May Notes and Paddles
June Meeting
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 2nd. Avid paddler, Arthur Hebert of Gretna, LA will be our guest speaker. Arthur will be sharing his adventure of his 1998 twenty-day, 738-mile solo open-water crossing of the Gulf of Mexico. Arthur made this unescorted trip from Isla Mujeres, Mexico to the mouth of the Mississippi River in his 17' Eddyline Wind Dancer and dedicated the expedition to his daughter, Nichole, who was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis at the age of nine. The goal was not only to cross the Gulf but to make more people aware of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.


May Notes

Thanks to Bruce Coldsmith for sharing the plans for a Blueway on Dog River. How exciting to know that MBCKC members may have the opportunity to participate in the planning of the Blueway! Stay-tuned for further info. Thanks to Tom Meyer for sharing several paddlers photos from March's Paddle Bayou Lafourche.

Upcoming Events and Paddles

May 16, 2009 - Dog Paddle Races / Dog River Park 8:30AM - 2:00PM, 1/2 mile races, 1 mile races, and a 7 mile down river race to Dog River Bridge. Open to all paddlers. See www.dogriver.org

May 30, 2009 - Grandman Triathlon - the quota for Volunteer Kayakers has been met

June 11-13, 2009 - Paddle Alabama @ Weiss Lake for more info: http://www.alabamascenicrivertrail.com/events/?eventID=12&date=06/11/2009

Boiling Creek Paddle (sometime between June1 -4 (Mon - Thurs)
Leader: Bob Andrews
Notes: Bob will be leading a boiling creek paddle during the first week of June. Check back for futher information. If you do not have your Boiling Creek Pass and you wish to make this paddle, you need to apply for the pass now. For more information, see the "Eglin AFB Recreation Permit" link to the right.

Friday, May 8 - Full Moon Paddle
Contact: Tracy Lannie 463-4233
Meet/Put-in: Bayou La Batre State Docks, Shell Belt Rd (see calendar for map)
Time: 6pm
Notes: We will put in at the State Docks in Bayou La Batre and paddle out into the Mississippi Sound to Coffee Island (Isle Aux Herbes) to watch the sun set and the moon rise. This is one of the most perfect spots in our area to see both! MUST bring PFD and light. Bring all other necessary paddling gear. Bring bugspray.
Important Note: This is not a paddler for beginners. Depending on winds, current, etc. we could have some small seas. Also, there is a main channel nearby, we are subject to encounter boat traffic. From the put-in to the island is one mile. Total trip will be approximately 3 to 5 miles. Paddlers must call if you plan to paddle. This event is subject to change depending on weather/water conditions.

Saturday, May 2 Dauphin Island Paddle
Leader: Maggie Pyle
Launch: 7:30 a.m. at the DI Golf Course
Easy Paddle, Two-four hours / Moderate pace
Please contact Maggie if you plan to paddle. Cell 251 648-0059
Notes: We'll paddle along the shore lines of Dauphin Island and Sand Island. This is an excellent paddle for new paddlers. We'll take a break on Sand Island to stretch our legs, have snacks, and watch the sea birds. To find DI Golf Course, go to the MBCKC website, scroll down to Paddling Resources, click on Local Launch Sites. On the left scroll down, click on DI Golf Course(not listed alphabetically).Please bring PFDs, water, munchies, bug spray, hats, sunglasses, binoculars, etc.

April Notes and Paddles
May Meeting
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 5, 2009. Bruce Coldsmith, President of Dog River Clearwater Revival , will talk about developing a "Blue Way Trail" on Dog River. Claire Wilson, Vice President of DRCR, will talk about the upcoming Dog Paddle Races. Also, there will be a presentation of March's Paddle Bayou Lafourche which was attended by approximately ten club members.

April Notes

Ron Smith gave an awesome slide-show presentation of the Alaskan paddle trip that he and his wife, Suzie, experienced. A special thanks to Ron for sharing his adventure with us!

Upcoming Events and Paddles

May 2, 2009 - Fish River Project - Kayakers needed/ Contact Anna Keene at (251)990-6002 or akeene@joinacf.org (see below)

May 7 - 9, 2009 - Woods & Water Expo, Spanish Fort / Volunteer Kayakers Needed. For more information, contact Gene Boothe Home Phone: 928-1107

May 16, 2009 - Dog Paddle Races / Dog River Park 8:30AM - 2:00PM, 1/2 mile races, 1 mile races, and a 7 mile down river race to Dog River Bridge. Open to all paddlers. See www.dogriver.org

May 30, 2009 - Grandman Triathlon /Volunteer Kayakers needed to assist in swim portion. Those interested MUST contact Harriet King-Ingraham (cell) 604-3741 or (Fairhope Boat Co) (251) 928-3417

June 11-13, 2009 - Paddle Alabama @ Weiss Lake for more info: http://www.alabamascenicrivertrail.com/events/?eventID=12&date=06/11/2009

Saturday, April 25 Escatawpa River at Presley's Outing
Leader: Maggie Pyle 251 648-0059
Launch: 2:00 p.m. at Presley's Outing (Please see calendar for map)
Launch Fee: $5
Notes: Easy Paddle, Two hours / Moderate pace
Presley's Outing is a beautiful small lake on Escatawpa River, located off I-10 just inside the Mississippi state line. It's an easy launch site. We'll paddle up the Escatawpa River and return back down to the launch site in about two hours. This is an excellent paddle for new paddlers. We'll take a break on sandy beaches. To find Presley's Outing, go to the MBCKC website, scroll down to Paddling Resources, click on Local Launch Sites. On the left scroll down, click on Presley's Outing (not listed alphabetically).
Please bring PFDs, water, munchies, bug spray, hats, sunglasses, etc. And don't forget the launch fee of $5. Please contact Maggie if you plan to paddle.

Thursday, April 23 - Whiskey Ditch Paddle
Contact: Tracy Lannie 463-4233 or tracy@thelannies.us
Put-In Place/Time: meet at 5:45 pm to be paddling by 6pm, River Docs on the causeway (just west of Ed's Shed on the opposite side of the road)
Notes: A short paddle to Whiskey Ditch - plan on being back at launch around sunset. Bring usual gear, PFD, light, water, snacks, bugspray. Please call if you plan on attending and leave a number where you can be reached in the event my plans change. MUST BRING PFD & LIGHT

March Notes and Paddles
April Meeting
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 7th. Ron Smith, MBCKC member and guest speaker for April, will do a presentation on an Alaskan adventure that he and his wife, Suzie, partook in. His tales and photos of this 300 mile journey in Southeast Alaska from Sitka to Petersburg is sure to underscore why Alaska is known as "The Great Land".

March Notes
Thanks to Joe Cuhaj, VP Publicity /Alabama Hiking Trail Society, for sharing information on the AHTS and their 7th annual conference which will be held at 5 Rivers this weekend - March 6th and 7th.

Upcoming Events and Paddles7th Annual Alabama Hiking Trail Society - March 6 & 7 http://www.hikealabama.org/conference.html


Paddle Bayou Lafourche March 26 - 29
http://paddling.btnep.org/

Fish River Project Postponed until Sat. May 2- Volunteer Paddlers needed!
Volunteers needed to conduct a shoreline assessment of Upper Fish River to provide a baseline of current watershed conditions. Volunteers will boat specific grids, noting their observations based on a provided checklist
Volunteers meet at 7:30 AM at Bohemian Park off of CR 48/Fairhope Avenue on Saturday, May 2nd. Please bring all appropriate gear and GPS units and cameras if you have them. Also, if you have extra boats that other volunteers could use, please let us know. Volunteer training will be held March 17th at Big Daddy's Grill off of CR 32 at 6:30 PM.
For more information, contact Anna Keene at (251)990-6002 or akeene@joinacf.org

Tuesday, March 17 - Whiskey Ditch -
Contact: Bob Andrews 367-4144
Put-In Place/Time: 5:30pm, River Docs on the causeway (just west of Ed's Shed on the opposite side of the road)
Notes: A short paddle to Whiskey Ditch - It may be getting dark when we get back to launch. Bring a light and all usual gear, PFD, water, snacks, bugspray.

***Canceled Sunday March 15 Fowl River Paddle Canceled****
Contact: Juli Day 377-0054 cezanneart@bellsouth.net
Launch: Memories boat launch
Time: early morning approx 8am
Launch Fee: $3
Notes: Moderate Paddle 2-3 hours
Bring PFD, sunscreen, all usual paddle/safety gear
very slight current unless we get a good amount of rain during the week, beautiful deciduous trees, very few homes. Usually see a wide range of birds. Plant life should be coming into bloom. There will be no place to get out of the boat to stretch your legs. This will be an early morning paddle. Don't forget your binoculars!

February Notes and Paddles
March Meeting
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 3 at the Tensaw Theater/Five Rivers Delta Resource Center 7pm. Come early (6:45 pm) for 'Meet, Greet, & Eat'. Our guest speaker for March will be Joe Cuhaj, VP Publicity/Alabama Hiking Trail Society and author of several books (including co-author of Paddling Alabama). Mr. Cuhaj will be talking about the Alabama Hiking Trail Society and give us the inside take on their exciting 7th annual conference which will be held at 5 Rivers, March 6th and 7th

February Notes
Thanks to Ron and Suzie Smith, two of MBCKC's newest members, for the presentation on 'proper clothing for cold water paddling'. It is most important to consider proper clothing for the environment in which one is paddling before hitting the water. Also, thank you to Tom Meyer for sharing his photos of past "Paddle Bayou Lafourche" trips.

Saturday, Feb 21 - Red Maple Slough Paddle
Contact: Bob Andrews 367-4144
Bob Andrews and Gene Boothe will be paddling to Maple Slough Saturday afternoon. Those interested should call Bob Andrews Friday evening/Saturday morning to get further details: 367-4144
Note: ***Please note that this paddle is for long boats only. Wind is forecasted and it could be a 'tough' paddle. As always,all participants are responsible for determining their own paddling capabilities and paddle at their own risk

Sunday, Feb. 15, 2009 - Rice Creek Landing to the Jug Lake platform - Again!
If you are unable to paddle Saturday, here is a repeat of the paddle on Sunday!!
Leader/Contact: Bob Andrews (251) 367-4144
Meet: Meet 11:00 for lunch at the Stagecoach Cafe Restaurant / Stockton. If you don't wish to join us for lunch, be in the Stagecoach's parking lot at 12 noon. - if you know where the Rice Creek put in is, you can be there shortly after noon.
Notes: Approximately 10 miles round trip. Flat water. Bring snacks, drinks, bug spray, sun-tan lotion, PFD - all the normal gear. As always, all participants are responsible for determining their own paddling capabilities and paddle at their own risk.
Call Bob if you plan to paddle: 367-4144 / for directions to Stagecoach, see paddle posting below

Canceled Saturday, Feb. 14, 2009 - Rice Creek Landing This paddle has been canceled
Leader/Contact: Maggie Pyle (251) 648-0059
Meet: Stagecoach Cafe Restaurant parking lot/ Stockton 8:30 am
Go to MapQuest for directions to 52860 Highway 59 - http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Stockton&state=AL&cat=stagecoach+restaurant
Notes: Approximately 10 miles round trip. Pace will be moderate - should be able to paddle 3 - 4 mph for short periods of timeon the open water sectons. They bayous will be more leisurely.
The paddle is usually an all day trip, so come prepared with plenty of food, snacks, drinks, bug spray, sun-tan lotion, extra clothes, rain jacket, PFD - all the normal gear.
As always, all participants are responsible for determining their own paddling capabilities and paddle at their own risk.
Must call Maggie if you plan to attend: 648-0059

Sunday, Feb 8 Chickasabogue Creek
Leader: Juli Day
Meet/Launch Place: Chickasabogue Park, 760 Aldock Rd Eight Mile 574-2267
Launch Fee: $1.00 park entrance fee
Time: call Juli
Contact Info: Juli Day cezanneart@bellsouth.net 377-0054
Notes: Easy 2 - 3 hours on water
beautiful wooded creek, sand bars along the creek, creek is winding with a slow to moderate current. Bring snacks, water, PFD and all essential paddling gear. Remember, you must call Juli

January Notes and Paddles
February Meeting
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 3rd at the Tensaw Theater/Five Rivers Delta Resource Center 7pm. Come early (6:45 pm) for 'Meet, Greet, & Eat' (Conecuh sausage bites and soft pretzel sticks). Tom Meyer will be talking about the paddling event "Paddle Bayou Lafourche" which will be held from March 26 - 29 this year. Also, Tracy Lannie talked about posting paddle invitations on the website for those of you interested in leading a paddle or inviting others to paddle with you.

January Notes
A special thanks to both Mimi Fearn and Karen Jordan for their presentations on January 7th. Karen spoke about geocaching. Many of our club members have already participated in the sport of geocaching, and it seemed like many others are now seriously thinking about it.Dr. Fearn gave an educational presentation on the history of Dog River and how the growth of our area has affected the river. She also spoke about ideas for "Dog River Kayak/Canoe Races and Paddles. For anyone interested in helping plan the "Dog River Activities", contact Mimi Fearn at mfearn@usouthal.edu or call 460-6381.

Saturday, Jan 31, 2009 Gunnison Creek Paddle
Leader/Contact: Rob Nykvist (251) 423-0015
Meet Time/Place: Meet at Pilot Truckstop at I-65 & US 43 at 10:45 a.m.
Notes: We will be departing for the launch site at 11:00 a.m. Steele Creek Park, Satsuma, AL Launch is Free (Unless things have changed) Easy Distance about 6 miles. Expected time on water: 2-3 hours. Anticipate being back by 2:30-3:00 p.m. Rob plans to explore Gunnison Creek for his first time. Gunnison Creek wanders north from Steele Creek Park up about 3 miles before crossing under I-65, then another quarter mile later, it crosses under U.S. 43 where it looks like it gets too small to navigate.
Experience Level: Can you handle 50 degree temperatures for 3 hours? This will be a leisurely exploratory paddle, 2-3 mph average speed.
Second Wind Paddle: For those so inclined, after a short break back at Steele Creek Park, Rob plans to do a second paddle going up Steele Creek and back (less than 2 miles round trip).
Safety Warning: Water temperatures are still very cold. Dress appropriately. You may want to bring a change of clothes along

Saturday, Jan. 17, 2009 Bay Minette Creek Sunset Paddle
Contact: Rob Nykvist (251) 423-0015
Launch: 3:00 P.M. Buzbee's off Hwy 225 just north of Spanish Fort
Launch Fee: $3
Notes: Easy Paddle / 4-6 miles, about 2 hours on the water.
Leisurely paddle (or pedal) in protected waters. Anyone welcome.1 hour up Bay Minette Creek and then back to watch sunset.
Usual gear plus a flashlight. Dress appropriately for the air and water temperatures.

Thursday, January 8th Majors Creek Paddle
Contact/Leader: Gene Boothe Home Phone: 928-1107
Notes: Gene will lead a morning an 'exploration paddle' to Majors Creek, up to the Alabama River and back. Call Gene for more information

Sunday, January 4th Paddle
Time: sometime in the morning
Leaders: Harriet and Fritz Ingraham
Notes: Advanced skills needed (capable of over 3.5 mph for sustained period of time).Please call if you are interested for exact time and place 604.3741 Harriet; 680.8928 Fritz