--May Notes and Paddles--

(last updated: May 26th)

June Meeting (!IMPORTANT UPDATE!)
The next meeting of the Mobile Bay Canoe and Kayak Club will be on Tuesday, June 5th at 7:00 p.m., at the Fairhope Boat Company, not Fairhope Yacht Club. Fairhope Boat Company is up the road from Fairhope Boat Company (click here for directions). Dave Armstrong from Alabama Wildlife and Fisheries will be presenting.


Full Moon Paddle & Potlatch
Date: Thursday, May 31st
Time: 6pm
Place: Meet at Byrnes Lake; from there we will paddle out to Gravine Island
Launch Fee: None.
Contact: Harriet Ingraham home: 928.4568; cell: 604.3741; hvk1457@aol.com
Length: 4-5 easy miles
Directions: Take Hwy 225 North from Spanis Fort, the turn for Byrnes Lake is signposted (as a reference, you will pass Cloverleaf Landing beforehand).
Comments: Bring a dinner item to share! We will paddle out to Gravine Island and eat dinner before paddling back under a full moon. DO NOT FORGET to bring a light and your PFD.

Kayak Support for the Grandman Triathlon
Date: Saturday, June 2, 2007
Time: at the beach with kayak in the water by 6:30 a.m. - no later than 6:45 a.m. - meet me there so I can stage you in the water.
Place: north side of Fairhope municiple pier
Launch Fee: none
Contact: Harriet Ingraham home: 928.4568; cell: 604.3741; hvk1457@aol.com
Length: no more than a couple miles over the day
Directions: We can't put in at the pier, no cars allowed - so we need to put in at the yacht club or at pier street - both are about 1/2 mile paddle
Comments: It's that time again - the GRANDMAN Triathlon. And, as has become a much appreciated custom, MBCKC has been asked to kayak lifeguard again for the swim part of the event - this will be our 6th year! I need 12-15 kayakers to line the swim course and help direct swimmers on course, and be there to offer a bow or stern for a tired swimmer to hang on to for a few minutes. It's a wonderful hour of assisting, and we are invited to the food and fun after the event. You don't have to be super accomplished, as most of the duties will involve lining the course so swimmers have an eye to the course of swim.
Reward: T-shirt and fun and food and the thanks of the racers.

Website: thegrandman.com - click on race course and then swim.

-- April Notes & Paddles --
(Please note that Gary Worob's paddle during the second weekend has been cancelled )

Upcoming spring events include the start of a multi-stage circumnavigation of Mobile Bay, kayak polo, and an opportunity to learn/practice simple kayak skills and rescue techniques. Please note that the webmaster will be away for several weeks, so if you are planning an April trip, please take advantage of the Yahoo Group's e-mail message system to announce any paddles you wish to lead. Follow the link and click the Join This Group button on the upper right side of the webpage.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mbcakc/


MBCKC Paddlers requested at Five Rivers Resource Center Ribbon Cutting
Date: Friday, April 13th
Time: 9 AM
Place: Bartrams Landing at the Five Rivers Resource Center on the causeway, first left after you enter the grounds of the Five Rivers Resource Center
Launch Fee: none
Contact: Harriet Ingraham home: 928.4568; cell: 604.3741; hvk1457@aol.com
Length: Short
Directions: Contact Harriet.
Comments: Ribbon cutting of the Five Rivers Resource Center on the Causeway is
Friday, April 13 at 10 am. Any MBCKC paddler who is free is asked to
attend with kayak/canoe - the state has requested our presence. There
is a designated kayak/canoe launch at Bartrams Landing, the first left
after you enter the grounds. We will meet between 9 and 9:15 to launch
our boats from the dock, to paddle to the main buildings for the ribbon
cutting. Please let Harriet know if you are attending, and she will
give you more directions to the launch. If you prefer to launch across
the causeway at Meaher Park, feel free to do so, just schedule your
launch and paddling to allow you time to link with Harriet at least 15
minutes before the ribbon cutting.

The rest of the weekend is the Blues Festival on the causeway, with
Five Rivers and all restaurants participating. Lots of fun and food.

Website: http://www.outdooralabama.com/outdoor-adventures/5rivers/

Kayak Support for the Grandman Triathlon
Date: Saturday, June 2, 2007
Time: at the beach with kayak in the water by 6:30 a.m. - no later than 6:45 a.m. - meet me there so I can stage you in the water.
Place: north side of Fairhope municiple pier
Launch Fee: none
Contact: Harriet Ingraham home: 928.4568; cell: 604.3741; hvk1457@aol.com
Length: no more than a couple miles over the day
Directions: We can't put in at the pier, no cars allowed - so we need to put in at the yacht club or at pier street - both are about 1/2 mile paddle
Comments: It's that time again - the GRANDMAN Triathlon. And, as has become a much appreciated custom, MBCKC has been asked to kayak lifeguard again for the swim part of the event - this will be our 6th year! I need 12-15 kayakers to line the swim course and help direct swimmers on course, and be there to offer a bow or stern for a tired swimmer to hang on to for a few minutes. It's a wonderful hour of assisting, and we are invited to the food and fun after the event. You don't have to be super accomplished, as most of the duties will involve lining the course so swimmers have an eye to the course of swim.
Reward: T-shirt and fun and food and the thanks of the racers.

Website: thegrandman.com - click on race course and then swim.

Loss of a friend...

MBCKC holds Marilyn Craig in our thoughts with the loss of her daugter, Andi.

March Meeting Confusions:

Sorry to all who showed up at the yacht club for the meeting... due to vehicular problems, our March meeting director couldn't get there. As part of the club had planned to skip the regular meeting for the undersea adventures production in Mobile, communication was dropped and no one showed up to conduct the meeting. The first time in 7 years we've had a glitch like this - don't worry we will be back on regular schedule for the April meeting.

Check back for postings on upcoming paddles. The end of March and the early part of April will bring some fantastic paddles. Fritz and Harriet will for sure be leading a couple during that period - thinking Boiling Creek for one, so make sure you have your pass (click here and scroll down the page for details)

-- March Meeting --

The March meeting will be held at the Fairhope Yacht Club on Tuesday, March 6th at 7pm. (got that? March 6th at 7 not March 7th at 6)

**A few people have indicated that they are planning on attending the Mike DeGruy film at Mobile's Saenger Theatre on the same night. If you find your heart torn between the meeting and the film, there will be an informal gathering at a nearby watering hole following the film to allow you to get your fix of MBCAKC.

== !!FOUND!! ==

Found a kayak last June washed up on the Pensacola side of Perdido Bay. It has the name "Wolfwoman" stenciled on the side. If this is your kayak or you know who owns it, please em me with a description.
MarK

markmadach@cox.net

-- Red Maple Slough Paddle --

The day has been determined: SUNDAY, Feb 25, 2007. 8-10 mile paddle, moderate pace.
Harriet and Fritz - 928-4568 home; 604-3741 Harriet cell; 680-8928 Fritz cell.
approximate time 1 pm at old River Docs on the causeway.

PLEASE CALL US IF YOU PLAN TO COME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The weather is quite questionable at this time. Paddle put-in and/or destination may have to be altered. If you don't call us, you may not know if we have to make last minute changes in plans - leave a phone number where you can be reached.

Factors to be considered for the paddle this particular weekend: WEATHER. A front is moving in Sat and early Sun - strong southerly winds will be in our favour in that water will be pushed up into the bay. However, if the strong winds do not die (and the expected rain, for that matter), then the return paddle will be quite tough. Temps will be quite pleasant in upper 60's or lower 70's - high tide is about 6:30 pm, so we will have an incoming tide.

Bring foul weather gear in the event of rain. Bring water and snacks.

Come, but call us!!

--Flash Paddle--

dream trippin: (with Gary Worob)

when ....second weekend in april, friday nite until you leave.......

where: grassy point, florida ....south of milton, north of navarre, florida

what: camping, paddling and exploring and hanging out on one of the most beautiful sites in the south, or anywhere.

details: grassy point is owned by the northwest florida watermanagement district, it is a pristine cove with great beach and crystal clear water and plenty of exploring to do. i will be there friday and i will stay until who knows when. so, bring plenty of food and water and your paddling gear. we will camp and cook together and paddle the local area on saturday and then a pot luck feast on saturday nite. on sunday, we will paddle boiling creek so nearby so you will need your eglin pass unless you want to hang out at grassy point.

this is a primitive camping site with very, very clean port-a-potties and you will be awed and some hiking trails. if we are lucky, tom and diane, who live nearby may gitve us a tour,again, of their totally self-sufficient home and i may have my 26 foot sailboat. there is no potable water here so you have to bring all your supplies with you and a shared treat.

but, be prepared to sit around the campfire and swap lies and stories and be treated to a great weekend. bring the kids, bring your mother-in-law or just bring yourself. this is a managed area now and they do restrict drinking......so we will be discreet....??????ha!

i am driving in from prescott, arizona the week before or thereabouts but i will be camped at grassy point expecting you....just show up, there are no reservations and no fees!

directions: take the 87 south exit for milton/navarre. go south over the yellow river bridge and then a few more miles until you come to "olf-choctaw" road. it is the only paved road on the west side as you go south. take a right there and drive until you see the gate for the air force facility and turn just before that on the graded dirt road. should say: grassy point.

go about 5 miles? and stay on the right fork.

-- FEBRUARY NEWS AND NOTES --

Paddles:
Delta Paddle; Contact Bob for full details
Date: Sunday, Feb 11th
Time: afternoon time to be determined
Place: Lower Delta
Launch Fee: As determined by location
Contact: Bob Andrews 367.4144
Length: Reasonable
Directions: Call
Comments: Bob is watching the weather and will make a decision based on the weather. If you wish to paddle with him, call him to let him know and get the details.

Red Maple Slough
Date: Saturday or Sunday, February 24th or 25th; weather depending
Time: TBD
Place: Launch at Old River Docs on the Causeway
Launch Fee: Call Harriet and Fritz
Contact: Harriet and Fritz - 928.4568
Length: 8-10 miles
Directions: Call Harriet and Fritz
Comments: One of the most anticipated paddles of the year - we have about a 3 week window to see the Red Maples as they bud out. Usually this is a prime weekend. Come with us. There is
lots more to see. We will paddle up through Conway and Big Bateau Bay, and back through Conway and possibly Savages Ditch, depending on water levels. Call us to find exact day and time. Bring water and snacks and wear clothes appropriate for whatever the weather dictates.

Notes:
The Undersea Adventures of Mike deGruy: Award winning cinematographer and Mobile native, Mike deBruy will be making a special appearance at the Saenger Theatre in Mobile, March 6, 2007 at 7pm. Tickets are $10.00 each. This is hosted by Alabama Coastal Foundation and will feature incredible footage from some of the worlds most remote and spectacular locations. Sit back and enjoy as Mike takes you on adventures to: Antartica, Patagonia, Titanic, The Deep and more. Mike has filmed for BBC, PBS, National Geographic, Discovery Channel and more. Call the Saenger 251.208.5600 or Alabama Coastal Foundation 251.990.6002 for tickets or more information.

University of South Alabama Overnight Trip: Anyone intersted in joining Randy Hunter and his USA students on an overnight in the upper Delta, Feb 17, please call 460.6214. There will be a fee involved.

-- February Meeting and Spring Paddling--

The next meeting of the Mobile Bay Canoe and Kayak Club is Tuesday,
Feb 6 at 7 pm at the Fairhope Yacht Club.

February will bring some weather changes with the climate becoming more favorable for great paddles - the days are getting longer and the trees, plants and flowers are going to begin popping out - remember to look for the wonderful Red Maple Slough paddle that will occur in late Feb or early March. Do you have your Eglin Recreational Pass? (click here if not) A Boiling Creek paddle or two will be happening as we move further into spring, and spring on Boiling Creek is something everyone should experience, but you can't experience it without having the mandatory pass. Everyone is invited to think through some places they'd like to paddle, and go ahead, bite the bullet and lead a trip. We all know there's nothing to leading one other than knowing where you are going (or take someone from the club with you who knows where you are going) and inviting people along.

--FLASH PADDLES: January 27th and 28th--

Bay Grass Creek Paddle
Date: January 27th, 2007
Time: 1:00 p.m. (in the water and departing)
Place: Bay Grass Creek
Launch Fee: None
Contact: Rob Nykvist at 423-0015
Length: 11-12 miles, plan on 4-5 hours at a leisurely 3mph pace.
Directions: Launching on the Causeway by the old Exxon/Texaco Station near the triple boat ramps.
Comments: Plan to get back around sunset. We will be crossing open waters which can get choppy in windy conditions. Please bring a spray skirt, life jacket and other usual safety gear, sunscreen, water, snacks, etc. The route we will take is as follows: cross the Tensaw River, up the Spanish River to Bay Grass Creek and back.

Bob's Mystery Flash Paddle
Date: January 28th, 2007
Contact: Bob Andrews at 367-4144
Comments: Bob Andrews plans to lead a paddle somewhere on Sunday, Jan 28, 2007. Place and time are undecided of yet, as he is watching the weather. Temperature calls for high of 50 with strong winds and overcast sky. Bob will choose a protected area to paddle, but dress appropriately and bring the usual snacks, water and gear. Bob's paddles are always great. Give him a call if you want to come along and he will keep you updated on time, place, etc.

Flash -- Weekend Paddle

January 13 or 14, 2007

Who: Fritz and Harriet
when: Sat OR Sun, Jan 13 or 14 -
time: TBD
where: Lower Delta - Bay Minette Basin, Byrnes Lake or Hurricane Creek
contact: home 928-4568
Easy Paddle, 3-4 hours
sounding a bit vague - it is, but we are definitely going. We just have a home-do chore that must be completed, so not finalized on which day yet. SOOOO, if you are interested in paddling with us, give us a call so we can call you when our plans become firm (leave a message if we don't answer). This will be an easy paddle, pace will be determined by those who wish to join us.

Days will be pleasant, bring snack and drink. And don't forget, we will have 'the paddle' so you guys can use it and sign it. Hope to hear from you.

January News and Notes

Happy New Year! There are a number of paddles tentatively planned for this month, but no firm dates have been set...yet!

If you haven't already done so, I am going to make a quick plug for the yahoo e-mail group that the club has...it is a venue for anyone to announce a paddle to the rest of the club via e-mail. I do my best to keep the website updated, but if I am out of town I occasionally miss paddles that people have asked me to post. In short, your best bet for getting and passing paddling information is to do both the yahoo groups e-mail and the website! Follow the link and click the Join This Group button on the upper right side of the webpage.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mbcakc/


Paddles:
Pass the Paddle:
Date: Your choice...
Time: Anytime...
Place: A kayak-able/canoe-able waterway in Alabama
Length: A single paddlestroke (or two...)
Contact: Harriet Ingram; hvk1457@aol.com or (251) 928-4568
Comments: READ THIS OR NOTHING ABOVE MAKES SENSE...Pass the Paddle is a program to dip a single paddle in as many Alabama waterways as possible before the Governor of Alabama dedicates the paddle to the 5-Rivers Resource Center in Mobile. You pick the place (no one else can have paddled it) and dip the paddle. Afterwards, you dry it, write the location, and sign it. We are asking that you limit your paddlestrokes as some of the earliest names are starting to wear after repeated immersion. Contact Harriet for full details and coordinate a paddle.

Lake Eufala (click to see December's News and Notes)



Planning a paddle? Let me know, and I will post it here!

Notes:
- Our next meeting is February 6th, see you then!

--JANUARY MEETING--

Meeting on January 2nd at the Fairhope Yacht Club at 7pm! See you then!

December News and Notes

December will be a quiet month as of right now...

Paddles:
Lake Eufala
Date: February 16-18, 2007
Time: Daily
Place: Lake Eufala, AL
Contact: Bob Andrews at 367-4144
Length: Variable
Comments: You are invited to join us for a Sea Kayaking Weekend at Lake Eufaula
Alabama for the weekend of February 16 - 18, 2007. We have heard
that there are a lot birds that winter in this area. There is a
preserve right next to the park that we can paddle in and observe
birds and other wildlife.

We will be staying at Lakepoint State Park just north of Eufaula.
They have (depending on availability) lake front cottages, woods
cabins and lodge rooms. There is also camping available at the
park. Reservations can be made by calling 800 544 5253.

Please let Bob Andrews (251 367 4144) know if you plan to attend.
We will discuss meal possibilities late in January, after we know
about how many paddlers are coming.

Weather can be "iffy" in this area in February. Need to be prepared
for the possibility of cold weather paddling even though the current
forecast is for full sun, low 70's and light and variable winds.

Planning a paddle? Let me know by 13th, and I will post it here!

Notes:
- Bruce Zimmerman has submitted two paddle reports; A Paddle to the Big Tree and Boatyard Lake & Pine Log Creek. Check them out in the paddle reports section!

- Our next meeting is January 2nd, see you then!

-- DECEMBER MEETING --

As always, first Tuesday of the month (December 5th) at 7pm at the Fairhope Yacht Club. This meeting will be an informal potlach...please bring food and paddling stories to share!

--FLASH PADDLE--

Richard Grove, the "Georgia Kayaker" will be paddling through the lower Mobile Bay to Dauphin Island on Friday, November 9th as part of his 843 mile trip from North Georgia. If you are interested in a paddle associated with this leg of his trip, please contact Mickey Feltus at 251-626-5462. For more information about Richards trip, see his website at http://www.georgiakayaker.com/

November News and Notes

First off, the 6th Anniversary Party has been postponed as our gracious hostess has an important family commitment arise at the last minute. Fear not, fellow paddlers...a party will be had (you'll hear about it here, so stay tuned!)

Paddles:
Perdido Estuary and Black River
Date: Sunday, November 12
Time: Call Bob
Place: Perdido Estuary and Black River; put in at Hurst Hammock
Contact: Bob Andrews at 367-4144
Length: 3.5-4hrs
Directions: From the Mobile area, head east on I-10 to Florida exit 5 for Hwy 90. Go West on Hwy 90 until you come to a caution light at the top of a hill. This is Hwy 99 and you want to go left here. Hwy 99 ends at Hurst Hammock. There is a launch fee. Call Bob if you plan to paddle.

Planning a paddle? Let me know, and I will post it here!

Notes:
- The Mississippi-Alabama Bays and Bayou's Symposium will be held in Mobile, on Nov 27th, 28th, and 29th. Check it out at their website, http://ambbs.mobilebaynep.com/default.htm

- Gary Worob has posted an interesting story from Arizona on our paddle reports page. It's a great read! http://www.paddlereport.blogspot.com/

- Some questions were asked about where to find accurate weather information for paddling the Mobile Bay area. Below is the link to NOAA Marine Weather for our area. There is a great deal of information on this page. You can get current observations from the first section. Scroll down to the section labelled marine weather and click inside the appropriate box where you expect to paddle for the weeks weather forecast (GMZ630 is for Mobile Bay). http://www.srh.noaa.gov/mob/marine.shtml

- Our next meeting is December 5th, see you then!

--November Meeting--

November 7th @ 7pm at the Fairhope Yacht Club...bring your leftover Halloween candy!

-- FLASH PADDLE --

Perdido Estuary and Black River
Date: Sunday, November 12
Time: Call Bob
Place: Perdido Estuary and Black River; put in at Hurst Hammock
Contact: Bob Andrews at 367-4144
Length: Call Bob
Bob's trips are not to miss, give him a call for more details

--URGENT PARTY NOTICE--


!!!Anniversary Party Urgent Notice!!!

Notice - MBCKC 6th Anniversary Party Location Change
Aven and Gary have had a conflict arise, so the 6th Anniversary Mobile Bay Canoe and Kayak Club party has been moved to:

Marilyn and Dick's home on Fowl River & Mobile Bay.

Same time, new place - November 11th, 2:30ish for a paddle up the river to the Osprey nests, back to eat around 5:30ish - BRING a DISH. Call Marilyn so she can coordinate food.
Home Phone: 973-0129
Cell Phone: 605-6453
Come once, come all - it will be great fun as usual at their place, BUT you won't know how to get there if you don't call Marilyn...........SO.............CALL HER!

October News and Notes

Boiling Creek Paddle
Date: October 15th
Time: Call.
Place: Call.
Contact: Bob Andrews @ 367-4144
Launch Fee: None.
Directions: Call.
Comments: An Eglin AFB Recreation Permit is required, see notes below for details.

6th Annual MBCKC Birthday Party and Paddle
Date: November 11th
Time: 2:30
Place: Aven and Gary Warners house on Dog River
Contact: Aven and Gary @ 473-1819
Launch Fee: None.
Directions: Call.
Comments: Party starts at 2:30ish, with a light paddle at 3. Dinner
will follow at or after sunset. Everyone is asked to bring a dish
BUT, you must coordinate this with Aven. They will supply the main
dish. You must call Aven to accept, coordinate what to bring, and get
directions to their house. She is asking that everyone coordinate
this with her BY November 5. They have launching facilities on their
property and always a wonderful time is had at their house.
Come celebrate MBCKC 6th Birthday.

Watch the website for other paddles this month, it's a great month to hit the water, enjoy the fall blooms, and enjoy the cool air. If you need to renew, or get your first, Eglin Air Force Base Recreation Permit, here is the information. You can obtain the permit by mail (recommended) or you can drive yourself to the Jackson Guard at Eglin and obtain it in person (they will make you watch a movie about unexploded ordnance). The information below may be dated, please call the the number listed below to confirm that you enclose everything they need in your request.

When ordering permits by mail, please allow three weeks for delivery. Send your requests to:

Eglin Air Force Base
Natural Resources Division, ACC/EMSN
107 Highway 85N
Niceville, FL 32578

Specify the number and type of permits desired together with the proper payment and proper identification, or a copy of anything with a date of birth on it. Payment of $7 should be made by money order, certified or cashier's check payable to AFO Eglin AFB, Florida. Personal checks are also accepted, with proper identification.

The Natural Resources Branch of Eglin is open Monday through Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. only. They are closed on Sundays and all Federal Holidays. Information may be obtained by calling Jackson Guard at (850) 882-4164.

FLASH PADDLE - SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2006

Mobile Bay Lighthouse & Sunset Trip

Date: September 30, 2006
Launch: Mullet Point Park (About 5 miles south of Point Clear, in Baldwin County, on County Road 1, a quarter mile south of the Scenic US 98 turn to the east.)
Time: Plan on arriving early enough so we can be in the water and getting underway at 2:00 P.M.
Duration: Approx 4-5 Hours. Expect to get back about sunset, so bring a flashlight just in case.
Pace: About 3 mph avg - Leisurely - not a race.
Skill Level: This is an OPEN water trip 6 miles out into Mobile Bay, not a trip for beginners.
Gear: Standard safety gear and if you have a sit-in kayak, please, make sure you bring a spray skirt & pump.
Expenses: Launch is free.
Leader: Rob Nykvist (251) 423-0015

(CONTINUE SCROLLING DOWN FOR UPCOMING PADDLES)

October Meeting
Date: Oct 3rd
Time: 7:00pm
Location:Fairhope Yacht Club
(note:meetings occur the first Tuesday of every month, same time and place)

Cathy Barnette, Executive Director, Alabama Coastal Foundation will be presenting at the October meeting. Cathy will talk about the Coastal Foundation and their activities and mission to protect the quality of Alabama's Coastal Resources. Come and enjoy her presentation and have your questions ready for her. To see the foundation's website go to http://www.joinacf.org/

-- Flash Paddle --
Rice Creek to Jug Lake
Date: October 1st
Time: 9:30 am
Place: Rice Creek Landing/Stagecoach Restaurant Stockton, AL
Contact: Bob Andrews @ 367-4144
Launch Fee: none
Directions/Comments: Bob is limiting this paddle to 20 people, so call him if you plan to come!

Meet at Stagecoach Restaurant in Stockton, AL at 9:30 a.m. If you know the way to Rice Creek landing, be there by 10 a.m. Note the signpost at Rice Creek Road is down, so if you aren't sure where to go, meet at Stagecoach at 9:30 so you can follow Bob.

Paddle will be 10-12 miles in length - plan on 5-6 hours as the paddle will be leisurely and time will be spent eating. Bring snacks or lunch to eat on the Jug Lake Platform. Bring water, food, bugspray, sunscreen - all the usual. Bob is limiting this paddle to 20 people, so call him if you plan to come - in addition - this paddle will be posted on the West FL Canoe and Kayak Club site, so there may be people coming from there. The platform will only hold so many people - first to respond to Bob, first to get on the list.

No shuttle is needed. Remember, don't linger - call Bob and reserve your spot.

--FLASH INFO--

Alabama Coastal Cleanup
Date: September 16, 2006
Time: 8:00 - 12:00 Noon
Place: Luscher (Navco) Park (Cleanup going on at multiple locations)
Contact: Rob Nykvist at 460-7573 / 510-0403

http://www.alabamacoastalcleanup.com/

September News and Notes

Some good news for those who have sweated through meetings in the past, the boat shed now has air conditioning and ceiling insulation. Juli Day mentioned that Leatherwood is now blooming near Rice Creek. Tom advised that a needle compass and a map are a good idea when hiking in the woods during a kayak stop as GPS may not get a good signal through the trees.

Eglin Air Force Base permits are up for renewal at the end of September. EVEN IF YOU ONLY PADDLE ONCE, IT'S WORTH THE SMALL FEE. So, don't wait until a couple days before a paddle, renew early. For more information, click on FAQ
and scroll to the bottom.
Watch for the MBCAKC anniversary party in November.

Planned Paddles For September and early-October

Bay Minette Basin
Date: September 17th
Time: 3 p.m.
Place: Buzbee's
Contact: Juli Day 479-8368 or cezanneart@bellsouth.net
Launch Fee: Yes, $3.00
Directions: On Hwy 225 North from Spanish Fort, south side of the bridge over Bay Minette Creek on the right.

Little River at the North edge of Baldwin County
Date: September 23rd
Time 9 a.m.
Place: Meet at the Stagecoach Restaurant, junction of Hwy 225 and 59
Contact: Mark @ 802-8484
Launch Fee: No
Directions: Contact Mark. Mark is leading the West Florida Canoe Club and they plan to take out at the Hwy 59 bridge. Website for the West Florida Club is http://www.wfcanoekayak.com.

Rice Creek to Jug Lake
Date: October 1st
Time: Put in about 10:00 AM
Place: Rice Creek
Contact: Juli Day @ 479-8368/377-0054 or Bob Andrews @ 367-4144
Launch Fee: No
Comments: meet at Stagecoach Restaurant in Stockton, AL at 9:30 a.m. If you know the way to Rice Creek landing, be there by 10 a.m. Note the signpost at Rice Creek Road is down, so if you aren't sure where to go, meet at Stagecoach at 9:30, so you can follow Bob. Paddle will be 10-12 miles in length - plan on 5-6 hours as the paddle will be leisurely and time will be spent eating. Bring snacks or lunch to eat on the Jug Lake Platform. Bring water, food, bugspray, sunscreen - all the usual. Bob is limiting this paddle to 20 people, so call him if you plan to come - in addition - this paddle will be posted on the West FL Canoe and Kayak Club site, so there may be people coming from there. The platform will only hold so many people - first to respond to Bob, first to get on the list. No shuttle is needed. Remember, don't linger - call Bob and reserve your spot.

West Florida Canoe Club Annual Blackwater Forest Campout
Date: October 28,29
Time: TBA
Place: Bear Lake
Contact: Mark, phone 802-8484 or http://www.wfcanoekayak.com.

Sunday, September 3rd: Magnolia River II Second Time. The weather didn't co-operate last time. Let's try again. We'll head downriver from the put-in to explore the salt marshes and try to make it to Weeks Bay. Beautiful area. Easy, relaxed paddle. Meet at the Shell station on Highway 98 and cty rd 49. There's a Shell station and a Pure station on either side of south 49 at 98. We'll then drive the short distance to the Rock Street put-in. Bring sunscreen, water, snack, pfd, anything to make your paddle pleasant. You might need bug spray. It would be nice, but not essential, to call Nancy to let her know who to expect. Contact Nancy Ward @ 990-5575.

September Meeting: Tuesday, September 5th
Tom Meyer will be hosting the meeting as Harriet will be out of town on vacation. After the usual club business, Tom will also give us a presentation on his Buffalo River Trip. Tom gives great presentations, so plan to attend!

-- FLASH PADDLE--
Friday, September 1st

Quick paddle tonight (Friday, 1 Sep) to take advantage of a really great day! Meet at the old river docs off Battleship Parkway at around 6:30pm, we'll paddle for maybe an hour to an hour and a half (sun sets around 7:20 pm) up into Big Bateau Big or Conway Creek (straight north from the put in). Call Ian if you are interested; 251-605-0743.

-- Flash Paddle--
Sunday, September 3, 2 pm. Magnolia River II Second Time. Nancy Ward
990-5575
The weather didn't co-operate last time. Let's try again. We'll head
downriver from the put-in to explore the salt marshes and try to make
it to Weeks Bay. Beautiful area. Easy, relaxed paddle. Meet at the
Shell station on Highway 98 and cty rd 49. There's a Shell station and
a Pure station on either side of south 49 at 98. We'll then drive the
short distance to the Rock Street put-in. Bring sunscreen, water,
snack, pfd, anything to make your paddle pleasant. You might need bug
spray. It would be nice, but not essential, to call Nancy to let her
know who to expect.

--Flash Paddle-- Saturday, 26 August
A trip to take a look at the site of the new Mobile Tensaw Coastal Resource Center from the water.

We will leave from the old river docks along the causeway, paddle through Pass Picada, up the Apalachee River to the Blakely River, then down the Blakely River and into Sardine Pass to see how the new xxx is developing. I also want to paddle into Justin's Bay (if it's possible) before back-paddling to the old river docks. The route, as pictured, is roughly 12 miles and will probably take around 4 hours. I plan on leaving around 8am to avoid the worst of the heat. Bring sunscreen, water, bugspray, and a snack...plus anything else you think you might want. Please give me a call tonight or tomorrow (251) 605-0743 if you plan to come.

I have posted a map, with route, for the paddle at http://out2sea03.blogspot.com/

12 AUGUST: INDIAN MOUND PADDLE

Sorry for any confusion! Paddle is on Saturday, not Friday! As mentioned below, meet at the Stagecoach Inn on Saturday at 9am, we should be at the put-in around 9:30 or so. If you plan to paddle, please call me at 251-605-0743. I'll try to post here first thing Saturday morning if anything is changed!

August News and Notes

Paddling with young ones: Steve Delker is doing some paddling with his grandson and would be intereested in getting together with other folks who want to paddle with their young children/grandchildren. Tentatively planning for Wednesday evenings after 5:30, starting on the 9th. Call him at 928-7342 if you are interested.

Full Moon Paddle August 9th: The ever-popular full moon paddle is set for Wednesday, August 9th. Meet at Buzby's at 6pm. Contact Fritz at 928-4568.

Indian Mound Paddle August 11th: This is a repeat of the first paddle I did with the club about a year ago. We will meet in Stockton at the Stagecoach Inn around 9, paddle from the Rice Creek Landing to the sandbar near the Indian Mounds, thrash around in the woods a bit until we find the mound (or not, as happened last time) then paddle back. Round trip paddle is just shy of 10 miles. Contact Ian at out2sea03@hotmail.com or 605-0743 for more details.

Reminder: August meeting is Tuesday night with a presentation from Hank Burch of Alabama Dept of Conservation and Natural Resources...you won't want to miss this, scroll down for all the details!

Mike Bosarge announces the creation of the Mobile Bay Kayak Fishing Association.

"We have recently formed The Mobile Bay Kayak Fishing
Association.  This is a non-profit corporation to
promote the healthy, safe and fun sport of kayak
fishing.  Our first meeting is an organizational
meeting scheduled for Aug. 12th at 1pm.  We're going
to try to get a meeting room at Wintzell's Oyster
House.

I'd like to invite any member of the Mobile Canoe and
Kayak Club to the meeting and fishing trips.  Some of
our members will be participating in the Alabama
Coastal Cleanup to help out the bay.

At this time we have a yahoo group at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mobilebaykayakfishing/
I've posted a link on our links page to your club for
any of our members.  We're anglers, yet some of our
members also like to go for a paddling tour.  So I
refer them to your club.

We hope to have the first Mobile Bay Kayak Fishing
Tournament in Mobile next year.  That depends on the
sponsors we can get of course."

Thanks,
Michael Bosarge
Director
Mobile Bay Kayak Fishing Association

End of Daylight Savings Time Kayak Trip in Northwest Florida
October 25th-29th, 2006

You MUST contact Sonia Mahler for a registration form. See details below.

End of Daylight Savings Time Kayak Trip

Wednesday, October 25^th: Drive to Wakulla Springs, Florida
Thursday, October 26^th: Paddle on Wakulla River
& Jungle Cruise at Wakulla Springs
Friday, October 27^th: Paddle & Snorkel on Merrit’s Mill Pond
Saturday, October 28^th: Paddle on Spring Run & Ocheesee Pond
Sunday, October 29^th: Paddle on Seven Runs Creek
& Drive home

This trip is a great opportunity for experienced paddlers, or beginning paddlers who are willing to “cowboy up”! The adventure will take us to five unique waterways that show off the best of northwest Florida. We will look for wildlife. We will take some pictures. We will work on our paddling skills. We will discuss issues like water quality, invasive species, public access, user conflicts, and hurricane recovery.

The registration fee of $50.00 covers guide service, insurance, water, snacks, and first aid supplies. Participants will receive a paddling resource packet and maps for each day. Participants will be responsible for their own lodging and meals. If you need to rent a kayak from us for the week, the cost is an additional $50.00. If you bring your own kayak, remember to include a paddle and life vest. We will meet at Wakulla Springs State Park at 8:00am and go on the Jungle Cruise at 9:40am on Thursday, October 26^th. We’ll eat dinner together Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, around 7:30pm. We will stay in Wakulla, Florida Wednesday and Thursday nights and in Chipley, Florida Friday and Saturday nights. Register early so you can make your motel reservations before they fill. We will mail you a registration confirmation with motel reservation info and a list of things to bring.

$50.00/person
An additional $50.00 if you need to rent a kayak
Mail check (made payable to Sonya Wood Mahler),
completed registration form, and health form by October 11^th to:

End of Daylight Savings Time Kayak Trip
144 N. Tanyard Road
Cadiz KY 42211
For more information, contact Sonya Wood Mahler,

cell phone: 270-584-4742.

August Club Meeting Presentation
Tuesday, August 1, 2006 at 7:00 PM

Presenter: Hank Burch - Natural Resource Planner
AL Dept. of Conservation & Natural Resources, State Lands Division - Coastal Section

The State Lands Division of the Alabama Dept of Conservation & Natural Resources Division is in the process of developing a Mobile Tensaw Delta Coastal Resource Center on the Causeway across from Meaher Park. This will include a canoe and kayak launch area and will be extending the Bartram trail network down through the southern delta, so this facility becomes a terminus for the larger trail system. Mr. Burch will be speaking on this fantastic facility, giving us a 'virtual tour', due to open in Sept/Oct, and will be talking about a Pass the Paddle promotion they are putting together with the statewide Clean Water Partnership. He will be interested in MBCKC's feedback on particular areas of interest to paddle in the Lower Delta. They are requesting and will be hoping to coordinate the opening of the Resource Center with MBCKC members involved at the grand opening. This will be a wonderful presentation and afford us, as a club, a new avenue of 'put-in' and education. Plan to attend this informative meeting on August 1, 2006.

Harriet

Magnolia River Paddle (II), and potluck at Nancy's after (I)

Date: Sunday, July 30, 2006
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Magnolia River, Magnolia Springs, AL 36555
Contact: Nancy Ward - leader - (251) 990-5575.
Comments: This time we will head directly downriver to explore the salt marshes and try to make it to Weeks Bay. Beautiful area. Meet at the Shell station on Highway 98 and cty rd 49. There is a Shell station and a Pure station on either side of south 49 at 98. We will then drive the short distance to the Rock Street put-in. Bring sunscreen, water, snack, pfd, anything to make your paddle pleasant. You might need bug spray. People are invited to Nancy's house off Highway 32 between business 98 and 27/181 afterwards for a pot luck. Nancy will supply hot dogs and buns. Others bring something to share. If you don't paddle you can still come to the pot luck. Call Nancy for directions and to let her know you are coming; especially if you are coming to the pot luck.

Big Bateau Bay
Tuesday, July 18, 2006

When: Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Time: 5:30 PM
Where: Meet at old Riverdocs parking lot on the Causeway, Spanish Fort, AL
Contact: Tony Dockery (cell) 404.323.4377; (work) 436.8990
Directions: Located on the north side of the Causeway about 100 meters west of Ed's Seafood Shed
Comments: nice evening paddle into Big Bateau Bay and possibly Savages Ditch. Bring light, water, pfd, snack, bug spray. Call Tony to let him know you will join him. Always something new and interesting on the Delta.

Fowl River Paddle
Friday, July 7, 2006

Date: Friday July 7th
Time: 5:30 PM
Place: Memories Fishing Camp on Fowl River Rd
Contact: Juli Day 479-8368 377-0054 cezanneart@bellsouth.net
Beginner - Easy Paddle
Launch fee: $3.00
Directions: Take I-10 West. Take the Dauphin Island exit 17 off of I-10. This is the first exit heading west, past the I-65 and I-10 intersection. Go south past industrial complexes. Come to a dead end. Turn left to light. Turn right you will pass Julie's Bar (no kayak connections) on your left. You will come to a series of businesses on your left. Turn right on Fowl River Road, just as you see Greer's food store on your left. Memories will be on your left a couple of miles west. Memories is located on the east end of a concrete bridge.

Bring your PFD, light, water, bug spray, snack. We will eat at the Fowl River Marina after the paddle.

Magnolia River Paddle

Sunday, July 16, 2006 ; 2:00 PM
Beginner Friendly, easy paddle, 2-3 hours
Contact: Nancy Ward 251-990-5575

Paddle the beautiful Magnolia River from public put-in on Rock Street. Bring sunscreen, water, snack, pfd, anything to make your paddle pleasant - oh, don't forget bug spray, just in case.

Meet at the Exxon Station at Hwy 98 and cty rd 49 in Magnolia Springs at 2:00 PM, then drive over to the Rock Street put-in. Call Nancy if you plan to join her on this beautiful paddle.

Oak Bayou to Chuckfee Bay

When: Saturday, July 8, 2006
Where: Meet at Bruno's in Spanish Fort (Hwy 31 & 225) by 7:30 AM or Cloverleaf Landing by 8:00 AM
Contact: Danny Hart - E-mail me at dhart7274@bellsouth.net if anyone is interested.
Comments: We will take Raft River to Oak Bayou, north to Sand Bayou and into Chuckfee Bay, exploring some of the northern tributaries via Mallard Fork as time permits.

This will be a long day paddle (approximately 20-25 miles round trip) probably not suitable for beginners. Bring all of the essentials: PFD, skirts, and self-rescue equipment will be needed as Raft River can be rough at times. Bring sun screen, bug spray, a ready-to-eat lunch, snacks, and alternate energy sources (gels, bars, drinks, etc.). It'll be hot so bring plenty of drinking water to avoid getting dehydrated.

FULL MOON PADDLE AND DINNER with the SUNSET and the MOON RISE
Monday, July 10, 2006 at 5:30 PM

Byrnes Lake to Gravine Island
Harriet and Fritz Ingraham: 251-928-4568 home; 251-604-3741 H cell; 251-680-8928 F cell
Meet at Bruno's in Spanish Fort at 5:30 PM. If you know how to get to Byrnes Lake landing, be there no later than 6:00 PM.

We are re-instating the paddles of the early days of the club -paddle and eat. This should be a great paddle. BRING FOOD/DISH to eat and share with others - don't everyone/anyone bring dessert, bring real food.

We will paddle from Byrnes Lake, across the Tensaw and to the northwest corner of Gravine, set up dinner on the sand hill and eat to the sunset in the west and the moon rise in the east. We will paddle back as the moon continues to rise over Byrnes Lake. This is a not-to-miss paddle. There is magic on this paddle. Bring/wear PFD and BRING A LIGHT (we prefer all paddlers wear PFD's when paddling after dark). Bugspray may be an option on the island. Round trip is approx 6 miles, and rated an easy to moderate paddle but for the Tensaw crossing, which is not predictable. If windy or fast current, Tensaw crossing is with effort. We leave no one behind, so come on.

We MUST be notified if you plan to come. With the website inactive for the month of July, any change in plans need to be communicated to you and we need to have a phone number to contact you. Call us and come have a wonderful summer evening.

Harriet

West Florida Canoe and Kayak Club Paddle and Dinner
Wednesday, July 5, 2006 at 5:00 PM

The mellow paddlers division of West Florida Canoe and Kayak Club will meet at 5:00 PM, at the Oar House across from Pensacola Kayak and Sail, for feasting and fellowship.

Call Bob Andrews for directions fromMobile (ph: 251-367-4144 or ph: 850-456-5856). After dining, we will launch our boats and paddle Bayou Chico, following our fearless leader, Tina Murphy.

Everyone is invited to the feast, including those who don't plan to paddle. Bring a flashlight in case we paddle after dark and a PFD.

Harriet

August Club Meeting Presentation
Tuesday, August 1, 2006 at 7:00 PM

Presenter: Hank BurchNatural - Resource Planner
AL Dept. of Conservation & Natural Resources, State Lands Division -Coastal Section

The State Lands Division of the Alabama Dept of Conservation &Natural Resources Division is in the process of developing a Mobile Tensaw Delta Coastal Resource Center on the Causeway across from Meaher Park. This will include a canoe and kayak launch area and will be extending the Bartram trail network down through the southern delta, so this facility becomes a terminus for the larger trail system. Mr. Burch will be speaking on this fantastic facility, giving us a 'virtual tour', due to open in Sept/Oct, and will be talking about a Pass the Paddle promotion they are putting together with the statewide Clean Water Partnership. He will be interested in MBCKC's feedback on particular areas of interest to paddle in the Lower Delta. They are requesting and will be hoping to coordinate the opening of the Resource Center with MBCKC members involved at the grand opening. This will be a wonderful presentation and afford us, as a club, a new avenue of 'put-in' and education. Plan to attend this informative meeting on August 1.

Harriet

4th of July Paddle, Picnic and Fireworks
Tuesday, July 4, 2006

4th of July Fireworks Paddle and Gathering. Gene Boothe will lead his annual paddle and picnic from the Fairhope Yacht Club Gazebo. Plan to gather at the Gazebo around 6-6:30'ish. Bring a dish to eat and to share. Plan to leave the Gazebo at approx 7:30, to paddle to the Fairhope Pier, to enjoy the fireworks from the water by the marina at the pier. This is one of the most enjoyable views of Fairhope's wonderful Fireworks, come and enjoy the trip. Round trip is approximately 2 miles.

Contact Gene or Caroline Boothe for questions or details: 251-928-1107

IMPORTANT: We paddle together on this short trip, staying close to shore. There are hundreds of motor boats in the bay, but we have never had a problem with crowding, as we are closer to shore than they travel. Marine law requires a light on your boat after dark (a flashlight will be fine in this situation).

Gary Worob has submitted a trip report from the beautiful SW...check it out on the paddle reports page!

http://www.paddlereport.blogspot.com/

--This Weekend--

Saturday June 10th - The Fifth Annual Dog Paddle Races will be held at Luscher Park on the Dog River. You can register for any of several races for all levels of paddler (and their dogs) on race day. Click here for more information.


Sunday June 11th- Bob's Famous Full Moon Paddle
Location: Buzby's Fish Camp on Hwy 225
Time: 6:30pm
Comments: Don't forget to bring cash for the launch fee...$4 or $5 if I remember correctly. We will paddle out with the sunset, and back with the full moon. As always, dinner to follow somwhere along the causeway for those who are interested. For directions or more information, contact Bob Andrews at (251) 367-4144.

June Club Calendar

We still need people to lead paddles...so, if you are interested, just shoot me an e-mail with date, time, and location!

Full Moon Paddle
Date: June 11th
Time: shortly before sunset
Place: To be determined, but probably out of Buzby's
Comments: The weather looks great, so details should follow in a day or two. Check back!

Fourth of July Paddle
Date: yes, it will be the 4th of July.
Time: TBA
Place: Fairhope Yacht Club
Comments: 4th of July also happens to fall on the day of the July meeting, so the meeting will probably be held during the paddle. This paddle will take us out from the FYC and onto the bay where we will raft up and enjoy fireworks and good company!

Some follow-on information from the Dauphin Island Bird Sanctuary presentation:
- after some searching, I found the AL Birds message board where I believe you can ask about the conditions favorable for a "fallout," where thousands of migratory birds will collapse on Dauphin Island to build up their energy reserves for the final push north to their nesting grounds. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/albirds/
- You can find a lot of the information presented last night, as well as links and information about birding at http://www.coastalbirding.org

MAY MONTHLY MEETING AT FAIRHOPE YACHT CLUB - BOATHOUSE BUILDING

The next meeting of the Mobile Bay Canoe and Kayak Club will be on Tuesday, June 6th, 2006 at 7:00 p.m., at the Fairhope Yacht Club. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month, same time, same place. When you drive down the hill to the bay, take the last turn left into the parking lot, to the boathouse building.

Dauphin Island Bird Sanctuaries - Dr. John Porter - June 6 meeting

John Porter, the executive director of DIBS, will be presenting to
MBCKC on the Dauphin Island Bird Sanctuaries. Below is some basic
info on DIBS. You can find a host of information on the DIBS website-
http://coastalbirding.org/

Dauphin Island, Alabama is one of the top birding spots in the
Southeast. An incredible three hundred and forty five species have
been reported on the island. Spring migration is the first landfall
for many Neotropical birds that make the five hundred mile flight
across the Gulf of Mexico from the Yucatan Peninsula. Under adverse
weather conditions, large flocks of exhausted birds of many species
may seek shelter on the Island in a truly spectacular "fall-out".

Fall migration, which begins as early as July, can also be a very
rewarding time on the Island for birders. During this time, shore
birds begin to gather on the Island to store up energy for their
long, Neotropical flight. The Island is also ideal for birding in
winter, even in the absence of the fall migrants. Many permanent
species reside on the Island, and a variety of waterfowl, seabirds,
and shore birds fly in during the winter season.

The entire Island is a Bird Sanctuary in which rewarding observations
can be made in any of its public areas including parks, beaches,
dunes, wetlands and quiet streets. The Alabama Ornithological Society
meets yearly on Dauphin Island in both April and October to enjoy the
birding, fine fellowship, and great seafood. Visitors are always
welcome to participate in field trips and other such activities.
Anytime is good birding time on Dauphin Island.

Plan to attend - this should be wonderful

FULL MOON PADDLE CANCELLED

Unfortunately, Saturday's full moon paddle has been cancelled. If anyone else is planning to lead a trip, please let me know and I will post!

-WEEKEND UPDATE-

May 6: Club May Picnic and Paddle (see May meeting notes below)

May 7: Wooden Boat Show Paddle (wooden boat not required, paddle not associated with show)
Time: 2:00pm
Contact: delkers@bellsouth.net
Place: Pirates's Cove
Directions: Take Hwy 98S through Daphne/Fairhope, make a south turn onto CR 95, and go on to the end...

More from Steve Delkers:
Just some comments: Last time I attended their wooden boat show it was rather crowded. Therefore, I suggest we all go to the little Park/beach at the very end of 95. It is just past Pirates Cove [P.C.]. I plan to get there very early and maybe eat lunch at P.C. I think everybody requested 2:00 pm for a start time. That's cool with me.

FROM HWY 98: Just some Hwy notes: Hwy 98 makes a 90 degree left turn from heading South to heading East about five miles below Fairhope. Then it continues to run dead East to the State Line. The turn South onto Hwy 95 is 9.0 miles East of the Hwy 98/Hwy 59 intersection.

The Adventure Route: For the adventuous who like to avoid towns, they can take my route: using Co Road 32 to head East From either 98 just south of Fairhope [see sign for their airport at last traffic light]. Hint-- stop for chicken at Annie's inside the Yellow gas station at Marlow just a bit after crossing Fish River ["No diving from the bridge"] although that was the "Big-Boy Paddle Option" a few years ago.

From I-10: Hwy 32 can also be picked up from Hwy 59 about 5.75 miles south of Robertsdale for anyone coming via I-10. I'm pretty sure there is a caution light or maybe even a stop light at that intersection--but not much else other than the ubiquous gas station [Petrol for those who speak the Queen's English.] If 32 turns into a dirt road you have just missed the turn to Hwy 95. If you soon see an interesting private airfield, you're on the right path [95].