Tom's Sunday Paddle Switched to Halfway Creek from (low-water) Turner River

I am sorry, but the depth of water we need to float boats in the Turner River has been depleted. Don McCumber reports that he paddled the Turner on Friday, May 15, and could not get into the mangrove tunnels because of low water. (Thank you, Don, for scouting it out.)

I can't put off the paddle for another week because this is my last chance to paddle before my surgery on Thursday, so I am moving the venue to Halfway Creek.

Ironically, it may rain on Sunday afternoon. But that won't be in time to fill up the Turner for us. I am as concerned about thunderstorms as you are and will be paying close attention to the radar on my weather app, as well as my watch, so we'll have time to make it back to the launch before the weather turns ugly. As a result, we might turn back sooner in the late morning than I originally intended, but that will be for the best.

Be sure to check this space before you leave for the launch on Sunday, in case the forecast changes. I won't change the venue again, but I will not have us paddling out at 9:30 into a nearly certain thunderstorm. So check back before driving.

We will launch from the end of Sea Grape Dr, the road where the Big Cypress Preserve Visitor Center is. Just drive past that until you reach the end.

I am not going to remove any names from the attendee list, but if you change your mind and you're not coming, please take your name off the list. Halfway Creek also has fantastic mangrove tunnels, and I THINK that we will have enough water in there to paddle. This will be a put-in, take-out from the same location. And it comes the day after I will have led a trip on the East River, closer to Naples but also on US 41. These are both among my favorite routes.

That picture of a young, almost child-like Jay Rose will remain on this post because I like it, even though that was in the Turner River.

You can use a sit on top, but it must be 12 feet or more. I recommend against Hobies. Not enough depth for the pedal drives. The tunnels get narrow, so I'll offer a quick instructional demonstration when we start on how to keep your boat out of the mangrove roots.

Mosquitoes and/or noseeums will be present and you must be prepared or you will hate life. But don't let that scare you away. If you bring an effective bug repellent (I recommend Deep Woods Off with 25% DEET as the active ingredient - not some other style of Off, like Off Family. That's only useful for families of mostquitoes.) A screened hat with noseeum mesh can be useful, or one of those eco-terrorist scarves for your face, or a COVID mask. They will keep the bugs out of your mouth. Again, DON'T LET THAT SCARE YOU AWAY. If you're prepared, you'll be fine.

Neither I, nor anyone associated with PCPC will be responsible for anything bad that happens to you. Transport yourself, attend, and paddle at your own risk. But your risk will be greatly diminshed because you will be required to wear a USCG approved life jacket, properly sized, proplerly worn.

After the paddle, we can discuss a restaurant to go to for lunch, but make sure you have an ample drinking water supply and some snacks for the paddle.

If you have any questions, feel free to call or text me at 239.963.6162.

Tom Long
Kayak Eco-Tour Guide and ACA Touring Kayak Instructor