Riverbanks Adventure Forum

Paddle/Hike Caladesi Island State Park for Summer Fun and Adventure!

// July 22nd, 2010 // 2 Comments » // Adventure Vacations, Adventures, Florida, Hiking, Kayaking

Caladesi Island Beach by Riverbanksoutdoorstore

 The weather was perfect on this typical Florida summer morning as I drove into Honeymoon Island State Park with an excited anticipation of the day ahead. I was looking forward to another fun day of adventure with my friends, Jeanene of Not-a-Clue-Adventures and Robin of Good Time Kayaking. This adventure was to be a multi-sport hiking/ kayaking to Caladesi Island State Park.

As I pulled up to the Group, they were busy unloading the kayaks. We had some quick introductions in with the others outdoor adventurist and then quickly back to unloading as there was a lot to be done prior to launch. There was a buzz of nervous excitement in the air as the group remained chatty getting to know each other prior to the days launch.

And we are off!

After a short but informative class on safety and paddling techniques, we launched our kayaks from the north beach of Honeymoon Island and pointed our bows to Caladesi Island. The morning waters were warm and calm which made for a nice paddle. Above us were Para-sailors decorating the sky with vibrant colors. As we neared Caladesi we were delighted to encounter large variety of shorebirds in a cluster. There were Willets, Marbled Godwits, Oyster Catchers, terns, and gulls mingling on the beach together and flying overhead.

We arrived at the Marina in hardly anytime at all. Robin, Jeanene and crew were very helpful with us as we dismounted our kayaks. We hung out in a picnic shelter as everyone re-grouped and prepared for the 2.5 mile hike along the Island Trail. After a short break we were off again to see the Island from the inside. The trail led us past remnants of the 1880’s Old Homestead of Henry Scharrer and his daughter Myrtle that once occupied the island before it becoming a state park. Myrtle Scharrer Betz later wrote a book of her life on the island, I Lived in Paradise. The trail then leads you through scrub habitat lined with cabbage palms and saw palmetto. Delicate pink Salt Marsh Mallows and canary yellow Partridge Peas add spots of color worth admiring along the

The beautiful Pine Forest along the Island Trail

trail. Soon we reach a sweat smelling pine forest offering beauty and much welcome shade. We enjoyed this part of the hike seeing a fresh water pond, an occasional Osprey Nest, and several Golden Orb spiders. There was even evidence of turpentine harvesting as a few of the pines still displayed cat faced scars from the early 1900’s. The pine forest gave way to a hardwood forest mainly of live oak trees then soon to mangroves as the trail took us out to the beach. Here we enthusiastically dropped our packs and jumped into the water for a much needed cool down. Willets could be seen pecking along the waters edge for food and the pink flowers of the blooming cross vines seem to carpet the beach while the sea oats gently waved behind them in the breeze.

Blooming Cross Vines

After a while we picked up our sacks and headed down the beach for a half mile stroll to return to the shelter. We took a break to enjoy lunch and each other as we re-grouped before our hearty return paddle.

Paddling the mangrove tunnel

For the return paddle, we were to enjoy a small stint through a tunnel created by the mangroves commonly referred to as a “mangle“. Reducing your paddle to one side seemed to be the most effective method for this tight but intriguing space. We were fortunate to see a Yellow-Crested night heron and his young hiding from the sweltering midday heat. They appeared unthreatened by our large colorful boats and noisy chatter as we made our way through this maze. Finally out into the Gulf, we were headed home! Now the waters were rougher and the weekend boaters were whizzing past as if in a hurry to take in the scenery before the days end. We spotted dolphins playing in the distance and pelicans diving into the water for food. Our biggest challenge was to cross the Boat channel safely. Finding an opening was as challenging as crossing a busy street. Patience paid off and once we past the channel it was smooth sailing from there. Now our only challenge was to avoid the occasional swimmer as the beach at Honeymoon Island had become crowded on this hot summer day with locals looking to escape the heat.

We arrived back at our launching spot around 4:30 PM exhausted but satisfied from a full day. What GREAT Adventure this turned out to be!

Caladesi State Park is a pristine Island is located just west of the shores of Dunedin and is only accessible by boat, Ferry, or paddling. It is 3 miles of beach to enjoy that was rated the #1 Beach in America (2008) and is consistently in the top 10.

View more photos of Caladesi Island State Park on flickr.

Vidoes on YouTube: Caladesi Island Kayak and Hike.

Paddling the Weeki Wachee River for Summer Family Fun!

// June 24th, 2010 // 1 Comment » // Adventure Vacations, Adventures, Canoeing, Florida, Kayaking

Immature Little Blue Heron

Paddling the Weeki Wachee River

The weather was absolutely gorgeous last Thursday as I headed out early morning to paddle the Weeki Wachee River. Being a spring fed river, the water was a crystal clear blue and a refreshing 74 degree temperature.  A virtual paradise for any river runner! I had paddled this river before but this time was different. I was excited about meeting up with some new found friends, Jeanene from Not -a-Clue-Adventures and Robin of Good Time Kayaking, and they promised me some new adventure down this crooked winding river.

Well we all met and introduced ourselves. Then we quickly got busy unloading boats and gear. The girls were great with the guests, especially the little ones, making sure everyone was comfortable and had what they needed before we headed on out. The excitement started not too far down the river when one of the guides, Josh, took a spill. Of course we all laughed and poked fun, but I still believe in my heart that he did it on purpose to cool off. After all, Josh worked hard unloading those boats in the hot sun this morning and I am sure that clear cool water looked very inviting to him.

Dive into the swimming hole

Not long after that, we ran into a female Wood ducks with little wood ducklings following close behind. I was the most excited of the bunch for that was a first for me! The crew was very courteous as they tried not to disturb the wildlife while I took some photos. We carried on down the river having fun and running in to our share of trees along the swift bends. There were a few stops along the 7 mile trip for swimming, taking snack breaks, and for filling up water guns for the next round of water wars!  A few of the swimming holes come with preinstalled ladders and ropes by the locals. The ladders are scrap boards simply nailed to the tree closest to the water to allow climbing up to 30 feet for a thrilling plunge into the water. Or you can use a rope and swing out over the water for a fun filled splash!

The guides were flexible as not everyone had to stop at each swimming hole. I didn’t mind swimming a little but I was there to enjoy the scenery and wildlife and hopefully catch some of it on camera.

Lip smaking lunch at the Upper Deck

Around 2:00 PM we were happy to see Rogers Park and the Upper Deck Restaurant. The paddle was fun but the physical morning had our appetites raving. The rustic bar and grill is very accommodating to boaters and paddlers alike. We simply paddled up to the dock, got out of our boats and then tied them to the dock. Since we were two hours past the lunch rush, was had no problem getting seated or quick service. The food was hearty and the conversation entertaining as we shared our mornings experiences along the river. I had a delicious chicken sandwich smothered in cheese, mushrooms, onions and a creamy special sauce and washed it down with a tasty raspberry iced-tea.
The weather was still great so we had the option to paddle toward the Gulf with a small detour to mud springs before taking out at Bayport Park.

Paddling out to the Gulf

This part of the paddle was fun but was work.  As the river took us out into the salt marshes, it widened and we were more susceptible to winds and the incoming tide. A few of the young paddlers had to be towed to finish this less forgiving run of the river. The wildlife seemed more abundant in these salt marshes as we saw several Great Blue heron, Little Blue Heron with and immature blue heron, cormorants fishing, and an occasional white ibis flying over head.
We even spotted a river otter poking his head out of the water at us as we were pulling our kayaks on shore at Bayport Park.  Here the skies started turning dark with a typical Florida thunder shower…. but that was ok…we had full day of fun and adventure!

View more of our photos from the Weeki Wachee Paddle on flickr.

View videos of from Not-A-Clue-Adventure on Youtube.

     Jumping into the river,  Paddling down the river,  Sea Turtle

Buyer Beware: This “Waterproof” backpack is actually only Water Resistant.

// May 17th, 2010 // 1 Comment » // Backpacking, Canoeing, Creative gear, Hiking, Kayaking, Product Reviews

Waterproof Backpack

Overboard Accessories LTD is a company from the UK and came up with their own patented Waterproof Store Rating System (WSRS). Then they proceeded to rate this backpack a WSRS Class 3 which means:

Waterproof so tight that it can handle quick submersions. The product could be permeated by water in any of the following applications: Prolonged Submersions, submersions greater than 3 feet of depth, or high water pressure applications.

By Our American Standards this product would be considered Water Resistant at best. It would get you through a short rain shower and an accidental dunk from tipping a Canoe or Kayak at best.

I paddled the Waccasassa River for 7 hours today and had stowed the Overboard Waterproof backpack in the back of my sit-on-top kayak. After riding countless wakes left by weekend boaters and my own little splashes from routine paddling, the waterproof pack ended up sitting in about 2 inches of water for several hours. The outside of the pack, of course was wet with splashes of water from paddling. After I removed the pack from the kayak, I opened the roll top to find that the contents on top were dry. My hiking boots and socks, which I had put in an oversized zip-lock bag for testing purposes, were damp but the papertowels I had inserted at the bottom of the pack were soaked.  However, there were not puddles of water sitting at the bottom of the pack.  Bottom line the items at the bottom where the pack was sitting in water for a prolonged period of time will absorb some moisture/water.
This pack comes with a roll down top typical of waterproof bags and clips to the side. The pack also has padded shoulder straps to allow for this pack to be worn comfortably as a daypack for hiking. There are support straps that reach around the waist and chest for extra comfort and support for toting those heavier loads. A nice idea and I will be sure to make good use of this item during the rainy season here in Florida. There are plenty of small coastal islands I plan on paddling to explore. This pack will allow me to paddle and hike without carrying extra equipment. Just remember you may need to still give those perishable items a little extra protection (ie in a smaller dry bag or ziplock)

This pack is manufactured by Overboard Accessories LTD, from the UK. You can purchase this item online at the WaterproofCases.net in Jacksonville, Florida.

About the Author: Barbara is the owner of  an on-line store Riverbanks  Outdoor Store  for several years and has frequently engaged in outdoor sports for years including camping, mountain biking, whitewater rating, kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking. Barbara also hosts a blog Riverbanks Adventure Forum  that focuses on product reviews and adventure vacations.  You can also follow Riverbanks Outdoor Store on twitter, flickr, youtube, and facebook

The Pithlachascotee River offers paddling tranquility in an urban setting

// April 13th, 2010 // 1 Comment » // Adventures, Canoeing, Florida, Florida Canoe Trail, Kayaking

Cotee River boat ramp at Frances Park by Riverbanksoutdoorstore

Saturday was looking bleak for any chances of outdoor adventure as I had to prepare my 2009 Federal tax return. Fortunately, thanks to online software and tax submission, the whole process took about 3 hours. With that I packed up my kayak and headed 2 miles up the road to paddle the Pithlachascottee River.  Also know as “Cotee” River by the locals, is scenic run along James E. Grey Preserve from Frances Park to the Bridge at Rowen Road. This section is part of the Florida Canoe Trail System.

James E Grey Fishing Pier

The scenery at the put-in at Frances Park was breathtaking.   I paused for a moment to take in the blue sky with the white clouds reflecting off the river.  I cringed as my movement added ripples to the perfectly smooth glass-like surface.  I only had to paddle  just as few hundred yard  past homes to arrive at the scenic protected land known as James E. Grey Preserve.  Here I was fortunate to find a Reddish Egret searching along the riverbanks for food.  “What a nice find!” I say to myself as I pause to capture a few photos of this uncommon wading bird.  I paddle on down river relaxing as I take in the scenery. 

Cabbage Palms Reflection

Tall Cabbage Palms tower over the river at the peak of an ox-bow river bend.  The spring green colors of the river grasses seemingly glow along the riverbanks.  Two more bends and I have paddled a full “S” and then one-half more.  I hear people talking. They must be the hikers in the preserve.  Just one more bend and I spot the fishing pier jutting out from the James E. Grey Boardwalk.  What a pretty site!  This rustic structure with a tin roof reflecting perfectly off the waters surface.  I appreciate my camera as I am able to capture this moment and take it home with me to share with others.  I continue up this slow moving river and I spot the Yellow Crested Night Heron that I have often seen from the preserve.  He looks at me but does not see me as a threat. He carries on with his business as I watch and follow him for a while.  Another bend and I come upon the James E. Grey canoe launch.  I could stop here and take a break but I am having too much fun!   I know up river from here it is sparsely maintained but I will take my chances with fall trees.  I will turn around when the river tells me too!  From here the river becomes thinner and more shaded, but still just as scenic.  I force my kayak over one log, then another, now I am at the Rowen Bridge. This used to be the old put-in for the Florida Canoe Trail.  I paddle a few hundred yards past the bridge and found a virtually impassable tree.  It is portagable, but my energy level was getting low. Here I decide to turn around.  The paddle back was a nice downstream excursion.  I was lucky to see a bald eagle fly right in front of my kayak as he heard me coming around the ox-bow bend.  I was as startled as much as he.  I watched him fly away to see if there was a nest nearby, but he disappeared into the preserve.

It was a tranquil escape to nature in the middle of bustling suburbia. Just what I needed that day!

Click here to view more photos of the Pithlachascotee River on flickr.

Paddle the Waccasassa River for Lush Spring time blooms!

// April 7th, 2010 // No Comments » // Adventures, Canoeing, Kayaking

Tricolored Heron along the banks of the Waccassa River

I paddled the Waccasassa River this past Easter Sunday. I was ready to relax and immerse myself in nature and was delighted to find that the Waccasassa River far exceeded my expectations! Due to the unusually rainy winter the river is robust, running high and lined with wildflowers. Golden Aster seemingly glow amongst the cypress knees and rivergrasses along the shady riverbanks. Large purple iris blooms add dashes of color amongst the bogs while Red Buckeye flowers are sprinkled amongst the tree tops.  The vibrant green leaves contrast the yellow flowers of the Golden Club and red blooms of wild pine overhang the river.  An occasional Giant Cypress tree hundreds of years old tell stories of how the Hammock once looked and how it was spared during the logging days of the early 1900′s.  Always awe inspiring to come close to one of these gentle giants.

Abandoned Boat House Along the Waccasassa River

Purple Flag Iris

As part of the protected Gulf and Devils Hammock Wildlife Management areas, the river has its share of wildlife.  Slider and Red bellied turtles were sunning themselves on fallen trees, while the ancient gar fish can be seen hiding just below the waters surface.  I was fortunate to see a pair of Tri-colored Heron resting in a Red Buckeye along the shore.  As I paddled upstream, I watched as an Anhinga fished for food while a little blue heron stayed safely perched high in the tree tops above us.  The muddy boggs of the riverbank are full of fiddler crabs scrambling as you approach.  And, par for course on the Florida Rivers, I spotted a small alligator sunning himself along the shoreline.

Although the river is tanic in nature it is primarily fed by Levy County’s Blue Spring near Bronson.  This is a swimming/picnic  recreational park that is run by the Levy County.

View more photos of the Waccasassa River on flickr.