Important:
The June club meeting has been canceled.  The next meeting will be on July 5th.

June Meeting
 

Volunteer Needed

We are looking for a volunteer to lead/direct the June 7th MBCKC meeting.  As you know, this does not involve much.  We do not have a scheduled guest speaker for June, so whoever volunteers can basically do whatever they would like in the meeting...the floor is yours!

Please let me know if you would like to volunteer.   Email:  tracy@thelannies.us    

I need to know by next week on May 24th.  If we don't have a volunteer, we will need to cancel the meeting.

Tracy Lannie

May Meeting

The next meeting will be Tuesday, May 3rd in the Longleaf room of 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center. Tonya Butler-Collins, who started the local chapter of Team River Runner (TRR), will be our guest speaker. Many of you had the opportunity to meet her at last month's "Movie Night" meeting. She will educate on the history of TRR as well as the chapter's goals for the future.

Tonya got involved with TRR in the Atlanta chapter in 2011 as a veteran participant. She moved to Daphne in July of 2014 to attend the United States Sports Academy on a full scholarship to finish her doctorate degree in sports sciences. Tonya, an ACA Level 3 River Kayak Instructor, started the chapter in April of 2015 as she saw a need for adaptive paddling in an area with over 105,000 disabled veterans. She is an 8 year US Army Veteran and a mom to a beautiful 13 year old girl who has been pulled in on this journey. 

Events and Paddles

Paddles

Saturday, May 14th - Byrnes Lake Paddle

What:  Byrne's Lake Paddle

When:  Saturday, May 14th

Launch:  9am at Byrne's Lake

Notes:  Tracy Lannie is paddling Saturday and invites you to join her.  This will be a leisurely, slow exploration paddle lending to the opportunity to photograph both flora and fauna.  We will launch and paddle East as far as we can, and then paddle West toward the Tensaw River.   There are little sloughs off to the side that can also be explored.  Estimated time on the water 2 - 2 1/2 hours.  MUST bring all required safety gear (PFD, Sounding Device).  Bring fluids, snacks, etc.

FUN FACT:  BYRNES LAKE LAUNCH SITE WAS THE LOCATION FOR THE SHOOTING OF  "FRIDAY THE 13TH, PART VII" in 1987.  Maybe we will spot Jason.  Also, it was the site for the filming of the 2004 horror movie, "FRANKENFISH".

Contact Tracy if you plan on going so she can notify you of any change of plans:  463-4233

 

Events

May 7th - Creekfest   for more info:  http://www.creekfest.org/?utm_source=The+Rundown&utm_campaign=b1524fff03-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3ee948f284-b1524fff03-49304133

May 20-22nd - Forgotten Coast Paddle Jam  for more info:  http://www.paddle2love.com/  

May 21st - City of Pascagoula's Flagship Festival -  Pascagoula is bringing a classic back to River Park! This time around though, the Flagship Festival will be all about getting out and getting active on the water. Happenings throughout the day include the Jackson County Heart Walk, the CCA Kids’ Fishing Rodeo, all day kayak rentals, the Blessing of the Fleet, a twilight kayak paddle, barbeque contest, and all day food and music until 10 p.m. on the 21st. The 5th Annual Flagship Ride will take place on the 22nd starting at 8:45 a.m. The Flagship Ride includes an 8 mile fun ride and a 40 mile bicycle race. Advance registration required.  For more info contact: 228-938-2356

June 11, 2016 - Mississippi State Games  Canoe/Kayak/SUP Races  
for more info., call  Alicia Reinike 228-224-4374

April Meeting

Join MBCKC on Tuesday, April 5th, for a Night of Paddling Films featuring "Gulf to Gulf Odyssey" a story of two friends on a 7 month, 5,000 mile kayak adventure from the Nova Scotia to the Gulf of Mexico.   There will be refreshments and several other short-films shown.  Doors open at 6:30. We hope to get started at 6:45.  Bring a friend!

Events and Paddles

Paddles

April 23rd - Dog River Paddle
 FLASH PADDLE THIS SATURDAY!   Observe Earth Day by getting close to nature on a guided paddle trip in Dog River and Robinson Bayou.

WHEN: Saturday, April 23rd, 2016

WHERE: Launch at Dog River Park (aka Luscher Park, aka Navco Park)
TIME: Launch at 11:00 a.m.
LAUNCH COORDINATES: Approximately 30.62902, -88.10217
COST: Free
PACE: Leisurely pace at about 2-3 mph.
DISTANCE: About 6 miles Round trip.
ROUTE: From Dog River Park to Robinson Bayou and back.
TRIP TIME: About 2-3 hours round trip.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO SEE: Birds, Iris, & Spider Lilies.

DISCLAIMER: This is an unorganized volunteer guided paddle trip. There is no support boat. Paddle at your own risk.

TRIP GUIDE: Rob Nykvist
EMAIL: rnykster@gmail.com

Events

 April 16th  1pm- The Great Drift  -  The Great Drift- Free Paddling Event

Join the Dog River Clearwater Revival on their fun filled 5th annual float down Dog River.

The Great Drift helps to promote the Dog River Scenic Blueway; a string of launch sites along Dog River that provide public access to the River and all it’s natural beauty.

The Drift will end at the River Shack Bar and Grill (approximately 4 mile paddle). 

Drop your boat with the volunteers at the Rabbit Creek Bridge Launch by 12:20, drive your car to the River Shack and get a ride (free shuttle) back to the site.

If you need a boat, call Sunshine Canoes (251-367-4144) to rent. Last bus leaves the River Shack at 12:40 PM, about fifteen minutes away from the launch site. Plan accordingly.

Access Rabbit Creek Bridge Launch by heading south on Rangeline Road, take right on Commerce Blvd., veer onto Rangeline Service Road southbound and head toward Bridge. Park where the road ends and we will be there to help you.

April 16th - Apple Snail Round Up 9am - 11am
 http://www.mobilebaykeeper.org/upcoming-events/2016/4/16/apple-snail-roundup 

April 16th - Pints for Paddlers for more info FaceBook Event Page:   https://www.facebook.com/events/846265685482789/

April 23rd - Chickasha Bogue Paddle  for more info:  http://cityofchickasaw.org/recreation/chickasha-bogue-paddle/

May 20-22nd - Forgotten Coast Paddle Jam  for more info:  http://www.paddle2love.com/

 

The Great Drift- Free Paddling Event

March Meeting
The next meeting will be Tuesday, March 1st at 7 p.m.   Juli Day, MBCKC member will present on the flowers that can be seen while paddling this time of year.  

Paddles & Events

Paddles
March 22 - Full Moon Paddle - Tracy had to cancel full moon paddle due to having to work over

 Events
March 19, 2015 - ASRT Bay Minette Basin Paddle led by Bob Andrews
http://alabamascenicrivertrail.com/events/?eventID=98&date=03/19/2016

March 20th - ASRT Delta paddle - Continuation of March 19 paddle - Contact Bob Andrews for more information 367-4144

March 19, 2016 - Battle on the Bayou  - Registration is now open!   for more info:   http://battleonthebayou.com/?page_id=132
March 31 -  April 3 - Paddle Bayou LaFourche  - Registration not yet open, but watch for updates
http://www.btnep.org/subsites/paddle/paddlehome.aspx

April 1 - 3 - Suwannee River Paddling Festival - Must register by March 18 http://www.paddleflorida.org/me/paddle-florida-2/suwannee-paddling-festival-registration-5159.html

April 16th at 1pm- The Great Drift  - 

The Great Drift- Free Paddling Event

Join the Dog River Clearwater Revival on their fun filled 5th annual float down Dog River.

The Great Drift helps to promote the Dog River Scenic Blueway; a string of launch sites along Dog River that provide public access to the River and all it’s natural beauty.

The Drift will end at the River Shack Bar and Grill (approximately 4 mile paddle). 

Drop your boat with the volunteers at the Rabbit Creek Bridge Launch by 12:20, drive your car to the River Shack and get a ride (free shuttle) back to the site.

If you need a boat, call Sunshine Canoes (251-367-4144) to rent. Last bus leaves the River Shack at 12:40 PM, about fifteen minutes away from the launch site. Plan accordingly.

Access Rabbit Creek Bridge Launch by heading south on Rangeline Road, take right on Commerce Blvd., veer onto Rangeline Service Road southbound and head toward Bridge. Park where the road ends and we will be there to help you.

April 23rd - Chickasha Bogue Paddle 8am Brooks Park Landing

IMPORTANT:   DUE TO PREDICTED HIGH WINDS/ STRONG RAIN, FEBRUARY'S MEETING HAS BEEN CANCELED.  OUR NEXT MEETING WILL BE ON MARCH 1ST.

February Meeting   CANCELED  - THERE WILL BE NO FEBRUARY MEETING
Our next meeting will be Tuesday, February 2, 2016.  Our topic will be "Cold Water Paddling Safety".  The mini-slideshow presentation will be of the club paddle that Juli Day led on January 10 paddle on Fowl River.

We will also talk about the possibilities of the club hosting the Reel Paddling Film Festival again this year.

Events
March 19, 2015 - ASRT Bay Minette Basin Paddle led by Bob Andrews
http://alabamascenicrivertrail.com/events/?eventID=98&date=03/19/2016

March 20th - ASRT Delta paddle - Continuation of March 19 paddle - Contact Bob Andrews for more information 367-4144

March 19, 2016 - Battle on the Bayou  - Registration is now open!   
for more info:   http://battleonthebayou.com/?page_id=132

March 31 -  April 3 - Paddle Bayou LaFourche  - Registration not yet open, but watch for updates
http://www.btnep.org/subsites/paddle/paddlehome.aspx

April 1 - 3 - Suwannee River Paddling Festival - Must register by March 18
 http://www.paddleflorida.org/me/paddle-florida-2/suwannee-paddling-festival-registration-5159.html

   

January Meeting
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 5th, 7pm in the Longleaf Room of Five Rivers Delta Resource Center.  John Wahlers, MBCKC member, will present on three of his recent paddle trips:  Turkey Creek, Big Escambia Creek from Flomaton, AL, and Blackwater from Cotton Bridge to Bryant Bridge.

Paddles and Events

Paddles
January 10, 2016 - Juli's Sunday Afternoon Fowl River Paddle
Where:  Launch at Memories Fish Camp on Fowl River (4901 Fowl River Rd, Theodore)
Time:  1:00pm
Launch Fee:  $3 last time paddled there, bring $5 just in case
We will spend a few hours a nice leisurely paddle on Fowl River.
Contact Juli Day if you have questions:   377-0054
 
Events
March 19, 2016 - Battle on the Bayou  - Registration is now open!   
for more info:   http://battleonthebayou.com/?page_id=132

March 31 -  April 3 - Paddle Bayou LaFourche  - Registration not yet open, but watch for updates
http://www.btnep.org/subsites/paddle/paddlehome.aspx

April 1 - 3 - Suwannee River Paddling Festival - Must register by March 18
 http://www.paddleflorida.org/me/paddle-florida-2/suwannee-paddling-festival-registration-5159.html

 

December Meeing
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at 7pm in the Longleaf Room / Five Rivers Delta Resource Center.  We are having our annual end of the year/Christmas Pot Luck dinner,  so bring a dish to share.  Also, Jenny Manders will be presenting the mini-slideshow presentation on the overnight Delta trip that she, Tom Meyers, and Ellen Broach just did.  They met at the Stagecoach for breakfast on the morning of November 21 and, after eating, headed to the Rice Creek launch to set off for their weekend adventure.

November Meeting

The next meeting will be Tuesday, November 3^rd, 7 p.m. in the Longleaf Room of Five Rivers Delta Resource Center.  Carol Furman, MBCKC member will present on Edible Wetland Plants.  Carol became interested in edible wetland plants back when she worked leading boat tours out of Five Rivers.  She had to learn the “usual spiel” that was traditionally presented.  However, Carol quickly became bored with that and yearned to learn more.  She began studying on her own, thus, adding extensively to that original knowledge base.  She was then able to expand the “usual spiel” by talking about the plants the participants saw along the way, including anecdotes and the history behind them.  Come join us as Carol shares her knowledge of the edible wetland plants that are right here in our Delta!

October Meeting
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, Oct 6th, at 7:00 p.m. in the Longleaf Room at Five Rivers Delta Resource Center.  Juli Day, MBCKC member, will present on the five week road trip adventure she had this summer in celebration of her retirement. She traveled from North Carolina to Pennsylvania into New England, then Canada and down through Wisconsin paddling different bodies of water along the way.

Notes from September's meeting:
Thank you to Dr. Ruth Carmichael for her time and fantastic presentation on the Northern Gulf of Mexico Manatees. We learned fascinating facts about Manatees this evening; one surprise is that they often travel in ship channels! and although they usual cruise 3-5 mph, can reach speeds of 35 mph! and their migration from Mobile Bay to Crystal River can take as little as one week (imagine that), or 2 months, depending on their mood and their motivation!

Also, thanks to Harriet for leading the meeting.

Paddles and Events

Events

Saturday, Sept 19th - 28th Annual Alabama Coastal Cleanup
 http://www.alabamacoastalcleanup.com/ 

Saturday, Sept 19th - Kayak Safety Classes
Time:   8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Where: Fairhope Pier, north beach area

Cost: $55 + $5 ACA insurance fee (ACA members waive the $5 fee)
Instructor: Hank Baltar, ACA Coastal Kayaking Instructor, Level III, Retired Navy
Register: MUST register for this class, minimum of five for the class to be held. Please register by September 7th.
Call or email Hank to register, 904-610-9287 or kayakhank@gmail.com

Thursday, Sept 24th - Archaeology Kayak Tour
 http://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/gulf-breeze/2015/08/16/archeology-kayak-tour-launch-gulf-breeze/31821839/

Saturday, October 10th - Paddle Bayou La Batre
Paddle Bayou La Batre is the only event like this in our area!  Don't miss it!  To register:
www.paddlebayoulabatre.org

Sunday, October 11th - Alabama Scenic River Trail's Fall Delta Paddle
Alabama Scenic River Trail Delta Paddle, led by Bob Andrews - 251.367.4144 - Rice Creek to Indian Mounds and back
http://alabamascenicrivertrail.com/