Blue Moon Marsh Paddle

***** TRIP COMPLETED *****

TRIP REPORT:
By Leader Glenn Ross:

We ended up with six for the Moonlight paddle and we had a blast. We met at 7:45 PM and headed west. Brian brought a friend along and they paddled down the harbour from their homes and through the lock. The overcast sky prevented us from seeing the sunset and the moon-rise, but it was fun to get out. By heading west we were able to see many of the Queen's Harbour homes on Moss Creek Drive and Marsh Harbour Drive North. The tide was higher than last time so we tried to find a course around the island (to the left as you leave the lock), but we didn't. I figure we should try one day when we have more light then, take a future group to the island.

The water-trail to the west is longer than that of the last full moon trip. The fires in Georgia are better under control so we experienced no smoke. At the conclusion of the trip the bugs were worse than last time so be sure to bring you ‘high-test’ bug spray when we go again. The trip lasted a little over an hour and a half. When we loaded up our boats Brian carried his around the closed lock and we could see him paddling back home. No Champagne Toast this time, but all concluded that it was a very successful trip.

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This month we are lucky to have a Blue Moon (the second of two full moons occurring in the same month) so we are able to offer yet another May night paddle out into the Marsh behind the homes of Queen's Harbour.

Date: Thurdsay, May 31, 2007

Time: 7:45 pm - meet at the Queen's Harbour Lock Dock

Rating: Moderate (due to being out at night)

Length: 1 to 3 hours

Leader: Glen Ross

Additional Gear: Everyone will need to have a flashlight in their kayak (required by Coast Guard Regulations), in addition to your PFD and whistle.

A Blue Moon kayak trip will be offered on May 31st. The trip will leave from the Queen's Harbour Lock Dock just before sunset and head out into the Marsh behind the homes of Queen's Harbour. We will meet at 7:45 pm to have everyone in the water and paddling by 8:15 to see sunset at 8:22 pm. Moon rise will be at 8:29 pm.

Please click on "comment" below and leave a message if you are interested in participating.

See you on the water!

Matanzas Inlet

- TRIP CANCELED - Those that have signed up for this trip, are unable to attend and due to no other members expressing interest - this trip has been canceled. We will try this location another time.



Date: Tuesday, May 15th, 2007

Time: 9 am at the launch site

Length: 4 hour-ish

Difficulty: Moderate

Location: River to Sea Preserve - 9805 N. Oceanshore Blvd. (A1A)

Leader: Lisa and Shannon Beardsley

Gear: Be sure to have your Coast Guard regulated PFD and whistle! Also bring plenty of fluids, sun screen, bug spray and don't forget a hat and lunch.

SITE FACTS/INFORMATION:
Matanzas inlet is one of the few remaining "inlets" in northeast Florida not protected by a jetty, thus presenting an easy study of what an inlet might have looked like in the past. Because of this lack of protection, the inlet is in a constant state of flux and may change considerably in a relatively short period of time. Today's inlet is significantly south of the inlet which existed in 1740 when the Spanish began construction of Ft. Matanzas on Rattlesnake Island to protect the southern approach via the Matanzas River to their "Castillo de San Marcos" in St. Augustine.

We have not been here before, so this is the exploration trip....so be ready for some adventure! The plan is to launch from Marineland at the River to Sea Preserve located at 9805 N. Oceanshore Blvd. (A1A), and paddle around the inlet and nearby islands, with a pass by of Fort Matanzas and if winds and tide permit, a paddle out the inlet for a beach stop.

DIRECTIONS:
Take US 1 to A1A south to St. Augustine, cross the Lions Bridge and continue down A1A through Anastasia. Once you reach the town of Marineland, the launch site will be on the west side of A1A. There is a sign. River to Sea Preserve. It is about an 1.5 hour drive.

Please click on "comment" below and leave a message if you are interested in participating.

See you on the water!

Lake Ponte Vedra / Guana River

- TRIP CANCELED - No members expressed interest in this trip - this trip has been canceled. We will try this location another time.
Date: Saturday, May 19th, 2007

Time: 9 am

Location: 6 Mile Landing - West side of A1A just south of Ponte Vedra.

Difficulty: Moderate if there are winds, Easy if there is no wind.

Length:: 2-4 hours

Leader: Lisa Beardsley

Gear: Be sure to have your Coast Guard regulated PFD and whistle. Also bring plenty of fluids, lunch, sun screen, bug spray and don't forget a hat and for this trip, your binnoculars.

SITE FACTS/INFORMATION:
The Guana River begins north of the National Estuarine Research Preserve in Ponte Vedra Beach and flows south to join the Tolomato River. In 1957, an earthen dam was constructed across the Guana River creating the largest wetland area in the preserve. Called Lake Ponte Vedra, this wetland is approximately 2,400 acres, and provides both open water and marsh habitats. This shallow lagoonal lake extends 10 miles north from the dam.

Hopefully we will see tons of birds here. Last time I was here I could not see any grass through the birds. I even saw some endangered white pelicans! Hopefully, it was not just a lucky day. I am told this area has tons of alligators, but I saw none on my last trip (although, I cannot accurately say how many alligators saw me). Depending on water levels (it's a new moon) and wind, we will determine what we are going to do when we get there....

Please click on "comment" below and leave a message if you are interested in participating.

See you on the water!