Little Talbot Island Trip - July

***** TRIP CANCELED *****


Date: Wednesday, July 25

Time: 11:00 am

Length: 4 hours on the water

Difficulty: Easy/Beginner

Location: Kayak Amelia

Leader: Frank Holsenbeck

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

Cost:
Ferry Charge = $3.25 each way.
Launch fee if you have your own kayak = $1.00.
Single/Tandem Kayak Rental = $30.00/$40.00.

TRIP INFORMATION:

Due to this month being the height of alligator nesting season and the increased diligence mother alligators have over their nests at this time - we will stay clear of the freshwater rivers and swamps and will offer another trip to the Little Talbot Island area where there is no threat of alligators and we can swim to our hearts content. The trip will last 4 hours. We will meet at Kayak Amelia at 11:00 am and be ready to launch at 11:30 am. The tide will be low at the start of this trip, so we will have to launch from the floating dock and negotiate some sand bars along the way. Low tide is at 11:30-ish so we will also be leaving against an incoming tide, thus having some current to contend with on the way out. We will paddle south towards Ft. George Island and have lunch on one of the beaches there, returning with the incoming, rising tide, following lunch and a swim.

We will launch from "Kayak Amelia" located at 13030 Heckscher Drive.

If you need to rent a kayak one may be rented on site from Kayak Amelia Outfitters.

Their phone number is 251-0016 and their web site is http://www.kayakamelia.com/

Rental Costs are as follows:
Single Kayak = $30 for up to four hours and $45 for over four hours.
Tandem Kayak = $45 for up to four hours and $60 for over four hours.

If you have your own kayak -- there is a launch fee of $1.00

SITE FACTS/INFORMATION:

We will be paddling around the area of Little Talbot Island, Long Island and Big Talbot Island. This area provides a wonderful example of how the many barrier islands of Florida originally appeared before they were developed. This area is located 17 miles northeast of Jacksonville and contains maritime forests, dunes, and salt marshes (where we will be paddling). Wildlife includes river otters, marsh rabbits, bobcats, and a variety of native and migrating birds.

DIRECTIONS:

The easiest way to get there from Queen's Harbour is to take the St. John's Ferry from Mayport to cross the St. Johns River. (It leaves Mayport on the hour and half hour, so plan accordingly) Make a right out of the ferry docks and drive towards Amelia Island. You will pass Huguenot Park, then Little Talbot Island State Park. Kayak Amelia is located just past Little Talbot State Park on the Left (west) side of the road. There is a sign; "Kayak Amelia", with an actual kayak above it.

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

See you on the water.