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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