportunities:
Saturday, June 4, 2005 in the morning - a swim course cleanup in Mobile Bay will be conducted beginning at the Fairhope Big Pier. Divers will check the course and volunteers are needed to help remove any debris which may be hinder or injure athletes during the swim portion of the triathlon to be held 2 weeks later. Harriet Ingraham will be our contact for those willing to help. Her contact information is below.
Saturday, June 18, 2005 6:30 AM - Grandman Triathlon, Fairhope Big Pier - Kayakers are needed to paddle out into Mobile Bay, line the swim course leg of the triathlon, to direct swimmers to stay on course, and provide aid if needed. Volunteers will need to be at the big pier by 6:30 AM. This is an annual event that MBCAKC has always volunteered for in the past.
Harriet Ingraham will organize and lead about 10 to 12 kayaks needed for assistance as kayaker lifeguards and swim directors during the race. Please contact Harriet if you plan to assist in this important club activity, which will greatly help Mobile Bay Watch put on a professional, safe and fair competition for the athletes. Harriet may be contacted at 251-928-4568 evenings, or you may email Harriet.
Put two dates on your calendar for Grandman volunteer opportunities:
Saturday, June 4, 2005 in the morning - a swim course cleanup in Mobile Bay will be conducted beginning at the Fairhope Big Pier. Divers will check the course and volunteers are needed to help remove any debris which may be hinder or injure athletes during the swim portion of the triathlon to be held 2 weeks later. Harriet Ingraham will be our contact for those willing to help. Her contact information is below.
Saturday, June 18, 2005 6:30 AM - Grandman Triathlon, Fairhope Big Pier - Kayakers are needed to paddle out into Mobile Bay, line the swim course leg of the triathlon, to direct swimmers to stay on course, and provide aid if needed. Volunteers will need to be at the big pier by 6:30 AM. This is an annual event that MBCAKC has always volunteered for in the past.
Harriet Ingraham will organize and lead about 10 to 12 kayaks needed for assistance as kayaker lifeguards and swim directors during the race. Please contact Harriet if you plan to assist in this important club activity, which will greatly help Mobile Bay Watch put on a professional, safe and fair competition for the athletes. Harriet may be contacted at 251-928-4568 evenings, or you may email Harriet.
Thursday, May 05, 2005
****FLASH PADDLE**** DAUPHIN ISLAND TO SAND ISLAND
Date: Saturday morning, May 7th, 2005
Launch time: 7:00 a.m. (in boat and departing)
Put-in/Take out: Dauphin Island, East end, on the beach northwest of the
Ferry Restrooms.
Expenses: Launch is Free.
Snacks: Bring enough snacks, food, and fluids to last 3-4 hours.
Skill Level: This is not a trip for first time kayakers. A kayak with a
rudder or skeg is recommended.
Latest Forecast: High tide: 10:30 AM. 10 mph or less winds. Bay waters
smooth.
Distance: Approx 10 miles.
Route: Kayak around the east end of Dauphin Island and go approx 2.5 miles
south to the south end of Sand Island. Short break. Then northwest along the
north side of Sand Island to the northern most tip (about 3 miles).
Somewhere along Sand Island, I plan on testing out my self rescue equipment
by doing a couple of self rescues. Short Break. Then we'll go north to the
south side of Dauphin Island, kayaking along the shore all the way back to
the launch site (about another 3.5 miles).
Warning: No shade. Consider bringing hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, standard
safety gear, bathing suit, and plenty of fluids - suppose to be almost 80
degrees.
Contact: Rob Nykvist (251) 423-0015
Date: Saturday morning, May 7th, 2005
Launch time: 7:00 a.m. (in boat and departing)
Put-in/Take out: Dauphin Island, East end, on the beach northwest of the
Ferry Restrooms.
Expenses: Launch is Free.
Snacks: Bring enough snacks, food, and fluids to last 3-4 hours.
Skill Level: This is not a trip for first time kayakers. A kayak with a
rudder or skeg is recommended.
Latest Forecast: High tide: 10:30 AM. 10 mph or less winds. Bay waters
smooth.
Distance: Approx 10 miles.
Route: Kayak around the east end of Dauphin Island and go approx 2.5 miles
south to the south end of Sand Island. Short break. Then northwest along the
north side of Sand Island to the northern most tip (about 3 miles).
Somewhere along Sand Island, I plan on testing out my self rescue equipment
by doing a couple of self rescues. Short Break. Then we'll go north to the
south side of Dauphin Island, kayaking along the shore all the way back to
the launch site (about another 3.5 miles).
Warning: No shade. Consider bringing hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, standard
safety gear, bathing suit, and plenty of fluids - suppose to be almost 80
degrees.
Contact: Rob Nykvist (251) 423-0015
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
GRAND BAY - DUNCAN OIL TO DRILL EXPLORATORY WELL
According to an April 23, 2005 front page article in the Mobile Register, Duncan Oil Company plans to drill an exploratory gas well in Grand Bay. The drilling equipment would be in Grand Bay for 21 days and barges will transit through Grand Bay's shallow seagrass beds and small inlands at least 18 times during this period. These barges will draw up to 6 feet of water. These areas are 5 feet deep at low tide and just a few inches deeper than 6 feet at high tide. Crew supply boats will make multiple trips throught the waters daily.
Note that Grand Bay is one of the most biologically productive estuarine ecosystems in the Gulf of Mexico region.
The US Army Corps of Enginers will accept letters from the public, addressing concerns about the potential destruction of this fragile shallow bay area, until May 15, 2005. If you want to write a letter to the Corps, correspondence needs to refer to:
Public Notice Number AL05-00982-F, and directed to:
District Engineer, U.S. Army Engineer District, Mobile
Post Office Box 2288
Mobile, AL 36628-0001
Attention: Regulatory Branch
Copies should be sent to:
ADEM
4171 Commanders Drive
Mobile, AL 36615
Also, let your local legislators know how you feel! Letters MUST be received by MAY 15, 2005.
More historical information may be found on the Alabama Coastal Foundation website, click here and then click on Duncan Oil and Grand Bay. A sample letter will be posted very soon, on the Alabama Coastal Foundation site, suitable as a template for mail or email.
Legislator addresses:
U.S. Senate: click here
U.S. Representative: click here
Alabama Senate districts 34 & 35: click here
Alabama Representatives district 105: click here
According to an April 23, 2005 front page article in the Mobile Register, Duncan Oil Company plans to drill an exploratory gas well in Grand Bay. The drilling equipment would be in Grand Bay for 21 days and barges will transit through Grand Bay's shallow seagrass beds and small inlands at least 18 times during this period. These barges will draw up to 6 feet of water. These areas are 5 feet deep at low tide and just a few inches deeper than 6 feet at high tide. Crew supply boats will make multiple trips throught the waters daily.
Note that Grand Bay is one of the most biologically productive estuarine ecosystems in the Gulf of Mexico region.
The US Army Corps of Enginers will accept letters from the public, addressing concerns about the potential destruction of this fragile shallow bay area, until May 15, 2005. If you want to write a letter to the Corps, correspondence needs to refer to:
Public Notice Number AL05-00982-F, and directed to:
District Engineer, U.S. Army Engineer District, Mobile
Post Office Box 2288
Mobile, AL 36628-0001
Attention: Regulatory Branch
Copies should be sent to:
ADEM
4171 Commanders Drive
Mobile, AL 36615
Also, let your local legislators know how you feel! Letters MUST be received by MAY 15, 2005.
More historical information may be found on the Alabama Coastal Foundation website, click here and then click on Duncan Oil and Grand Bay. A sample letter will be posted very soon, on the Alabama Coastal Foundation site, suitable as a template for mail or email.
Legislator addresses:
U.S. Senate: click here
U.S. Representative: click here
Alabama Senate districts 34 & 35: click here
Alabama Representatives district 105: click here
May Club Calendar
Grassy Point, FL
Date: Saturday, May 7, 2005
Time: 10:00 AM
Contact: Gary Worob (850) 259-9337 gworob@yahoo.com
Directions: take route I-10 east to the Milton exit/rt.87, as if you were going to Boiling Creek. Go 5 mi. past the Yellow River bridge to the first paved road on the right (west side). There will be a sign saying OLF CHOCTAW AIR FORCE BASE: turn right there, and go until you can see the gate, turn right at dirt road just before the gate. Go 5 miles on the well-graded dirt road and stay to right until you get to campsite.
Comments: this is a great paddling and/or camping weekend. Grassy Point is located below Milton, FL and near Boiling Creek. It is another pristine area run by Northwest Florida water management district (they own Econfina Creek). No permit is needed and camping is primitive with clean portapotti's. We will paddle from the campground into a beautiful estuary and just north of the site is an inlet where there are a great number of osprey nests and it is supposed to be quite spectacular...then return for potluck dinner, drumming and campfire stories.
Bring food to share if you are staying for dinner and/or camping. This is a pure white sandy beach lagoon with huge live oaks to camp under...pristine.
Boiling Creek, Eglin AFB, FL Mother's Day Paddle
Date: May 8, 2005
Time: 10:00 AM
Contact: Gary Worob (850) 259-9337 gworob@yahoo.com
Directions: take route I-10 east to the Milton exit/rt.87, go south for a few miles and cross a long bridge over the Yellow River and turn left into parking lot to meet for shuttle.
Comments: BRING CURRENT GREEN EGLIN AIR FORCE RECREATION PASS, A MUST. Bring liquids and lunch and something to share on Mother's Day and a bathing suit, or not. severe weather date: the next weekend.
Johnson's Beach, FL - CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER
Date: May 20-21, 2005
Time: afternoon
Contact: Larry McDuff 251-928-1582
Directions: Put in at Big Lagoon State Park
Comments: Call Larry to sign up and get more detailed information about meeting time and directions to put-in. Overnight camping trip, beginner friendly, on a barrier island in the National Seashore system. Will return early Saturday morning.
Full Moon Paddle - Bay Minette Basin, Spanish Fort, AL
Date: May 21, 2005
Time: 6:30 PM
Contact: Bob Andrews 251-367-4144
Directions: Meet at Buzbee's on Hwy 225 about 2 mi. north of Hwy 31 (Bruno's in Spanish Fort)
Comments: There is a $3 fee per boat to put-in. This will be a moderate pace and distance out into Bay Minette Basin to see the flowers, birds, sunset and full moon risin'. Bring snacks, drinks and the usual items listed in FAQ, as well as a working flashlight for night safety.
Phatwater Tour
Date: May 21, 2005
Time: morning
Place: Natchez, MS
Contact: Keith Benoist Cell: 601 431-1731, Evening Phone: (601) 445-8843
E-mail: keith@kayakmississippi.com
Comments: Anyone interested in attending is welcome. Please contact me at the earliest to work out details. This is a tour, and has no club affiliation, so you will be on you own, insofar as insurance is concerned. You need also to assess your individual paddling skills and level of endurance, as this is a 45 mile paddle, and will take anywhere from six to seven hours to complete. If anyone has specific questions, please email me and let's get the kinks worked out in advance.
Hurricane Landing, AL
Date: May 22, 2005
Time: 2:00 PM
Contact: Brint Adams - 583-9919 cell
Directions: We will meet at 1:30 PM at Bruno's in Spanish Fort at Hwy 31 & Hwy 225 to caravan or you may go directly to Hurricane Landing.
Comments: This will be a beginner-friendly slow paddle up/back beautiful Hurricane Creek. The parking fee is $3. Bring the usual items listed under FAQ.
A large crowd with many new faces came to the May meeting. Tom Meyer mentioned that the annual Bayou La Fourche trip may be postponed from this fall to the spring of 2006. He will check into further and report any updated news. This may impact any future plans of ours to possibly host a similar paddle trip on the Mobile/Tensaw delta.
Eastern Shore Land Trust is looking for help in the form of any good photos of local wetlands, animals, birds, flowers, etc., anything worthy of preservation, to be used in the design of a new informational pamphlet. Contact Philip Dyson, secretary of ESLT at sewane13d@aol.com to send photos by mail or electronically.
Chief Ron Emrich and Petty Officer Latner of the US Coast Guard gave an informative presentation titled, America's Waterway Watch. It is the Coast Guard's Department of Homeland Security Maritime Outreach Program encouraging citizens to watch for any suspicious behavior on the waterways, and if seen, to contact their hotline. The 24 hour hotline numbers are 1-800-424-8802 and 1-877-24watch. Pamphlets, boat stickers and wallet cards were given to those present. For more information about this program, you may click on americas waterway watch.
Grassy Point, FL
Date: Saturday, May 7, 2005
Time: 10:00 AM
Contact: Gary Worob (850) 259-9337 gworob@yahoo.com
Directions: take route I-10 east to the Milton exit/rt.87, as if you were going to Boiling Creek. Go 5 mi. past the Yellow River bridge to the first paved road on the right (west side). There will be a sign saying OLF CHOCTAW AIR FORCE BASE: turn right there, and go until you can see the gate, turn right at dirt road just before the gate. Go 5 miles on the well-graded dirt road and stay to right until you get to campsite.
Comments: this is a great paddling and/or camping weekend. Grassy Point is located below Milton, FL and near Boiling Creek. It is another pristine area run by Northwest Florida water management district (they own Econfina Creek). No permit is needed and camping is primitive with clean portapotti's. We will paddle from the campground into a beautiful estuary and just north of the site is an inlet where there are a great number of osprey nests and it is supposed to be quite spectacular...then return for potluck dinner, drumming and campfire stories.
Bring food to share if you are staying for dinner and/or camping. This is a pure white sandy beach lagoon with huge live oaks to camp under...pristine.
Boiling Creek, Eglin AFB, FL Mother's Day Paddle
Date: May 8, 2005
Time: 10:00 AM
Contact: Gary Worob (850) 259-9337 gworob@yahoo.com
Directions: take route I-10 east to the Milton exit/rt.87, go south for a few miles and cross a long bridge over the Yellow River and turn left into parking lot to meet for shuttle.
Comments: BRING CURRENT GREEN EGLIN AIR FORCE RECREATION PASS, A MUST. Bring liquids and lunch and something to share on Mother's Day and a bathing suit, or not. severe weather date: the next weekend.
Johnson's Beach, FL - CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER
Date: May 20-21, 2005
Time: afternoon
Contact: Larry McDuff 251-928-1582
Directions: Put in at Big Lagoon State Park
Comments: Call Larry to sign up and get more detailed information about meeting time and directions to put-in. Overnight camping trip, beginner friendly, on a barrier island in the National Seashore system. Will return early Saturday morning.
Full Moon Paddle - Bay Minette Basin, Spanish Fort, AL
Date: May 21, 2005
Time: 6:30 PM
Contact: Bob Andrews 251-367-4144
Directions: Meet at Buzbee's on Hwy 225 about 2 mi. north of Hwy 31 (Bruno's in Spanish Fort)
Comments: There is a $3 fee per boat to put-in. This will be a moderate pace and distance out into Bay Minette Basin to see the flowers, birds, sunset and full moon risin'. Bring snacks, drinks and the usual items listed in FAQ, as well as a working flashlight for night safety.
Phatwater Tour
Date: May 21, 2005
Time: morning
Place: Natchez, MS
Contact: Keith Benoist Cell: 601 431-1731, Evening Phone: (601) 445-8843
E-mail: keith@kayakmississippi.com
Comments: Anyone interested in attending is welcome. Please contact me at the earliest to work out details. This is a tour, and has no club affiliation, so you will be on you own, insofar as insurance is concerned. You need also to assess your individual paddling skills and level of endurance, as this is a 45 mile paddle, and will take anywhere from six to seven hours to complete. If anyone has specific questions, please email me and let's get the kinks worked out in advance.
Hurricane Landing, AL
Date: May 22, 2005
Time: 2:00 PM
Contact: Brint Adams - 583-9919 cell
Directions: We will meet at 1:30 PM at Bruno's in Spanish Fort at Hwy 31 & Hwy 225 to caravan or you may go directly to Hurricane Landing.
Comments: This will be a beginner-friendly slow paddle up/back beautiful Hurricane Creek. The parking fee is $3. Bring the usual items listed under FAQ.
A large crowd with many new faces came to the May meeting. Tom Meyer mentioned that the annual Bayou La Fourche trip may be postponed from this fall to the spring of 2006. He will check into further and report any updated news. This may impact any future plans of ours to possibly host a similar paddle trip on the Mobile/Tensaw delta.
Eastern Shore Land Trust is looking for help in the form of any good photos of local wetlands, animals, birds, flowers, etc., anything worthy of preservation, to be used in the design of a new informational pamphlet. Contact Philip Dyson, secretary of ESLT at sewane13d@aol.com to send photos by mail or electronically.
Chief Ron Emrich and Petty Officer Latner of the US Coast Guard gave an informative presentation titled, America's Waterway Watch. It is the Coast Guard's Department of Homeland Security Maritime Outreach Program encouraging citizens to watch for any suspicious behavior on the waterways, and if seen, to contact their hotline. The 24 hour hotline numbers are 1-800-424-8802 and 1-877-24watch. Pamphlets, boat stickers and wallet cards were given to those present. For more information about this program, you may click on americas waterway watch.
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