Imperial River west to the Gulf

This is a new route for the group. Our “fearless leader” is away, so …
We will launch at Riverwalk Park on the Imperial River in Bonita Springs, paddle into the “Squirrilies” (aka Lubin’s Loop), to Estero Bay, and on to Big Hickory Pass where we will stop for lunch on the beach. The return trip will take us back to the “Squirrelies” through McCabe’s Cut to the put in.
It will be about a ten mile, Level III trip with some open water that will require a spray skirt.
LEVEL THREE: Trip Length of 8 to 10 miles
A Mix of Open Water Paddling
Speed: Three to Three and Half MPH
Skirts Required or Surfski
Rescue Training
Two Bulkheads or Surfski
Minimum Boat Length: 16 feet

Riverwalk Park, Bonita Springs is within a gated community, where our hosts Lotte and John live.
Enter the Bonita Bay community through the main gate where you will be asked to give your name. You will then be on Bonita Bay Boulevard. Turn left onto Riverwalk Way, (second left). In .5 miles turn right at the pickleball and basketball courts. There is a small marina with docks and a kayak launch right next to the vertical kayak storage racks.