--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