Friday Trips - October 31st

Hillsborough River – J.B. Sargeant Park to Trout Creek

This paddle is probably the most picturesque section of the Hillsborough River and most paddled by visitors and residents. The paddle starts at J.B. Sargeant Park boat ramp and proceeds down river about 7 ½ miles. Before we launch, we will arrange vehicles at the take out and shuttle drivers back to the park.

A lunch break at the Morris Bridge Wilderness Park will mark the mid point of the days paddle. Along this section of the river the channel is broad and the current is slow, occasional deadfall often restricts the passage to a small navigable channel on the first half of this paddle.

The tropical forest of cypresses, oaks, and palms canopies much of the river on this journey. Turtles and an occasional alligator are frequently seen sunning on the trunks of dead fallen trees or the riverbanks. Bird life is of abundance in this area. You should observe heron, egret, ibis, anhinga, vultures, and roseate spoonbills during this paddle.

Hillsborough River - Lowry Park to downtown Tampa

This paddle starts at the Lowry Park boat launch ramp, since we are below the dam, this trip is subject to the tidal changes occurring in the upper Tampa bay; however, these currents are weak and not a factor. We will paddle down river to the city of Tampa, stop for a photo opportunity, and then paddle back to Rick’s on-the-water restaurant to enjoy a casual lunch before returning to the park for takeout.

Residences line both sides of the Hillsborough River throughout this paddle, but it is interesting to observe the differences in the homes between the park and downtown Tampa. Total paddle will be about 12 miles round trip.

Weedon Island to Crisp Park

We will launch at Weedon Island and paddle thru a maze of channels which feel like you are going thru the back yards of people who have access to Tampa Bay some pretty amazing houses. The nice thing is that this is very protected from the wind and offers an easy paddle of about 8 miles. We end up at Crisp Park where we have lunch and then paddle back to the put-in.

Weeki Wachee River - Roger's park upstream to springs

The paddle upstream from Roger's Park to the spring will be a strenuous paddle of 6 miles against the natural flow of the springs, while the return should be an easy leisurely journey. For the first 1 3/4 miles the Weeki Wachee River winds thorough a rural community with residences located on the north side of the river, whereas, the south side remains undeveloped and well forested. The water is discolored by tannin seepage from surrounding land. Above the 2-mile point we enter the undeveloped Weeki Wachee Swamp thickly forested with cypresses, water oaks, and palms.

About mid point in the upstream paddle the water become clear exposing the sandy bottom with occasional limestone outcropping. In this region the river has several deep holes that frequently have Florida manatee resting in them, most have rope swings for those wishing to take a rest and cool off in the river. Bird life is abundant on the river and the observant paddlers should see herons, vultures, egrets, and ospreys. Just after starting the return leg of our journey we will locate a sandy riverbank and take our lunch break.

Bishop Harbor Mangrove Trail Cancelled

This paddle begins at the Bishop Harbor boat ramp and skirts the edge of the harbor for a mile and then turns into the mangroves. The remainder of the paddle will be twisting and turning through 6 miles of mangroves exploring the marine and bird life that inhabit Florida's coastal mangroves.

Parts of this trip will be over oyster bars covered by shallow water that may require getting out of your boat to traverse them. Hard soled foot ware will be required to protect your feet from the oyster shells, if this is necessary. The observant paddler should see the remains of shell middens left by the Tocobaga Indians that inhabited this area until the 19th century. This is an easy and enjoyable paddle for a family outing.

Pithlachascotee River upstream from Sims City Park Cancelled

This trip starts from the Sims City Park on Main Street and proceeds up stream to the end of the navigable waterway, approximately 2 ½ miles. For the first ¾ mile both riverbanks have residential homes, thereafter the development ceases and water oaks, palm, and cypresses extend down to the river’s edge and the river slowly narrows to a few yards across.

Turtles, herons, egrets, and ospreys can usually be seen on the upper part of this trip. At the upper end deadfall blocks passage beyond the James E. Gray Preserve. The true beauty in this upper most section is the peace and quietness of the river and surrounding forest, as it probably existed centuries ago.

Fort De Soto – Beach day

The two paddle trips listed below are for those that may want to spend their afternoon at the beach before returning to the campsite. The Tampa Bay Sea Kayakers Club have reserved a shelter for paddlers to use after their paddle trip ends. There are walking and bicycling paths throughout the park. The Park also runs a toll ferry across the channel to Egmont Key for those that may wish to visit the lighthouse and old fort on the key.

Ft. De Soto Beach to Shell Island and back

This trip gives the intermediate kayaker (includes bracing skills & spray skirt) a chance to play at the No. 1 U.S. Beach. We will launch from a beautiful beach and paddle out into the Gulf. We will then paddle over to a very popular Shell Island where we can take a break. A great open water paddle of about 8 miles. After the paddle you can enjoy the beach.

Kayak Kiosk to North beach via mangrove trail Cancelled

This is for the novice paddler with a recreational kayak or canoe who wants to head to the beach, but does not have a boat suitable for the open water. We will launch on the back side of Ft. De Soto which is very protected from the wind. We can paddle local mangrove trails and head up the island, sticking close to shore. After the paddle you can enjoy the No. 1 U.S. Beach.

Swap Shop, Activities and Notes

Swap Shop: open 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m. Program: Speaker will be Russell Farrow

8:00 p.m. Camp fire, music and sharing (Perhaps a scary Halloween story), Awards