Queen's Harbour Kayak Club

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(Photo: Okefenokee Swamp - such large Gators are a rare sight)

The club is open to any residents of Queen's Harbour Yacht and Country Club and their invited guests.

This site will be utilized to post trips and allow members to sign up and coordinate trips by communicating through the comment section of each post entry.

To leave a comment, simply click "comment" below the entry for the trip you wish to attend.

If you would like to offer a suggestion for a trip or have a trip posted on the blog that you want to lead, you may e-mail the club at: http://www.backcountrykayakadventures@yahoo.com/

Also if you know anyone interested in joining a trip with a canoe, they are welcome!

KAYAK LESSONS AND SAFETY:

The club itself does not offer any formal instruction in kayaking.

If you are new to kayaking and feel some formal instruction is needed, check out the classes offered by Black Creek Outfitters, located just north of JTB on Gate Parkway. They offer beginner and advanced level classes. Their instruction and classes are ACA certified. Each 5 hour class is held every Sunday morning from 9 am to 2 pm. Class size is limited and reservations are required. Lesson cost is $80 + tax. View their web site: http://www.blackcreekoutfitters.com/

Lessons are also offered by the Army Navy Store located on Monument Road.View their web site: http://armynavyoutdoors.com/ Call 904-563-1519 to set up a lesson. Cost: Non-private is $60.00 per person. Private (all paddlers from one group: $60.00/person + $40.00 privacy fee, $20.00 off with own boat and gear.

COAST GUARD REGULATIONS:

All persons utilizing paddle boats on Florida's waterways are required to carry a PFD (personal flotation device (ie: life vest) and a sounding device (ie: whistle) at all times. At night, a light source is also required (ie: flashlight). If stopped by a Coast Guard Representative and you do not have these items, you may be fined.

Cheers and welcome to the club.

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Tenative Trip Schedule

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This is a dynamic post, so please check it frequently as trips may be changed or added.

E-mail the club at: backcountrykayakadventures@yahoo.com with any suggestions for trips or to volunteer to organize and lead a trip.

See you on the water.

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----------------------- January --------------------------

Tuesday, January 21 - An Almost Full Moon Paddle (Canceled due to weather.)

---------------------- February ------------------------

Wednesday, February 20 - Full Moon Paddle (Canceled)

---------------------- March ----------------------------

Friday, March 7 - Morning Coffee and the Symphony (Trip Completed - see Trip Report)

Friday, March 7 - Star Gazing Paddle (Canceled due to weather.)

Friday, March 21 - Full Moon Paddle (Trip Completed - see Trip Report)

---------------------- April ---------------------------

Sunday, April 20 - Full Moon Paddle (Canceled - sorry)

---------------------- May ---------------------------

Monday, May 19 - Full Moon Paddle (Canceled - sorry)

Friday, May 23 - Night Time Marsh Paddle (Canceled)

----------------------- June ------------------------

Tuesday, June 3 - Star Gazing Paddle (Canceled due to weather)

Wednesday, June 18 - Full Moon Paddle (Canceled due to weather)

----------------------- July ------------------------

Friday, July 18 - Full Moon Paddle in the San Juan Islands of Puget Sound, Washington State (Canceled due to lack of interest)

Wednesday, July 23 - Santa Fe River (Trip completed - see Trip Report.

-------------------- August -----------------------

Saturday, August 16 - Full Moon Paddle (Canceled)

-------------------- September -----------------

Monday, September 15 - Full Moon Paddle (Trip Completed; See Trip Report)

------------------- October ---------------------

Sunday, October 12 - Second Annual Howl and Growl at the (almost) Full Moon Party (C0mpleted)

Sunday, October 26 - Pumpkin Hill Preserve (Canceled - no response)

------------------- November ------------------

Saturday, November 8 - Dutton Island Paddle (Trip Completed - See Trip Report)

Thursday, November 13 - Full Moon Paddle (Trip Completed - See Trip Report)

Friday, November 14 - Space Shuttle Launch (Trip Completed - See Trip Report)

------------------ December -----------------

Okefenokee Swamp - Date TBA

Friday, December 12 - Full Moon Paddle

Friday, December 19 - Holiday Lights Harbour Paddle






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Full Moon Paddle for December

The full moon paddle will be on December 12th at 8pm. Email me if you are interested in participating and I will divulge the plan to you!

QHAC@ymail.com

Holiday Lights Harbour Paddle

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Date: Friday, December 19th, 2009

Time: 7:00 pm

Level: Beginner/Easy

Location: Ross Residence located at the north end of Queen's Harbour Boulevard

Length of Trip: 3 hours

Trip Leader: Glenn and Debbie Ross

Gear: Be sure to have your Coast Guard regulated PFD, whistle and flashlight.

You will see the Lighted Boat Parade on the 6th, now join us for the Kayak Club's private "Lighted Home Parade" as we paddle in the harbour to view all of the holiday season decorations from the water.

TRIP INFORMATION:

We will meet at the Ross Home at 6:45 pm and launch from their dock at 7 pm, paddle the harbour for about 2 hours, then return to their dock and have an all time Bavarian Favorite -- Gluhwein, a spiced red wine, served hot, that will be a perfect "warm us upper".

Please click on "comment" below and leave a message if you are interested in participating or e-mail the club at qhac@ymail.com.

See you on the water.



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Dutton Island - A Public Trust Event

***** TRIP COMPLETED *****
SEE TRIP REPORT AND PHOTOS BELOW

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TRIP REPORT ***

We had five members for the event. The group met as scheduled at the Lock Dock, paddled across the Intracoastal and into the marsh to the east of Queen's Harbour. We made our way to Dutton Island via the canoe trail. Once we arrived to Dutton, we joined other Kayakers arriving by sea and by land. Shannon and Greg registered for the race, and we explored the island.

At race time, Shannon and Greg lined up in their kayaks awaiting the whistle, while the rest of us found places to watch. Shannon finished 5th and Greg 6th (although positions 2, 3, and 4 had taken a short cut, so really they were 2nd and 3rd).

After the race, we feasted on Bananas, apples and pizza all provided by the Public Trust and headed home. Arriving back to Queen's Harbour around 4 pm, as scheduled.

It was a beautiful day for all.















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The Trust is requesting an RSVP for this event, so please contact them at adm@publictrust.org or by calling 904.247.1972 if you plan to attend.

Date: Saturday, November 8, 2008

Time: 10:00 am; Event is from 12 noon - 4:00 pm

Length: 4 - 6 hours

Difficulty: Easy/Beginner

Location: Dutton Island Preserve: located just south of the Queen's Harbour Inlet on the east side of the Intracoastal, north of the Atlantic Bridge. Our paddle will begin from the Queen's Harbour Lock Dock.

Gear: Be sure to bring your Coast Guard regulated PFD and whistle!

Cost: Free. $10.00 if you enter the race.

TRIP INFORMATION:

We will meet at the lock dock at 10 am and start our paddle to Dutton around 10:30, enjoying the marsh as we go. We will plan to arrive on Dutton around 11:00 to join the festivities. You may depart Dutton at any time, paddling back to Queen's Harbour Lock, or you may return with the group when we decide to leave, maybe as late as 4:00 pm. We ask that beginners wait for the group return or travel back with someone experienced.

Be sure to bring you walking shoes as there are some nice crushed shell trails in the park. I will also be happy to show you the location of the new campsite I have successfully proposed to the city of Atlantic Beach to be included in the the Florida Circumnavigational Salt Water Paddling Trail. This would be a great place for some of you to try kayak camping for the first time!

This Event is hosted by the Public Trust Environmental Legal Institute of Florida, a local non-profit organization to celebrate the release of their Jacksonville Intracoastal Salt Marsh Paddling Guide.

There will be music, refreshments and attendees will receive a free laminated copy of the new Paddling Guide. (one per family)

The event hosts are sponsoring a Kayak race for serious and leisure competitors. There is a $10.00 entry fee for the race. Race begins at 12:30, sign in is from 11:00 am until 12:00. The race will follow 5 mile loop. There is a 2.5 mile option. Guides will be spaced throughout the course. If you do not have your own boat, you may still participate by driving to Dutton Island then rent a boat, paddle and vest on site.

SITE FACTS/INFORMATION:

The Dutton Island Park and Preserve is located just east of the Intracoastal Waterway, in Atlantic Beach. Formerly known as Pine Island, it was renamed for a former owner, Walter Dutton. The City of Atlantic Beach purchased the island from Dutton's estate in 1998, and developed the property in three phases between early 2000 and the summer of 2003. Meanwhile, as the first acquisition of the newly-created Preservation Project, the City of Jacksonville purchased a nearby 98-acre tract in 1999 as the first expansion, followed by additional purchases of 242 acres in 2003 and 8 acres in 2005. Through the initial vision and work of local real estate broker and conservationist Tom Dumas, and the combined efforts of Atlantic Beach and Jacksonville officials, state agencies, and conservation organizations such as The Trust For Public Land, the park/preserve was established.

This will be the clubs first time at this location, so be ready for some exploring and adventure.

DIRECTIONS:

If you are driving, it will take you about 20 minutes. Cross the Atlantic Blvd bridge and take the flyover towards Mayport heading north. After a few miles you will come to Dutton Island Road. Make a Left and follow the road straight to it's end, entering the park. Then follow the signs to the event.

Please in addition to the RSVP, email me, if you are interested in participating in the paddle from Queen's Harbour to Dutton.

See you on the water.


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Full Moon Paddle for November!

***** TRIP COMPLETED *****
SEE TRIP REPORT BELOW

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TRIP REPORT ***

Three members participated in the event. We met at the bank of the Harbour and paddled to the lock. The water was like glass, the temperatures were warm and the moon played hide and seek. We had one light rain shower that was quickly forgotten by when a fellow neighbor that was on their boat, provided us with Crown Royal and Beer! We paddled for about 2 hours.

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Date: Thursday, November 13, 2008

Time: 6:45 pm

Length: 2 hours - on the water time.

Difficulty: Moderate/Intermediate - due to being out at night.

Location: The Grassy Bank overlooking the Harbour from Queen's Harbour Blvd.

Leader: Lisa Beardsley

Gear: Everyone will need to have a flashlight in their kayak, in addition to your PFD and whistle.

TRIP INFORMATION:

A full moon kayak trip will be offered on Thursday November 13th. The trip will leave from the grassy bank (across the street from residence 716 Queen's Harbour Blvd.), after the sun has set. We will paddle around the Harbour and hopefully visit some friends along the way. We will meet at 6:45 pm to have everyone in the water and paddling by 7:00 pm. Moon rise will be at 5:43 pm but it will take some time for it to shine upon the Harbour so our timing should be just right.

If you are a member of the club, live on the harbour and not participating - we will expect refreshments to be available on your dock!!!!! (just kidding.)

Please email the club or post on the blog if you are interested in participating (or providing some refreshments)......

See you on the water in the light of the moon!

Sunset: 5:25 pm
End Twilight: 5:51
Moonrise: 5:43 pm



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Up Close and Personal: Night Time Space Shuttle Launch.

***** TRIP COMPLETED *****
SEE TRIP REPORT AND PHOTOS BELOW

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If you have never seen a Space Shuttle launch this is the way to go.

If you have seen a launch, believe me, you have never seen one like this!

(we will be much closer than this)

TRIP REPORT ***

There were four members that participated in this event and what an event it was! For those of you that missed it, it really was something to see. This was not the trip to miss!

We met at the Sports Complex and followed one another to River Breeze park, where we launched out kayaks. We were met with a strong head wind and a strong current and as a result the paddle to the campsite was a little work. The temperatures were unseasonably warm and the moon was rising and full!

We made the 3 mile paddle and set up camp before sunset. We then immediately headed off once again into the wind and current to get as close as we could to the launch site. We found a secluded island with a small beach and landed there. We were not as close as we would have liked to have been, but with the head wind and current, it was close enough.

Shannon was celebrating his birthday, so we broke out the cake and sang "Happy Birthday" to him. As there was no way the candles would have ever stayed lit, we shone our headlights on the cake and when he "blew" out the light, we turned them off. It was a memorable birthday for him, we are sure!

After ingesting almost all of the cake (paddling against wind and current sure works up an appetite) we awaited the Shuttle Launch.

As scheduled, 19:55 the launch pad lit up with a yellow orange hypnotic glow. Then slowly, it rose toward the sky. Space Shuttle Endeavor was off. Each of us watched in amazement at it climbed toward space. Our beach was as bright as day! We then felt the rumble of the engines and then the sound arrived, a persistent roar. It was something to experience! The space travelers continued to rise. The main engine ignited, the boosters separated and begun to fall back towards Earth. We watched the "star like" glow of the engine as it rose father and father in space and then disappeared as the Crew begun their rotation of Earth.

We paddled back to the campsite. Had some drinks and snacks, visited with members of the Central Florida Sea Kayaking Club and then turned in for the night.

The next morning we broke camp, packed out kayaks and headed back to River Breeze Park for our drive home. The wind was light and it was another beautiful sunny Florida day.

What an experience! What a memory!

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Date: Friday and Saturday, November 14 and 15, 2008

Level: Intermediate/Moderate
(I don't want to exclude anyone - if you are a beginner and want to go email me)

Location: Canaveral National Seashore

Length of Trip: 24+ hours

Leader: Lisa Beardsley

Cost: Depends on number of participants camping.

Gear: PDF, Flashlight, Whistle, Camping Gear, Food: Dinner Friday, Breakfast/Lunch Saturday.

Trip Information:
NASA has announced the next date for the space shuttle launch; November 14th at 7:55 pm. This will be a night launch, under the glow of a Full Moon, so it will be something to see. The sky will light up and we will be right at the base of the launch site - at close as they will let us get - so close you will see and possibly smell the smoke! Due launch taking place at night, participants will HAVE TO CAMPOUT overnight on one of the islands in Mosquito Lagoon. It is possible to paddle back to the put in site the same night, but it will be dangerous due to high boat traffic in the area. I would not recommend it. As kayaks we have access to get much closer than the powerboats so we will not have to worry about them the night of the launch.

We will plan on meeting late morning on Friday at the Sports Complex. We will then carpool to the launch site and arrive at the campsite to set up camp. We will have a leisurely early dinner and then get ready for our paddle to the launch site viewing area. If you wish you may view the launch from the campsite itself, but you will not "smell the smoke". After the launch we will paddle back to the campsite and call it a night. The next morning we will have breakfast, break camp and return to our put in location.

Trip Details:
We will launch from River Breeze Park and have approximately a 2.5 mile paddle to the campsite. We will set up camp, hang out, swim, relax. Around 5 pm, we will head out and begin our paddle toward the Launch Site. After the launch we will return to camp, hang out and sleep. We will awake whenever, break down camp and paddle back to the put in site at River Breeze.

Wildlife: This place is a great place to see manatees!

About Camping:
If you are new to camping or have never gone camping and you have some concerns; email me.

For those of you that do not know me well - I actually Glamp; or Glamourous Camp, however this is a primitive area, so we will be Modified Glamping for the backcountry. If you have any questions or concerns, email me.

There is a cost for camping, but it will vary depending on how many campers there are. We may be camping with members of the Central Florida Sea Kayaking Club, so again it depends on how many people go. Last time we camped for a launch we paid around $8.00 per person.

Want to go but don't have any camping gear? You have priority access to camping gear rentals from GITTO for this date.

Mission Description:
Space shuttle Atlantis will fly seven astronauts into space for the fifth and final servicing mission to the Hubble Space Telescope for an 11 day mission. The crew will be repairing and making improvements to the observatory's capabilities.

NASA webpage

Now as we all know - launches are sometime canceled. This trip will follow the re-schedule date should that occur.

Some views of the island Campsite.

Sign up by posting a comment or e-mail the club at BackcountryKayakAdventures@yahoo.com

See you on the water, and in the light of the Space Shuttle thrusters!

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Second Annual Howl and Growl at the (almost) Full Moon Party

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Mark your calenders! No need for boats --- it will be too scary to venture into the marsh!

Sunday - October 12th -- 6pm to 9pm.

Come to the Beardsley Residence to meet other Club dismembers, er.... I mean members.

Enjoy some creepy rum punch and bring a snack to share!

RSVP by email or posting to the blog.

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Pumpkin Hill Preserve - A Location for the Season

.(The Rare American White Pelican)

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(White Pelicans in Pumpkin Hill Preserve)

Date: Sunday, October 26, 2008

Time: 7 am

Length: 3-4 hours

Difficulty: Intermediate/Moderate

Location: Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve; 13804 Pumpkin Hill Road. (An option is to meet at Queen's Harbour Real Estate Office Parking Lot and car pool to)

Leader: Lisa Beardsley

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

Cost: At this time, there is no cost to use the park, although a day use fee may be implemented as they have just upgraded the canoe/kayak launch site.

TRIP INFORMATION:

We will meet at the Queen's Harbour Real Estate office parking lot and carpool to the launch site as it is somewhat difficult to find. We should be at the dock by 8 am, get our gear ready and launch as soon as possible. High tide is around 8am and low tide will be around 2:15 pm so tides should not be a problem for this trip. This will be the first time at this location, so be ready for some adventure and exploration.

SITE FACTS/INFORMATION:

Pumpkin Hill Preserve covers 3,895 acres and adjoins the Timucuan Ecological Preserve, the Nassau River and the St. John's River Marsh Aquatic Preserve.

This area is one of the largest contiguous zones of uplands left in Duval County, and include mesic flat woods, xeric hammock, scrubby flat woods, dome swamp, tidal marshes, cypress domes and four different creek and marsh systems.

This is an extremely ecologically significant area. Wildlife viewing should be abundant and there will be many scenic natural Florida views!

The park is open from 8am until Sunset.

This will be the clubs first time at this location, so be ready for some exploring and adventure.

DIRECTIONS:

From either I-95 or State Road 9A, exit east onto Hecksher Drive. Turn left onto New Berlin Road. At a sharp right in the road, turn right onto Cedar Point Road. Turn left on Pumpkin Hill Road. Follow the road to the end to reach the launch site.

For more information:Call Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park at (904) 696-5980.

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

See you on the water.


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September Full Moon Paddle

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***** TRIP COMPLETED, SEE TRIP REPORT and PHOTOS*****.


TRIP REPORT:

One trout, one jack, and one ladyfish. The fish were…. wait a second, is this a fishing report or a kayak trip report? Somehow kayak fishermen have infiltrated our kayak club; four of the six participants were fishing along the way. Other than the occasional plunk, click, click click, splash and “I got one” it was a very peaceful evening kayaking towards the St. Johns River as the sunset in the west and the moon rose in the east.

There were six paddlers for the evening with two new members and two guests joining us. We launched at 6:30 from the lock dock and paddled across the intracoastal heading north under the Wonderwood Bridge. After about 2 miles, we beached the kayaks just south of the St. Johns River and watched the sunset over Florida while we nibbled on BBQ ribs and wings and sipped Tinto Verano – a Spanish summer wine spritzer. The moon rose with a brilliant yellow orange hue at the same time the sun was setting and a lightning display flashed to the west. Then after 30 minutes, the shy moon slipped behind a thin layer of clouds for the rest of the trip, remaining just out of view.

Having arrived to the launch site late, two of the paddlers joined the group after sunset and cocktails. We met up with them as they fished from an oyster bar puffing on cigars. We then deviated from our original float plan to paddle back to Queen’s Harbour via the Intracoastal and ducked into the marsh reemerging just south of Wonderwood. We crossed the intracoastal and returned to Queen’s Harbour. It was a perfect evening.

For those of you that were unable to join us, you missed a Perfect evening on the water.















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Date: Monday, September 15, 2008

Time: 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Level: Moderate/Intermediate

Location: Queen's Harbour Lock Dock

Length of Trip: approximately 4 hours

Trip Leader: Shannon and Lisa Beardsley

Gear: PDF, Flashlight, Whistle required

Trip Info:

We will meet at the Queen's Harbour Lock Dock at 6pm, paddle up the ICW to the St. John's river, exploring some estuaries along the way. We will take a break at a small beach just south of the St. John's River and have a snack and a drink while we watch the sunset over Florida. We will then paddle back to the Lock Dock, exploring some side marshes along the way, under the light of a full moon.

Sunset: 7:32 pm
Twilight ends: 7:56 pm
Moonrise: 7:36 pm

Sign up by posting a comment or e-mail the club at BackcountryKayakAdventures@yahoo.com

See you on the water!


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