Friday, August 30, 2013

Withlacoochee North Paddle & River Camp, 73 miles Nov 11-15



A five day river adventure on two great and scenic rivers!
Nov 11-15th: Withlacoochee North & Suwannee Rivers; 73 miles.
73 miles of gorgeous fall season paddling in beautiful Georgia and North Florida!
The river camp trip starts at a county park in GA. on Hwy 41 Bridge, which is exit 22 on I-75. The With.N meanders for 73 miles and ends in the Suwannee River near the Suwanee River State park ramp.
We will meet at Spirit of the Suwannee Canoe outfitter by 10:00 AM on Monday and paddle through Friday.
Spirit of the Suwannee Canoe outfitter will shuttle paddlers and gear to the put in. At the end of the trip, they will pick us up at Suwannee River SP.
You should be an experienced river camper.
Our vehicles will remain at the Outpost inside Spirit Of the Suwanee Park. Cost of the shuttle will be shared evenly among the group. Estimated total cost $50.00-60.00 for outfitter, bring cash. Every participant is responsible for all their own gear, food and water.**BRING AT LEAST 3 GALLONS OF WATER IN YOUR BOAT**
THIS CAN BE A CHALLENGING WILDERNESS TRIP AND ALL MUST HAVE EXPERIENCE AND A CAN-DO ATTITUDE.
BE AWARE, WE MIGHT ENCOUNTER SOME SHOALS ON THIS RIVER.
As there are never any meetup fees or money charged by organizers/hosts on trips with Peter b and John B, there is no assumption of risk or liabilty by said hosts. As with all of our paddles, we are not guides nor instructors. We are a group of kayaking enthusiasts out for an enjoyable time. We help each other, learn from each and enjoy the privilege of being.  By participating in any of our paddles you assume all risks and responsibilities for your personal health and safety and for your equipment. It is important for everyone that each participant be prepared for the trip and can keep up with group. Please use your discretion and best judgment when joining a trip and aware of weather forecast. Be sure you are up to the paddle -- physically, mentally and that your equipment is appropriate for the intended trip. Know and respect your limits. Be safe, act responsible and you will certainly enjoy another fantastic trip.
*PLEASE RSVP ONLY IF ATTENDING,RSVP-NOT ATTENDING ISN'T REQUIRED.
**ATTENDING THIS PADDLE IS AT THE DISCRETION OF THE HOSTS and must be cleared with Peter b. or John B.**
Paddle and camp on!  Peter b & John B
If water level is not adequate we will base camp at Suwannee River SP and do day trips. This will be posted a couple of days prior to trip

We will meet at Spirit of Suwannee Music Park, Canoe Outpost at 10:AM on Monday and load up gear and boats on Outfitters van/trailer for our ride to GA.
Tent camping is available at outfitters. Peter b and John B will drive up on Sunday afternoon/early evening and tent camp next to outfitters on Sunday Night. 

The Iconic Suwannee Paddle & River Camp,upper section 5 days/4 nights



Ever since Stephen Foster wrote the song about the Suwanee River, it's been the signature waterway for Florida. The name, Suwanee, is an ancient Native American word that may have meant "echo". It has become synonymous with Dixie and the Old South.

The upper stretches are characterized by white sandy banks, rocky shoals, and a profusion of small waterfalls created by the entry of tiny streams. The water is extremely dark due to the tannin from The Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia. This section has little development and is serenley beautiful.
Kayak and camp on the historical Suwanee River. We will paddle the upper section of the iconic Suwanee for five days and river camp four nights. Paddle among beautiful scenery; high limestone bluffs, white sand bars, ancient oaks,cypress,pines,sweet gum and distinctive tupelo trees with primitive river camping on white sand banks. Approx; 70 miles of scenic paddling beginning in Fargo, Georgia to The Canoe Outpost at Spirit of the Suwanee Campground/Music Park. We will be using the outfitters to haul us and our boats/gear to the put in at Fargo.
Meet on Monday at 10:00am to load boats and gear for the outfitter to haul us to Fargo,GA put in. Our vehicles will remain at the Outpost inside Spirit Of the Suwanee Park. Cost of the shuttle will be shared evenly among the group.
Estimated cost $50 for outfitter, bring cash/c.c. Every partcipant is responsible for all their own gear, food and water.**BRING AT LEAST 3 GALLONS OF WATER IN YOUR BOAT**
THIS CAN BE A CHALLENGING TRIP AND ALL MUST HAVE EXPERIENCE.
ACCEPT THE UNEXPECTED WITH A CAN-DO ATTITUDE, NO REGRETS/NO COMPLAINTS, MAYBE ONE OR TWO.
As there are never any meetup dues/fees or money charged by organizers/hosts on trips with Peter b and John B, there is no assumption of risk or liabilty by said hosts. Attendance at any event with said hosts, or any function is your agreement that it is at your own risk, and that you have been duly informed; any guests or others with you that it is at their own risk. We will assume no responsibility for any untoward occurences. As with all our paddles, we are not guides nor instructors. We are a group of kayaking enthusiasts out for an enjoyable time. We help each other, learn from each and enjoy the privilege of being. By participating in any of our trips, you assume all risks and responsibilities for your personal health and safety and for your equipment. It's important for everyone that each participant be prepared be prepared for the trip. Please use your discretion, physically, mentally and that your equipment is appropriate for the intended trip. Know and respect your limits and are comfortable with weather forecasts. Act responsible, use good judgement and you will enjoy another great trip.  
*PLEASE RSVP ONLY IF ATTENDING, RSVP-NOT ATTENDING ISN'T NECESSARY
ATTENDING THIS PADDLE IS AT THE DISCRETION OF THE HOST and must be vetted by hosts.
Paddle and camp on!  John B & Peter B

Econ: 419 Bridge To Snowhill Road





We're going to kayak The Excellent Econ River from 419 Bridge to Snowhill Road. Kayak an 8 mile downstream section of the undeveloped Econlockhatchee River from CR 419 in Oviedo to Snowhill Rd. One of Florida's Designated Paddling Trails. Tannin waters, sandy bottom and sand bars on the banks. Some nice twisty and winding turns.  Eagles nest and more. A pleasant 8 mile downstream wilderness paddle.
The Econ River is a great place to spend the day canoeing, picnicking and splashing around in the water. But residents claim that this little river has a much more sinister side. Allegedly occurring every October 13, the spirit of Christopher Klink appears hanging from under the bridge. A bright light will flash just before his apparition emerges and the river will begin to flow backwards. Fact or Fiction? It is for you to decide...
Meet at Snowhill Bridge by 9:00am, we will do a reverse buddy shuttle back to Hwy 419.
As there are never any meetup dues/fees or money charged by organizers/hosts on trips with Peter b and/or John B, there is no assumption of risk or liability by said hosts. Attendance at any event with said hosts, or any function is your agreement that it is at your own risk, and that you have been duly informed; any guests or others with you; that it is at their own risk. We will assume no responsibility for any untoward occurences. As with all our trips, we are not guides nor instructors. We are a group of kayaking enthusiasts out for an enjoyable time. We help each other, learn from each and enjoy the privilege of being. By participating in any of our trips you assume all risks and responsibilities for your personal safety and for your equipment. It's important for everyone that each participant be prepared for the trip and you can keep up with the group. Please use your discretion and best judgment when joining a trip and are comfortable with weather forecast. Be sure you are up to the trip, physically, mentally and that your equipment is appropriate for the intended trip. Know and respect your limits, act responsible and you will enjoy another great trip.
PLEASE RSVP ONLY IF ATTENDING, RSVP-NOT ATTENDING IS NOT NECESSARY
PADDLE ON! John B  & Peter b
WE WILL DO A REVERSE BUDDY SHUTTLE, BE ABLE TO CARRY 2 KAYAKS ON YOUR VEHICLE
.
BE PREPARED TO DO A REVERSE BUDDY SHUTTLE...ABLE TO CARRY 2 BOATS ON YOUR VEHICLE.  BE PREPARED TO DO A REVERSE BUDDY SHUTTLE..
Must have racks able to transport 2 kayaks on your vehicle. Pickups can use Extend-A-Truck 944 Truck Bed Extender this is a MANDATORY REQUIREMENT on all John B. & Peter b. trips that require a shuttle

If you are not able to meet this requirement please RSVP ONLY for non-shuttle trips.

Lower Wekiva To Katies Landing




The Wekiva River is a wild and scenic river designated by the State of Florida as an "Outstanding Florida Waterway". This section proves that claim with its ancient cypress and oak trees laced with Spanish Moss that tower along the river banks. This is a subtropical paradise that seems frozen in time. The lower section of the Wekiva begins at Katies Landing and eventually winds its way to the St John's River where we takeout at Highbanks in DeBary. On this slow winding, scenic journey we will encounter very few signs of civilization. The lower section will offer us a chance to view gators, osprey, turtles, manatee, turkey, egrets, herons among the many types of water fowl. After the confluence of Blackwater Creek/Wekiva, we enter the St John's where it gets wider for the last 1.5 miles of our trip to the take out at Highbanks; where it's important to all stay together as a group.
This is approx., 8 miles.
Bring your lunch and plenty to drink.
GPS Cords: Katies;        N28.8282  W -081.4107
GPS Cords: Highbanks; N28.8901  W -081.3548
Please meet at Highbanks by 9:00 to do a reverse buddy shuttle.
PFD/WHISTLE IS THE LAW. ITS ALWAYS ADVISED TO WEAR THEM, THIS IS ESPECIALLY TRUE WHENEVER ON THE ST JOHNS RIVER.
Takeout address: 488 W. Highbanks Rd, Debary (across from Swamp House Grill).
A $3.00 fee to launch/park at Katies Landing applies, bring exact amount, self pay envelopes at entrance to park.  No parking fee at Highbanks.
PLEASE RSVP ONLY IF ATTENDING, RSVP NOT-ATTENDING ISN'T NECESSARY.
As there are never any meetup dues/fees or money charged by organizers/hosts on trips with Peter b and/or John B, there is no assumption of risk or liability by said hosts. Attendance at any event with said hosts, or any function is your agreement that it is at your own risk, and that you have been duly informed; any guests or others with you; that it is at their own risk. We will assume no responsibility for any untoward occurences.
As with all of our paddles, we are not guides and we are not instructors. We are a group of kayaking enthusiasts out for a good time. We help each other, learn from each and enjoy the privilege of being.  By participating in any of our paddles you assume all risks and responsibilities for your personal health and safety and for your equipment. It is important for everyone that each participant be prepared for the trip. Please use your discretion and best judgment when joining a trip. Be sure you are up to the paddle; physically, mentally and that your equipment is appropriate for the intended trip. Know and respect your limits. Be safe and you will certainly enjoy another fantastic paddle.
 
PADDLE ON! Peter B & John B
BE PREPARED TO DO A REVERSE BUDDY SHUTTLE...ABLE TO CARRY 2 BOATS ON YOUR VEHICLE.BE PREPARED TO DO A REVERSE BUDDY SHUTTLE..
Must have racks able to transport 2 kayaks on your vehicle. Pickups can use Extend-A-Truck 944 Truck Bed Extender this is a MANDATORY REQUIREMENT on all John B. & Peter b. trips that require a shuttle

If you are not able to meet this requirement please RSVP ONLY for non-shuttle trips.

Rock Springs Run To Wekiva Island


Rock Springs Run is an oasis amid ever-expanding greater Orlando. On this 8.5 mile downstream journey we will experience clear, green water with a sandy bottom. Tall trees form a complete canopy on much of this gorgeous waterway. Lush vegetation, water lily pads and water reeds line each side of the banks. RSR is spring fed and runnable year-round with a 3-5 mph flow. There are many areas along the bank where we can pull over and enjoy a dip in the cool clear water. We can stop at either Big Buck or Indian Mound Campsite for lunch break. After winding through the marshes we will end our journey at Wekiva Island, aka, "Party Central"; where there are cabanas set up with people partying the weekends away with music and drink. 
We will meet at Kings Landing, drop off boats and run shuttle to Wekiva Island
$10.00 launch fee at Kings Landing, 5722 Baptist Camp Rd, Apopka 32712
Wekiva Island: 1014 Miami Springs Dr. Longwood 32779
PFD/WHISTLE IS THE LAW and is always advised to be worn.
PLEASE RSVP ONLY IF ATTENDING, RSVP NOT-ATTENDING IS NOT NECESSARY.
As there are never any meetup dues/fees or money charged by organizers/hosts on trips with Peter b and/or John B, there is no assumption of risk or liability by said hosts. Attendance at any event with said hosts, or any function is your agreement that it is at your own risk, and that you have been duly informed; any guests or others with you; that it is at their own risk. We will assume no responsibility for any untoward occurences.
As with all of our paddles, we are not guides and we are not instructors. We are a group of kayaking enthusiasts out for a good time. We help each other, learn from each and enjoy the privilege of being. By participating in any of our paddles you assume all risks and responsibilities for your personal health and safety and for your equipment. It is important for everyone that each participant be prepared for the trip. Please use your discretion and best judgment when joining a trip. Be sure you are up to the paddle; physically, mentally and that your equipment is appropriate for the intended trip. Know and respect your limits. Be safe, act responsibly and you will certainly enjoy another fantastic paddle.
*PLEASE BE UNLOADED BY 9am, to run shuttle to WI.
Paddle On! John B & Gigi B
PLEASE BE PREPARED TO HELP WITH SHUTTLE.

Saturday, August 17, 2013

Juniper Springs Creek - Juniper Wayside

Juniper Springs Creek - Juniper Wayside


Juniper Springs may be one of the clearest,prettiest streams in Florida. The springhead is enclosed in a rock and concrete wall that provides a large swimming pool. Juniper Creek starts very narrow below rich canopied woodlands. It then enters the gorgeous Juniper Prairie Wilderness, through which it flows until just above SR19 bridge. Juniper Springs is a seven mile downstream pristine spring run, with lots of twists and turns. First timers will be amazed with this paddle, crystal clear shallow water at launch. It's seven miles of fun filled downstream kayaking with it's own little shoals near the end for that very brief .25 class whitewater action! We can pullover near Sweetwater Springs for a cool dip before ending our trip at Juniper Wayside takeout.
In my humble opinion, this is the prettiest kayak trip in the state.  Central Florida's premier paddle.
We will meet at Juniper Rec Area, unload and run buddy shuttle to wayside
BRING YOUR LUNCH AND PLENTY TO DRINK IN A RE-USEABLE BOTTLE/CONTAINER, NO DISPOSABLE BOTTLES OR WRAPPERS ALLOWED ON JUNIPER SPRINGS. Coolers are subject to search by Park Rangers.

$5.50 entry fee per person to Juniper Springs Park
PFD/WHISTLE IS THE LAW and is always advised to be worn.
PLEASE ARRIVE BY 9:30am at Juniper Rec Area, unload and run buddy shuttle.
Be prepared to carry 2 kayaks on your vehicle for buddy shuttle.
PLEASE RSVP ONLY IF ATTENDING/RSVP-NOT ATTENDING IS NOT NECESSARY
As there are never any meetup dues/fees or money charged by organizers/hosts on trips with Peter b and/or John B, there is no assumption of risk or liability by said hosts. Attendance at any event with said hosts, or any function is your agreement that it is at your own risk, and that you have been duly informed; any guests or others with you; that it is at their own risk. We will assume no responsibility for any untoward occurences.
As with all of our paddles, we are not guides and we are not instructors. We are a group of kayaking enthusiasts out for a good time. We help each other, learn from each and enjoy the privilege of being. By participating in any of our paddles you assume all risks and responsibilities for your personal health and safety and for your equipment. It is important for everyone that each participant be prepared for the trip. Please use your discretion and best judgment when joining a trip. Be sure you are up to the paddle; physically, mentally and that your equipment is appropriate for the intended trip. Know and respect your limits. Be safe, act responsbly and you will certainly enjoy another great trip.
PADDLE ON!    John B & Gigi B

Silver River: Ray Wayside to Springhead and back.

Silver River: Ray Wayside to Springhead and back.


Silver Springs has been famous since 1878 for its crystal clear water and glass bottomed boats. The Silver River was where the first glass-bottomed boats where used. And they are still in use today, to see the array of aquatic life below the water's surface. The Silver is known for its clear, deep water, aquatic life and the wild Rhesus monkeys living among the banks on the river. The spring waters have been measured at 550 million gallons of clear cool water flowing per day. Johnny Weismuller filmed some of his Tarzan movies here. The glass bottomed boat operators point out the site, as well as the petrified trees and statues on the bottom of the river.
We will launch from Ray Wayside Park and paddle upstream approx. 5 miles to Silver Springs attraction and spring head; turn around and enjoy a leisurely 5 mile paddle downstream back to Ray Wayside. There are many places to get out; stretch our legs, take a dip and cool off. Be on the lookout below for the sunken boat and statues near the attraction; always a cool sight to behold.
This is a beautiful river, with deep jungle on each side, forests of grass beds waving underwater, and an interesting tourist attraction at the end.
There is a $5.00 launch/parking fee, self pay envelopes or attendant upon entering Wayside Park.
Bring your lunch and plenty to drink.
PFD/WHISTLE is the law and is always advised to be worn.
This trip is not advised for anyone not comfortable with paddling 5 miles upstream, though by paddling close to the bank upstream, it's considerably easier.
No shuttle required.
Launch is located East of Ocala, on SR40, under very tall Ocklawaha Bridge.(Ocala Yacht Club)
Directions/google map to Rays Wayside(Ocala Yacht Club)
GPS CORDS: N29.215519     W-81.991589
*PLEASE RSVP ONLY IF ATTENDING/RSVP-NOT ATTENDING IS NOT REQUIRED.
As there are never any meetup dues/fees or money charged by organizers/hosts on trips with Peter b and/or John B, there is no assumption of risk or liability by said hosts. Attendance at any event with said hosts, or any function is your agreement that it is at your own risk, and that you have been duly informed; any guests or others with you; that it is at their own risk. We will assume no responsibility for any untoward occurences.
As with all of our paddles, we are not guides and we are not instructors. We are a group of kayaking enthusiasts out for a good time. We help each other, learn from each and enjoy the privilege of being. By participating in any of our paddles you assume all risks and responsibilities for your personal health and safety and for your equipment. It is important for everyone that each participant be prepared for the trip. Please use your discretion and best judgment when joining a trip. Be sure you are up to the paddle; physically, mentally and that your equipment is appropriate for the intended trip. Know and respect your limits. Be safe, act responsible and you will certainly enjoy another fantastic paddle.
PADDLE ON!  Peter b & John B