Sat, 5.16 Paddle w/Tom Long - East River, Fakahatchee Strand Preserve St. Park
Details
We're going to the East River, one of the most beautiful paddles in Collier County, with multiple mangrove trails and FIVE tunnels that include some huge old mangroves, possibly a few gators, maybe even a croc (for real), lots of fish, usually a good number of birds, spiders with beautiful overhead webs (but not spiders that can hurt you), possibly a green watersnake or two, and probably a skunk ape.
This paddle requires a lot of seat time, so make sure your exterior and interior can endure being in your seat for 3.5-4 hours. There is a port-a-john at the launch site, but I'm pretty sure you cannot take it with you on the paddle.
Bring plenty of water and a snack if you'd like. Lifejackets MUST be properly fitted and properly worn. No exceptions will be tolerated and unbuckling, unzipping, or loosening of your PFD during the paddle could result in rather loud condemnation by your host. Remember to bring bug repellant. I recommend any spray with at least 20% DEET as the active ingredient. Less than 20% DEET is ineffective. If you use it and still are bitten, use more. It works if you put on enough. But don't leave it in your car just because you already applied it. It won't help you in your car when you need another dose. Hats, sunglasses and sunscreen are a fine idea, too. Six-inch stilletto heels: not so much. Trust me.
Sit-on-tops can work on this paddle, provided you can tolerate your sitter sitting that long on a hard seat. But please do not show up with a boat that is shorter than 10 feet. Short boats will have a hard time keeping up with longer boats. Canoes are fine, too.
We won't be paddling very fast, as much of our time will be spent paddling in single-file through tunnels. However, it is important that you can keep up with the rest of the group and that you can move through the mangrove tunnels without falling behind the boat in front of yours and delaying those behind you.
When you sign up, if you are bringing an extra person to paddle with you in a tandem, just sign yourself up. I am counting boats, not people.
It's appropriate to use a trailer at this venue if you have one.
The launch is on the East Tamiami Trail (US 41), driving southeast from Naples or west from Miami. Check the Google Maps link below.
I intend for us to push off at 9:30am, so please be there in plenty of time to unload your boat and gear, repark away from the launch, and get into your boat ready to go. We are supposed to pay a $2 launch fee on a website for the Preserve that you're supposed to access from a QR code on the sign at the launch, but I've found it doesn't always work. That money goes to the state park, not the paddle club, and is mandatory, assuming their website is functional. I will contact the state park to learn how to pay for the launch fees.
When we're all done, I recommend we go down to Everglades City and have lunch at Camelia Street Grill.
(Yes, Tom, that's an excellent choice.
Why, thank you, Tom.)
If you have any questions feel free to call or text me at 239.963.6162 or message me through this post.
See you out there!
Tom Long
Ecotour Kayak Guide/ACA Touring Kayak Instructor