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.

Wednesday, July 27, 2005

*****FLASH PADDLE*****

Little Bateau Bay
Date: Saturday, July 30, 2005
Time: 8:00 AM (arrive by 7:45 or earlier, as we will leave at 8:00)
Place: Old Riverdocs parking lot on the north side of the Causeway about 100 meters west of Ed's Seafood Shed
Contact: Brint Adams 251-583-9919
Comments: This will be about an 8-10 mi. (maybe 12 mi.) paddle roundtrip, north into the delta up into Chacaloochee Bay, Conway Creek, Savage's Ditch into Little Bateau Bay to see if the Lotus are still blooming. We may possibly paddle on to Lower Crab Creek and Delvan Bay. We will be back before lunchtime. Bring plenty of water and a snack.

Sunday, July 24, 2005

New Weblog link for your reading pleasure

Gregory Brown, a new Fairhope paddler, has started an interesting weblog with photos. Check it out by clicking on the link over in the right side column.

Friday, July 15, 2005

****FLASH****

Check out newly added information in the July Club Calendar below regarding the moonlight paddle this Sunday, July 17th.

Thursday, July 07, 2005

July Club Calendar

Bay Grass
Date: Saturday, July 16, 2005
Time: 8:00 AM (arrive by 7:45 or earlier, as we will leave at 8:00)
Place: Public boat ramp next to Exxon by Felix's Fish Camp on Causeway near intersection with I-10.
Contact: Brint Adams 251-583-9919
Comments: This will be about an 8-10 mi. paddle roundtrip north into the delta up into Delvan Bay, Polecat Bay, Spanish River (past several osprey nests) and exploring Bay Grass Creek into Bay Grass and points not seen before.

Early Full Moon Paddle - Meaher State Park, Spanish Fort, AL
Date: Sunday, July 17, 2005
Time: 6:00 PM
Place: Meaher State Park boat ramp
Contact: Bob Andrews 251-367-4144
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 at around 8:30-9:00 PM.

Johnson's Beach, FL
Date: Saturday, July 23-24, 2005
Time: 5:00 PM
Contact: Juli Day - (h) 251-479-8368 or (cell) 251-377-0054
Directions: Take Hwy 98 east out of Fairhope, cross the state line into Florida, turn right on Co. Rd. 293 (Bauer Rd) and go for 3.9 miles, turn right on CR 292 and go for 3.4 miles, turn left on Johnson's Beach Rd. We will meet in Johnson's Beach parking lot.
Comments: Call Juli, so she will know who is coming and may contact you if conditions change. This is an overnight camping trip, intermediate level paddle due to open water, on a barrier island in the National Seashore system. Bring camping needs, food and plenty of water for dinner and breakfast. We will return early Sunday morning.

Ladies Day Out
Date: Friday, July 29, 2005
Time: TBD
Place: TBD
Contact: Carolyn Boothe 251-928-1107
Comments: Call Carolyn for details closer to the date, which may change to Sunday, July 31st.

Sunday, July 03, 2005

!!!!!!!!MEETING REMINDER!!!!!!!!

The next meeting of the Mobile Bay Canoe and Kayak Club will be on Tuesday, July 5, 2005 at 7:00 p.m., at the Fairhope Yacht Club. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month, same time, same place. After the usual club business of reporting on and scheduling upcoming paddles, our guest speaker will be Amy King, Public Education & Outreach Coordinator, State of AL, Conservation and Natural Resources, State Lands Division. Her presentation will be on the Bartram Canoe Trail AND a brief on the yet to be completed, but upcoming Orange Beach Canoe Trail.

Also available for member perusal, will be a hard copy two-volume set of the Main Pass Energy Hub LNG Deepwater Port Draft Environmental Impact Statement. As posted earlier, an informational public comment meeting will be held on July 18th in Grand Bay about this proposed action.
Horn Island Trip Report - click here to link.

Check out Tom Meyer's new trip report for his recent trip to Horn Island. Tom is quite a good storyteller, and he had a good one to tell. Happy reading!

Wednesday, June 29, 2005

Main Pass Energy Hub LNG Deepwater Port Public Meeting

Date: July 18, 2005
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, preceeded by an informational open house from 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Place: St. Elmo Community Center, 11610 Highway 90 West, Grand Bay, AL
Phone: 251-865-4010

The Draft Environmental Impact Statement is available for viewing at: http://dms.dot.gov under docket number 17696, to assist in the evaluation of a license for the proposed deepwater port, to be located 16 miles offshore, southeast of Venice, LA. The Coast Guard and the Maritime Administration are requesting public comments on the DEIS.

They invite you to learn about the proposed deepwater port at the informational open house, and to comment at the public meeting on the proposed action and the evaluation contained in the DEIS. Please notify the Coast Guard, Randy Bachman, telephone: 202-267-1752 or email: rbachman@comdt.uscg.mil to be added to the docket, if you wish to speak at the public meeting.

Freeport-McMoRan Energy LLC plans to build two new platforms to support Liquified Natural Gas storage tanks and a berthing system to berth the LNG carriers, ranging in capacity between 60,000 and 160,000 cubic meters. LNG would be stored in six tanks located on two new fixed platforms in a water depth of approximately 210 feet. The proposed location is a former sulphur mining facility and will utilize four existing platforms. The proposed project would sit atop a salt dome, approximately two miles in diameter. An on-site total gas storage capacity of approximately 28 billion cubic feet would be provided in three salt caverns to be constructed under the deepwater port. The facility would have living quarters to routinely accommodate up to 50 personnel.

FME proposes the installation of approximately 192 miles of natural gas and natural gas liquid pipelines on the Outer Continental Shelf, varying in size ranging from 12 to 36 inches in diameter. Five proposed pipelines would connect the deepwater port with several existing gas distribution pipelines, one of which would connect with a gas distritution pipeline near Coden, AL.

The onshore portion of this project shoreward of the mean high water line falls under the jurisdition of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and must receive a separate authorization from the FERC. They are also seeking comments. I have the addresses if you wish to comment.

There are severe potential environmental impacts due to installation of the pipeline as well as contamination from leaks and the tremendous amount of water sterilized and marine life destroyed, as it is used to heat the LNG.

Let me know if you have any questions or need more information regarding attending or speaking at the public meeting.

I also just received a hard copy two-volume set of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement and will bring it to the July meeting for anyone interested to look through.

Tuesday, June 28, 2005

Annual Glorious Fourth Paddle

Date: July 4, 2005
Location: Fairhope Yacht Club to the Fairhope Municipal Pier, and back.
Time: 7:00 PM: eat potluck/heavy appetizers; around 8:00 PM, begin paddling to Fairhope Municipal Pier
Bring: potluck/appetizers to share (if desired); light (use after dark); PFD, consider a small anchor or line to tether with; extras: drinks, binoculars (to watch the Mobile & Daphne fireworks).
Route: We will paddle to and from the sandbar at the pier, hugging the ends of the piers on the beach, where power boats do not cruise.
Lever of Paddle: beginner friendly, but beware of the weather.

The fireworks display at the pier is spectacular, when viewed from underneath. This is a relatively short and safe paddle, but conditions can deteriorate should a storm approach. We will always be in about waist deep water, with the shore close at hand, if needed. Stay with a partner, or buddy. We will depart as a group after the display, however it is difficult to see others in the dark and some people leave early. It would be good to notify me, Gene Boothe, if you leave early. Power boats normally do not come in close to shore, unless docking. There have been no problems in the past, but as with all paddles, paddlers need to determine the safeness and appropriateness of the paddle for themselves.

Friday, June 24, 2005

FLASH - JUNIPER CREEK PADDLE - JULY 2, 2005
Juniper Creek, Milton, FL

Date: Saturday, July 2, 2005
Time: 9:30 AM
Place: Meet at the Subway/gas station on the corner of Rt. 191 and 87 in Milton.
Directions: Take I-10 to the first Milton/Garcon Point exit. This is the first exit after the single lane Pensacola bridge. Go left/north a few miles to route 90. Go east/right on rt. 90 until intersection of 90/87 in Milton. Go north/left and a short distance on the right will be the intersection of 87/191 and the subway/gas station. We will caravan to the take-out and set up the shuttle to the put-in.
Contact: Gary Worob 850-259-9337 (cell)
Comments: We will drive to take out at Indian Ford Road and load equipment from vehicles to main vehicles and drive to put-in. If you are early, your vehicle will be at the take-out when you get there. Don't be late to the meeting spot. Trip time will be from 3-5 hours depending on your speed. Bring: sunscreen, lunch and plenty to drink, something to share, we all love that, swimming things and something to paddle as well as a paddle, friends, family and perhaps a hat. Last year we had inflatable kayaks. I would not recommend this again, at least the very inexpensive kind. It is a long walk if your boat deflates.
Trip skill level: this is easy to moderate with some twisting in the upper section depending on water levels. The scenery and river are dynamic with white sandy bottom, clear water and white beaches along most of the river. This is a real great swimming and paddling adventure.
Make sure to call Gary Saturday AM before you drive over to make sure the trip is still on.

Monday, June 20, 2005

!!!!FLASH PADDLE!!!! - HORN ISLAND OVERNIGHT

Date: June 25-26, 2005
Time: leave at 5:30-6:00 AM on Saturday morning
Place: Belle Fountain Point, Ocean Springs, MS
Contact: Trip Leader - Tom Meyer twmeyer@bellsouth.net or (251) 680-4445
(I'll have my cell on until we put in the water)
Comments: Please contact Tom if you have questions or plan to go. Weather and sea state will be a deciding factor and a last minute cancel is possible. Tom can't contact you if he doesn't know you're coming.

This is a Big-Boy open water trip for advanced and intermediate paddlers with self rescue, navigation, and primitive camping skills. Effort required should be moderate unless unexpected wind and sea conditions occur. Spray skirt is highly recommended, if not essential. Paddlers should plan to confront significant sun and insect exposure. Bring a minimum of 2 gallons of hydration fluids per person. Plan to bring no less than sufficient food for breakfast lunch, dinner, snacks. Bring a light for visibility in case we are on the water at night.

Drive over to Ocean Springs, MS Friday night. Dinner at local venue of choice.

Camp at the campground in NPS Davis Bayou Gulf Islands National Seashore unit in Ocean Springs (go to http://www.nps.gov/guis/extended/MIS/MDrction/Dirctn.htm for directions). There is a $14/campsite fee with two tents and a maximum of six persons allowed per campsite.

Plan on EARLY start to beat the heat. Latest start at 1st light (5:30-6:00 AM). Consider earlier start, since there will be substantial moonlight.

Put in will be at Belle Fountain Point just east of Ocean Springs MS (go to http://www.bayouhaystackers.com/TrpsFrame.htm and click on Horn Island for directions (starting from Exit 57 off I-10)). If you look at a map, this will be at the point where Horn Island is closest to the mainland (approximately 6 miles). This is a public access beach area marked by a large water tank that appears to be a light house.

Paddle due south approximately 6 miles over open water to Horn Island (2.5-3 hrs).
Locate campsite and set-up, spend day exploring. Spend night on Horn Island. Plan on early start for return paddle to mainland. Breakfast or lunch at local venue of choice.

Friday, June 17, 2005

GOOD NEWS FOR GRAND BAY - AT LEAST FOR NOW

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently announced Duncan Oil has withdrawn their permit request to dredge an access channel and drill a natural gas well in Grand Bay, Mobile County, Alabama. About two weeks ago, Duncan's consultant re-surveyed the proposed access channel and well site. This survey revealed that as a result of Hurricane Ivan, the access channel had become much more shallow and the shallow water area had been colonized by submerged aquatic vegetation, an important fishery habitat. Since the conditions changed, the application was withdrawn and they will investigate an alternative approach for drilling a well in their lease area.

So, at least for the near term, there will be no drilling. If and when Duncan resubmits an application for a permit to drill, the USCOE will notify us, allowing time for public comment again.
FLASH - NEW DETAILS ADDED FOR SUNDAY MOONLIGHT PADDLE

Click here for all the details listed in the June Calendar for this Sunday evening paddle and potluck at Blakeley State Park. Don't miss it!

Thursday, June 16, 2005

In Honor of Larry McDuff and his love and stewardship of the earth, sea and heavens and all living things, Tom Meyer brought us Fire in the Web, a beautiful and hauntingly insightful and inspiring poem found in the Link MBCAKC Prose and Poetry.

Wednesday, June 15, 2005

FLASH PADDLE - DAUPHIN ISLAND TO SAND ISLAND

Date: June 19, 2005.
Depart Time: 8:00 AM (In water & beginning the paddle). It is an early launch to avoid the heat of the afternoon.
Return Time: Noon (approx).
Launch Site: Protected waters by the rock jetties, far east end, south side. (Drive east on Bienville Blvd until it ends in a small parking lot).
Take-Out Site: Same as Launch Site.
Restrooms: None at launch site.
Launch Cost: Free.
Trip Distance: Approx 8 miles.
Trip Route: South to Sand Island, take a break for individual activities, then go along the north side of Sand Island to the northern tip, take another break, then cross to Dauphin Island near the Pier, then east along the south side of Dauphin Island back to the launch site. (A triangular loop). Route subject to last minute change based on weather and sea conditions at trip time.
Trip Speed: Leisurely 2.5 to 3 mph.
Recommended Paddler Level: Must be experienced in self rescue.
Food/Snacks: Bring enough snacks to fuel your needs, with plenty of fluids for hydration.
Gear: Standard safety gear which includes: paddle float, pump, spray skirt (for sit-in kayaks), and life vest. Other items to bring would be sunglasses (polarized), hat, sunscreen, & insect repellent, etc.
Options: Bring a bathing suit and go swimming. Bring a fishing pole and cast a few times for fish. Bring binoculars to see birds up close - they are currently nesting and are a bit aggressive. Bring a towel and lay out on the beach. Bring a storage bag and go shell hunting. Bring a camera and take photos.
Replenishment Activities: Lunch at the Seafood Galley.
Leader: Rob Nykvist
Contact Numbers: 460-4646 423-0015
Email: kayaker@mchsi.com
Big Boy Paddle to Middle Bay Lighthouse
Celebration in Memory of Larry McDuff - Trip Report

Gary and I wrote a few thoughts about our paddle today which are now posted at MBCAKC Trip Reports/

Tuesday, June 14, 2005

FLASH PADDLE -
BIG BOY PADDLE TO MIDDLE BAY LIGHTHOUSE

Date: Wednesday, June 15, 2005
Time: 6:00 AM
Place: Meet at the small marina just north of the Marriott at Point Clear. Take Scenic 98 south out of Fairhope, AL
Contact: Brint Adams 583-9919
Comments: In fond memory of Larry McDuff, we are scheduling the original Big Boy Paddle, just as Larry would have loved to lead. In fact, Larry and I talked last Tuesday night about having him organize and lead a trip to Middle Bay later this month. So, this trip is just following through with his promise to do so. Larry will be in our thoughts, leading us on a safe and enjoyable trip.
This approximate 12 mile round trip is suitable for intermediate and above paddlers.
Services for Larry McDuff - Thursday, June 16, 2005

Funeral services for Larry will be held at:

St Paul's Episcopal Church - Eastern Shore
28788 N. Main St
Daphne, AL 36526
251-626-2421

1:30 PM - Visitation
2:30 PM - Funeral Service
4:00 PM - Graveside at Montrose Cemetary

Out of town friends and family are invited to Larry's house following the burial service in the Montrose Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to:

St Paul's Episcopal Church - Eastern Shore

or to:

Ecumenical Ministries
P.O. Box 1103
Fairhope, AL 36533

Larry's family can be reached at (251) 928-1582 or margaretmcdufflewis@yahoo.com

Monday, June 13, 2005

CANDLELIGHT VIGIL FOR LARRY MCDUFF AT SUNSET ON THE BEACH AT FYC

Following the tragic death today of Larry McDuff, a first gathering will take place tonight at the Fairhope Yacht Club beach overlooking Mobile Bay. The candlelight vigil will start at 7:30 PM. All other funeral arrangements and memorials are being planned and will be announced as soon as they are confirmed.

Saturday, June 11, 2005

!!!!FLASH - JUNIPER CREEK PADDLE CANCELLED!!!!!

After a sleepless night and much hand-wringing, Gary decided to cancel the Juniper Creek paddle for Sunday, June 12, 2005. Stay tuned for a possible new date.

Friday, June 10, 2005

!!!!!FLASH - DOG PADDLE EVENTS CANCELLED!!!!!

The Dog Paddle Kayak Races previously scheduled for Saturday, June 11, 2005 are cancelled until further notice. At present, the event is rescheduled for June 25, 2005, same time and place. Have a safe weekend.