Carolina Mike's & MJ's 15th Annual Shell Island Birthday Kayak & Camp

Hey Wet Dogs come join Carolina Mike and Mj for a fun filled weekend for our 15th Annual Birthday Kayak & Camp-out on Shell Island. This all started after the 1st year I started kayaking. We would just paddle out to Shell Island to relax and enjoy island life on my favorite local salty piece of land for my birthday. People began to ask me if they could come out and camp with us. This slowly became an event over the years. Now we're into our fifteenth year of hosting and catering this event. Ironically every year there are always others on the trip with the same birth date. We've entertained over 320 people in the month of April the last 12 years on this special piece of paradise. Beginners and up welcome- kayaks and tents for rent if needed.

Note: PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE WRITE UP BEFORE RSVPING. The meetup spot is going to be Billy's Stone Crab for lunch at 11 am. Then we'll drive over to the Sawyer Key put-in before Tampa Bay Watch. The spot is located on the right side of the road in the grassy area (There is no physical address as it's a grassy area just before the last toll bridge. IT IS NOT THE FORT DESOTO BOAT RAMP

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Itinerary:

The gang will meetup at Billy's Stone Crab for a tasty lunch then drive a mile south to a spot on the grassy area near the mangroves and shore. Once there we'll pack the kayaks and gear and then paddle (45 min paddle for beginners) across the open mangrove flats. A pristine white sandy beach always greets the group as we arrive on the southwestern side of the island. Ft. Desoto has been voted the best beach in the USA a few years back. Well..., many sea kayakers in the know say Shell Island is the king of beaches.

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Saturday: We'll all meetup at the put-in area after lunch at Billy's and pack our kayaks for the trip. After everyone gets there and in the water we'll go over a short safety briefing then paddle to the island. Once on the island we'll set up camp and then just hang out for awhile and just enjoy the island paradise. This year we're going to stay on the island. In previous years we'd saddle up and paddle to Billy's Stone Crab for a late lunch, but this year we're figuring more island time into the mix. Check out the pictures in the photos page of last years trip to see the fun we have on this weekend.

Dinner on Saturday is provided by Carolina Mike and his brother Pat. They'll mix up a delicious dinner of Australian Dinkum Chilli on the beach with Florida's best sunset as a back drop. Later night falls away as we sit and mingle by the roaring fire. Some may steal away for a walk up the beach. If we get lucky phosphorescence activity in the waves may illuminate the shores at night. Later on one by one the tribe will leave the fire to retire to their tents to fall asleep to the soft waves lapping on the shore.

Sunday: You'll awake to the smell of breakfast and fresh coffee brewing. We'll enjoy the morning, clean and then pack up for a short paddle home.

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Cost: $99 if renting a kayak from us (includes kayaks and gear, Dinner on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday morning,) If paying by paypal put in the appropriate fee if you are renting a kayak. (NO DISCOUNTS ON THIS TRIP because of the food being offered)

$35 if bringing your own kayak (includes dinner on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday morning)

BRING: Your own water, tent, sleeping pad and bag, sandals or water shoes, camp or head light, etc.

Note: When paying for this trip put-in the price that pertains to you. The $99 price will show up so you have to change it in paypal if that is not your option price. We will not after the fact give anymore credits if you do not put in the right price. Call us if any questions at 727-235-1959

PLEASE LET US KNOW in words in your RSVP weather you are renting or bringing your own kayak please. Example: Sounds awesome, count me in. I will be needing a kayak for this trip. Also if bringing a guest please give us a name in your rsvp and send Carolina Mike your guest approx ht and wt if renting.

We'll have vegetarian options if your a veggie wet dog.

Please let us know in your rsvp.

NO GIFTS PLEASE WE JUST WANT OUR WETDOG TRIBE THERE.

Things to bring: water, sunscreen, camera, bug spray, appropriate kayaking clothing, rain gear, tent, water shoes or sandals, NO FLIPFLOPS, money for Billy's Stone Crab.

Only those who RSVP with yes and a full payment will truly be signed up for this trip. Space is limited so don't wait to RSVP. This trip always fills up fast. You don't want to miss out on this annual event. RSVP NOW!!! to secure your spot.

Carolina Mike 727-235-1959