December Notes

January Meeting - no meeting will be held due to the New Year Holidays. The next meeting will be February 5th, 2008


Note and Paddles:

Paddle Bayou Lafourche 2008
Registration is now open for Paddle Bayou Lafourche 2008 which will be held on March 27-30, 2008. This is a 4 day, 52 mile South Louisianna adventure from Donaldsville to Lockport that is sure to be fun, entertaining, and educational. For more information call: 1-800-259-869 or go to the website at: http://paddling.btnep.org/


Paddle Florida - March 20-27, 2008
Registration is now open for Paddle Florida, a 7 day, 123 mile paddlefest on the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail. For more information: http://paddleflorida.org/

Paddle : Rice Creek to Indian Mounds
Date: Thursday, Dec. 27
Meeting Place: Stagecoach Restaurant parking lot in Stockton at 8:30 am.
Caravan to Rice Creek put-in.
Contact/Leader: Maggie Pyle
Notes: Moderate skill levels needed - approx 10 miles round trip. CALL MAGGIE in case plans should change Cell (251) 648-0059
Bring snacks or lunch. Plan to paddle to the Indian Mounds, take out and eat, then paddle back. Bring usual safety equipment and food. Paddle will be at a moderate pace.

Paddle on Tuesday, Dec. 18th
Trip leader: Juli Day, call Juli so she will know who is coming in the event of any changes
Contact #: 377-0054
Date: Tuesday, December 18th
Time: 2:00 pm
Place: Busby's landing
Launch Fee: $3.00

Future Paddles:
Please check website frequently for future paddle postings.


Dog River Cleanup Event
Saturday, Dec. 8th at 9am
Lusher Park
2459 N. Dog River Drive
The Mobile Bay Kayak Fishing Association, The Alabama Coastal Fisherman's Association, The Mobile Bay National Estuary Program, The Dog River Clearwater Revival, Cub Scout Pack 133, and Mobile Baykeeper have all volunteered to assist in the effort of cleaning up Dog River. The City of Mobile will be supplying the trash bags. Kayaks, motorboats, and landlubbers are asked to help pick up the trash from the river and the shorlines. Please be at Lusher Park on Dec. 8th at 9am to help clean up the trash.

November Notes and Paddles

December Meeting
The December meeting will be Tuesday, December 4th at 7 pm Fairhope Yacht Club Pier. It may be cool, dress accordingly.

Sunday Paddle - New Posting
Date: Sunday, Dec. 2nd
Place: Rice Creek to Jug Lake Platform
Meeting Place: Meet at Stagecoach Rest. parking lot in Stockton at 9am. Caravan to Rice Creek put-in.
Contact/Leader: Harriet and Fritz Ingraham / CALL HARRIET OR FRITZ IF YOU ARE COMING, as plans could change. 928-4568 home; 604-3741 Harriet cell; 680-8928 Fritz cell
Notes: Moderate skill levels needed - approx 8 mile round trip
Bring snack or light lunch. Plan to paddle to the platform, take out and eat a bite, then paddle back. Bring usual safety equipment and food. We will paddle at a nice moderate clip.

6th (or 7th) MBCKC Anniversary Party.
Sat, Nov 17 1:30 pm until it's over.........Aven and Gary Warners House off Dog River. - beginner to advanced - everyone will enjoy time on their water

Gather at the Warners for a shortish, very nice paddle. After, we will all share food and drink. Bring your own drink, and bring a dish to share with everyone. VERY IMPORTANT - you MUST call Aven 473.1819 for directions to their house - to discuss what you are bringing to share - and for parking instructions. Bring your kayak/canoe - we can launch at their house.

This is a not to miss party - we always have a wonderful time gathering together..... Come and join us....

Notes from the November 6th Meeting
There were approximately 15-20 persons who dared to come out in the chill of the night for the meeting which was led by Fritz. Many important safety-type issues were discussed; we all shared important pointers that ranged from wearing PFD’s to appropriate clothing suitable for the weather and environment for which one is paddling.

Upcoming Paddles

Sunday, Dec 2 - please see above

Johnson’s Beach
Date: Friday, November 9
Time: 10:00 AM
Launch: Gulf Island's National Seashore / Johnson's Beach boat ramp Perdido Key, Florida. There is an $8 park entrance fee.
Contact/Leader: Perry Phillips 251-593-1506 or perrywphillips@yahoo.com .
Length: Approximately 5 hours.
Skill Level: This is not an endurance trip. Beginners are welcome, and we may go only as far as Langley Point depending on the condition of our paddlers.
Advisements: Dress for the weather conditions. Bring plenty of fluids and something for lunch and your favorite energy snacks. Paddlers must have PFD's. This area is regularly traversed by large powerboats and barge traffic.


Tentative Paddle – Cancelled in lieu of this paddle we are holding our anniversary party. (See above)
Date: Saturday, November 17
Leaders: Fritz and Harriet Ingraham
Please watch for further updates regarding this tentatively scheduled paddle

November Meeting
The November Meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 6th at 7pm at Fairhope Yacht Club. The meeting will be on the FYC pier; it may be cool and/or breezy so you may want to bring a jacket.

Paddle Nov. 3rd
Place: Cloverleaf Landing up to McVays, down to Blakeley and back
Date: Nov 3, Saturday
Fritz Ingraham: 680.8928 cell; 928.4568 hm
Time: Meet at Bruno's in Spanish Fort at 8:30 a.m.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced

This is the previously announced Upper Delta Paddle that has been changed to Lower Delta due to the possibility of winter water (low water due to north winds) in the Bayous of the Upper Delta.

As there is another paddle that has just been announced for this day, we suggest those wishing for an easy paddle to go on the other one, those wishing to go on a faster paced, longer paddle to go with Fritz. It's great to have choices, isn't it?

Bring usual safety equipment, water, snacks or light lunch. Duration could be 4-6 hours.

Call if you are coming - you never know when the paddle leader may change location, and if he doesn't have your phone number, you won't be able to be notified!

Anyone wishing to join in with one or many of the weekend activities at the Florida Paddlers' Rendezvous 2007 (Oct. 26-28), please follow the following link and instructions - great weekend of fun on the water and off

http://wfcanoekayak.com/rendezvous/

Mystery Paddle
Sunday, Oct. 14
Time: call to find out Place: call to find out
1) maybe Boiling Creek (but have to have a current pass)
2) maybe Sand Island
3) maybe Perdido Estuary
Call Bob 367.4144 to find out where, when and other details

--October Notes and Paddles--
(last updated: October 3rd)

November Meeting
The November Meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 6th at 7pm at Fairhope Yacht Club.

Notes:
1) Alabama Coastal Birdfest is October 18-21st, see http://www.alabamacoastalbirdfest.com/

2) Thanks to everyone who entered photographs for the first annual Mobile Bay Canoe and Kayak Club photography contest and congratulations to all our winners!

*5 Rivers Fall Kayak Fishing Tournament - Mike Bosarge invites us to join in the festivities of the 1st Annual 5 Rivers Kayak Fishing Tournament to be held October 27, 2007. For more information, click here: http://www.mbkfa.com/tournament1007.htm

Paddles:
Bayou Le Batre Paddle
Date: 6 October, 2007
Time: 9 a.m.
Place: Meet at St. Margaret Catholic Church.
Launch Fee: none
Contact: Tracy Lannie at 463.4233
Length: easy to moderately paced 5-mile round trip in protected water.
Directions: 13790 South Wintzell, just over the BLB bridge (click here for map&directions)
Comments: The plan is to go under the bridge and paddle up to the head of
the 'bayou'. Bring fluids, snacks, PFD, suntan lotion, bug spray.
CALL TRACY 463-4233 IF YOU PLAN ON PADDLING AND LEAVE YOUR NUMBER SO THEY CAN CONTACT YOU IN THE EVENT OF ANY CHANGES.

Upper Delta Paddle - Rice Creek
Date: 7 October, 2007
Time: Afternoon
Place: Rice Creek to Jug Lake
Launch Fee: None
Contact: Bob Andrews at 367.4144
Length: 5 miles in and 5 miles back.
Directions: Contact Bob Andrews
Comments: Plan to paddle 5 miles in and 5 miles back with time to eat a snack/meal on the platform. Call Bob for time and meeting place.

Pelican Point Paddle
Date: 14 October, 2007
Time: 2 p.m.
Place: Weeks Bay
Launch Fee: none.
Contact: Nancy Ward @ 990.5575
Length: Several easy miles along the shoreline of Weeks Bay, return before sunset.
Directions: Launching at Pelican Point at the terminus of Route 1 on the Eastern Shore.
Comments: Contact Nancy if you intend to paddle

Boiling Creek Paddle
Date: 20 October, 2007
Time: 8:20 a.m.
Place: Meet at Wilcox Road Exit 53 off I-10 at 8:20 a.m. to begin the caravan to the put-in.
Launch Fee: none.
Contact: Harriet and Fritz Ingraham - 928.4568 hm; 604.3741 or 680.8928 cells
Length: 5 miles.
Directions: East on I-10 from Mobile/EasternShore to Exit 53.
Comments: This will be a moderate paddle due to the narrow, twisty nature of Boiling Creek that requires a degree of boat handling skill in a following current. Contact Fritz or Harriet if you plan to make this paddle.

Upper Delta Paddle
Date: 3 November, 2007
Comments: Details TBD

--September Notes and Paddles--
(last updated: September 29th)

October Meeting - LOCATION CHANGE
The October Meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 2nd at 7pm at BAYSIDE ACADEMY IN DAPHNE, see map below or call Juli for directions at 377-0054. Bring your photo submissions for the photo contest (click here for contest details)


View Larger Map

Notes: (There is a lot here this month...)

1) Alabama Coastal Birdfest is October 18-21st, see www.alabamacoastalbirdfest.com

2) Lisa Kennedy had three kayaks stolen in early-August. She is asking club members to keep an eye out for them. See pictures and contact info at:
http://mbcakcboats4sale.blogspot.com/2007/08/stolen-3-kayaks.html

3) Eglin Air Force Base Recreation Permits expire on October 1st, 2007, they now cost $10. Please see the link to the right for details.

Paddles:
September Full Moon Paddle
Date: 26 September, 2007
Time: 5:45pm
Place: Whiskey Ditch
Launch Fee: none.
Contact: Harriet and Fritz Ingraham - 928.4568 hm; 604.3741 or 680.8928 cells
Length: Several easy miles.
Directions: Launcg at River Docks, the boat launch on the north side of the causeway, approximately 300 feet west of Ed's Shed)
Comments:

CALL IF YOU PLAN TO COME - LOCATION SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND WEATHER - IF YOU CALL US AND LEAVE A PHONE NUMBER TO REACH YOU, WE WILL CALL YOU WITH ANY CHANGE OF PLANS.

Short duration - 5 miles round trip - a beautiful place to float to. Pace will be slow to medium. Bring LIGHT, PFD, bugspray, all the usual paddling needs.

A note of reminder: at any time when paddling, be aware of your surroundings, especially with regard to motor boats, air boats, sailboats, etc. We will paddle through Pass Picada enroute and on return from Whiskey Ditch. Pass Picada often has faster, larger moving watercraft on it, due in large to people going to the local restaurants to dine. At any time, when paddling with Harriet and Fritz, that another larger faster moving watercraft approaches - you MUST MOVE TO THE SHORE OF THE WATERWAY. Use common sense - you may not be able to hear the directive from us, so take the responsibility yourself and move close to shore. If after dark - MAKE SURE YOUR LIGHT IS DIRECTED IN THE DIRECTION OF THE LARGER WATERCRAFT, so there is an awareness of you, in your kayak, sitting very low on the water.

Have fun on the water - the Full Moon Paddle's are magical. But remember to be aware of your surroundings.

MOBILE BAY CANOE & KAYAK CLUB PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST

'"COASTAL IMAGES"

Categories (limit of 3 photo's per category per entry)

Flora/Fauna

Landscape/Waterscape

Boat (with or without Paddlers)

Birds/Wildlife

Share what you see as you paddle the delta, bays, estuaries or many rivers and bayous along the coast.

Photographs must be taken from your boat* and/or include an image of a boat* in your photograph.

Photographs may be in color or black and white

All Entries should be recent photographs

For judging purposes please title your entry

Awards will be given for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each of the four categories listed above.

Bring your mounted or framed photograph to the October 2nd meeting. Entries will be judged by MBCKC members.

*boat represents non-motorized: kayak, canoe, etc.

Attach the following information to the back of your entry:

Name

Subject

Title

Full Moon Paddle - Bay Minette Basin

Monday, August 27, 2007; 6:00 PM

Harriet and Fritz Ingraham

928.4568 home; 604.3741 h-cell; 680.8928 f-cell

hvk1457@aol.com ; phritz@bellsouth.net

launch at Buzbee's on Hwy 225 north of Spanish Fort

$3.00 launch fee

Call/email Harriet or Fritz if you are coming.

if rain delay, will be re-scheduled for Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Join us for another full moon rising, sun setting paddle - no better place to view both in such glory. LIGHTS are required for paddling after dark. We will raft together somewhere to watch the sun set and the moon rise. Bring all normal paddling gear and food and drink for yourself and/or to share. We will not be exiting our kayaks, but will be stopping at some point to enjoy the view and eat a snack. Bug spray may be needed.

FOWL RIVER PADDLE - JULI DAY WILL LEAD

DATE: AUGUST 25, 2007 - SATURDAY

TIME: 8:00 AM

PLACE: JENKINS MEMORY STORE ON FOWL RIVER ROAD

FOWL RIVER ROAD RUNS EAST AND WEST BETWEEN DAUPHIN ISLAND PKWY AND BELLINGRATH ROAD.

I PLAN TO STAY IN THE UPPER SECTION OF FOWL RIVER GOING SOUTH FROM JENKINS AND THEN BACK NORTH UNDER THE BRIDGE. SHOULD BE OUT A COUPLE OF HOURS AND THIS IS AN EASY PADDLE.

WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO SWIM ALSO.

BRING SUNSCREEN, WATER, PFD AND THE NORMAL GEAR.

ANYONE PLANNING ON GOING ON THIS TRIP MUST!!!!!! CONTACT ME AT 377-0054 OR E-MAIL ME AT THIS SITE OR AT CEZANNEART@BELLSOUTH.NET

JULI DAY

Kayak Instruction Opportunity!!

Four hour private group class on Mobile Bay for a total of> $650. That works out to $65 per person for 10 people.
The rate goes up, per person, for groups under 10:
9- $72
8- $81.25
7- $93
6- $103
5- $130
4- $162.50 ..... and so on.

>> This class is geared toward recreational kayaks and consists of boat and paddle design, getting in and out of the kayak from shore using the rear cockpit paddle brace, wet exits, self-rescue, assisted rescue, towing an injured paddler, learning the forward stroke technique, sweep turns, skullingdraws, hanging draws, and bow rudders; proper form for preventing physical injuries and proper maneuvers for efficient paddling will be emphasized. Tonywill gear the class to the experience level and individual interest of the participants.

Paddle float (blow-up) and hand pump required for class. Tony will show how to make a tow-belt from simple materials. The class location will be at the park on South Mobile Street in Fairhope on Mobile Bay. The class should meet at 10am and would be 4 to 6 hours. If weather conditions are bad, the class would be moved to Bay Minette Creek. There is a launch fee there of $3 per boat. Class is held rain or shine. Only severe weather conditions would warrant cancellation of the class.

Tony Kramer
Owner/Guide/Instructor The Sea Kayaker
http://theseakayaker.com
1-800-595-3286> 770-403-8346
http://theseakayaker.com/sea_kayak_instruction/sea_kayak_rescue.html

Tony takes a "How To" approach to his kayak instruction and tours. Asan instructor, his experience is based on over seventeen years of open oceantouring and BCU training.His adventures have taken him to Alaska and the many miles of the southeast Atlantic Coast, Gulf Coast and Mississippi Sound. Tony is certified in CPR andFirst Aid and has countless hours of rescue work in seven to eight foot seas.

Please contact Tina Murphy tcmurph@mchsi.com (WFCKC) or Harriet > Ingraham hvk1457@aol.com (MBACKC) if you are interested in taking this class. If there are enough people wanting a class and it is a go, payment will be due August 20. If there are enough people for two classes, another class in Pensacola may be added.

--July Notes and Paddles--
(last updated: July 19th)

August Meeting
The August Meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 7th at 7pm at Fairhope Yacht Club.

We are looking for a new webmaster as I am leaving Mobile shortly...I will provide training (it's pretty simple) to whomever wishes to take over the website. E-mail me at out2sea03@hotmail.com

Two new paddle reports have been posted...one for the Susquehanna River up north, and our own local Magnolia River. Check them out by clicking here, or at the paddle reports link to the right.

Sunday Dog River Paddle
Date: July 15th, 2007
Time: 8:00am
Place: Lusher Park, 2459 Dog River Drive
Launch Fee: none
Contact: Maggie Pyle, (251) 648-0059 Cell if you plan to paddle.
Length: Several easy miles.
Directions: For directions, go to:
http://www.cityofmobile.org/parks/parklist.php?view=full&park=46
Comments: Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, etc. We'll go up Dog River from the
park and perhaps downriver depending on time, powerboats, and weather.

Please call Maggie Pyle, (251) 648-0059 Cell if you plan to paddle.

(Another) Upper Magnolia River Paddle
Date: July 22nd, 2007
Time: 1:30pm
Place: Upper Magnolia River
Launch Fee: None.
Contact: Nancy Ward, 990-5575, wardn@earthlink.net
Length: Several easy miles.
Directions: Meet at the Shell station on Highway 98 and cty rd 49. (careful, cty rd 49 comes out in two places---go to the Shell station). We'll then drive the short distance to the Rock Street put-in.
Comments: Repeat of a popular paddle. It's casual and relaxing, there's opportunity for swimming, and it's easy to leave early---if you must. We will stay in the no wake zone, which boaters are good to honor, and head up river. Soon we'll be in areas the power boaters cannot even access. Last trip we got out in one of the many shallow places and played in the water. We'll retrace our path and pass the put in. People can leave early if they must. We'll continue downriver until just before making a wake becomes legal. On our final return we'll swim from the sandbar across from the put in. Bring sunscreen, water, snack, pfd, bug spray, anything to make your paddle pleasant. Nancy Ward, 990-5575, wardn@earthlink.net


Full Moon Float
Date: Sunday, July 29th, 2007
Time: meet at 6-6:15pm...depart at 6:30 pm sharp!
Place: Meaher State Park on the Causeway
Launch Fee: none
Contact: Juli Day 377.0054
Length: Several easy miles.
Directions: Click Here for Directions
Comments: Plan to leave Meaher Park at 6:30, paddle in the general area, destination Justins Bay... where we will raft together, eat a snack, watch the sun set to the west and the Full Moon rise over the cat-tails to the east. A beautiful place to enjoy the full moon.
Bring snack, and if you want to share, bring enough to share. Bug Spray, water, LIGHT, PFD.

Call Juli for more details on the trip AND Call her so she is expecting you.

--June/July Notes and Paddles--
(last updated: June 28th)

July Meeting
The July meeting has been cancelled and replaced with the 4th of July Paddle.

Full Moon Float to Whiskey Ditch
Date: Friday, June 29th
Time: 6:30 pm
Place: River Doc's on the causeway
Launch Fee: none
Contact: Harriet and Fritz Ingraham - 928.4568 hm; 604.3741 or 680.8928 cells
Length: Round Trip 5 miles. Pace - modest
Directions to launch: Launch is 300 feet to the west of Ed's Shed on the opposite side of the road (the north side).
Comments: MAKE SURE TO CALL US IF YOU ARE COMING AND LEAVE A CONTACT PHONE NUMBER WITH US - Time and Place are subject to change based on
weather. This is not written in stone - if you don't call and leave a contact number with us, we will not be able to update you in the event we change time or locations of this paddle.
Bring food and drink. We will paddle east in Pass Picada, then north up the Apalachee River to Whiskey Ditch. We will raft together in the ditch and share munchies from our kayaks. We will NOT be getting out of the kayaks on this float. BRING LIGHT and Bug Spray, along with normal paddling gear. Moonrise is a little before 8 pm, we will be at medium outgoing tide.

Upper Magnolia River Paddle
Date: July 1st, 2007
Time: 1:30pm
Place: Upper Magnolia River
Launch Fee: None.
Contact: Nancy Ward, 990-5575, wardn@earthlink.net
Length: Several easy miles.
Directions: Meet at the Shell station on Highway 98 and cty rd 49. (careful, cty rd 49 comes out in two places---go to the Shell station). We'll then drive the short distance to the Rock Street put-in.
Comments: We'll stay in the no wake zone which boaters have been good to honor and head up river. Soon we'll be in areas the power boaters cannot even access. This will be a slow, relaxing paddle. Maybe we can swim. Bring sunscreen, water, snack, pfd, bug spray, anything to make your paddle pleasant.

Fourth of July Fireworks Paddle
Date: Wednesday, July 4th
Time: Meet around 7 to 7:30 pm ( if you are late arriving, just head to the pier, you can't miss us).
Place: Fairhope Yacht Club
Launch Fee: None
Contact: Harriet and Fritz Ingraham - 928.4568 hm; 604.3741 or 680.8928 cells
Length: Short.
Directions: Click Here
Comments: Plans are to raft together, or even get out, if the sandbar is present, on the north side of the Fairhope Pier. This is an annual event - nothing better than to view the fireworks from a kayak - and we usually get not only the Fairhope Fireworks, but Lake Forest, Mobile, sometime the Grand Hotel - lots to see. However, it is important that you have a light with you. The waters will be full of motor, sail, various kinds of boats - plus, lights after dark is the law. This is one paddle we always have our lights on. We will return following a path very close to the beach, and paddling together for visibility. Gene Boothe started this annual paddle 7 years ago - he is turning the paddle over to Harriet and Fritz for this year. No need to call, unless you need further directions, just show up, or meet us there.

--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.