Florida Trail Association – Choctawhatchee and Western Gate Chapters

Activities March/April 2010

Courtesy http://choctaw.floridatrail.org

Activity Participants Please note: Contact the activity leader well in advance for more information and/or to reserve your place (Space is limited.) Unless instructed otherwise by the activity leader, each participant should bring: day pack, plenty of water (recommended minimum, 2 quarts), sun protection (hat, glasses, screen), insect repellent, lunch and or snacks, adequate clothing for the forecast, and comfortable, sturdy close toed shoes with socks. Long pants, work gloves, and extra water are recommended for work hikes. Activity leaders may deny participation to anyone who is inadequately prepared.

The Western Gate Chapter (western area) and Choctawhatchee Chapter (eastern area) span a longitude difference greater than 80 miles. All activities are open to the public unless noted otherwise. Read More…

Posted under Kayak/Canoe, Nature, Outdoor Family Fun, Trails/Hiking

Photo courtesy West Florida Canoe and Kayak Club.

The West Florida Canoe and Kayak Club offers a variety of paddles in the Northwest Florida Panhandle. If you are interesting in becoming a member, you can go to their website at www.clubkayak.com/wfckc or contact Wes Mosteller at wesjane@earthlink.net

Guests are welcome on trips as long as they have the skills to safely navigate the waters being paddled.  Guests must sign a waiver form and have an Eglin Recreational Pass if the trip is on the Base.  Paddlers must supply their own boat.

Friday, March 5:  Econfina Creek from Walsingham Bridge down to SR 20

We will meet at the parking area on the NE corner of Econfina Creek, drive on dirt roads to Walsingham Bridge, unload, and take vehicles back down to the parking area at SR 20.  This area of the creek is very beautiful, but because it isn’t paddled as much, expect pull-overs (how many depends on water levels).
We will see springs along the creek and paddle up a spring run to Washington Blue Springs and a camping area. Bring a lunch, appropriate clothing for the weather, a change of clothing in a dry sack, water, PFD, and anything else you need for your comfort. The distance of the paddle is about 7.5 miles and it is rated medium in difficulty due to the pull-overs and need to maneuver one’s boat on a small, twisty stream with underwater and overhanging obstructions in a moving current. Contact trip leader Frances Stone at 850-480-4480 or ffstone@hotmail.com to sign up, for directions, or answers to questions.

Saturday, March 6 Lower Chipola from SR 20 to Scotts Ferry

This is a beautiful stretch of the Chipola River with 7 miles of wide, open water, and 7 miles of interesting paddling when the Chipola splits into several different branches, and eventually one is paddling down what appears to be a small creek.  Expect to see remains of the historical steamboat dock, and a logging railroad. It is an easy paddle for people capable of paddling 14 miles. May be pullovers.  Bring water, PDF, wear clothing appropriate for the weather, bring a change of clothes and anything else needed for a good paddle.  Shuttle will leave Marianna at 8:00 a.m.from McDonalds on SR 71 south of I-10.  Other people who wish to go directly to the put-in can meet at the Chipola River Boat Ramp on SR 20 at 9:00 a.m. Contact trip leader Chris Matthews, a very experienced Marianna paddler, trip leader, and all around nice guy, (who has recently joined the WFCKC) at 850-209-8166 for more information.

Sunday, March 7 Holmes Creek

Meet at the Vernon Boat Ramp and Wayside park at 9:00 a.m.  We will put in at Culpepper Landing, paddle upstream to Cypress Springs, then back down to the Vernon Boat Ramp for lunch using the picnic pavilions.  After lunch we will continue downstream to Hightower Springs Landing.  Very little build-up along this creek.  It is about an 8-mile paddle with the upstream part being approximately a half-mile.  Holmes Creek is a slow moving stream with the current usually about a mile an hour. Bring PFD, water, lunch, appropriate clothing for the weather, a change of clothes in a dry sack.  Contact trip leader Frances Stone at 850-482-4480 or ffstone@hotmail.com to sign up, for directions, or more information about this paddle.

Wet and Wild Festival, May 1, 2010

Kelley Thompson, Coordinator for the West and Wild Festival at Big Lagoon State Park has announced that this year the Festival will be held on May 1. She has inquired if the club would participate again this year, and I have already sent her an affirmative answer. Our event was very popular last year, and we had lots of fun.  Mark your calendars and bring your boats, paddles, PFDs especially children’s sizes, and help the club offer paddling exploration to the participants in the Wet and Wild Festival.
Frances Stone

Florida Paddlers’ Rendezvous 2010, October 22-24

Mark your Calendars now — 
for the 2010 Florida Paddlers’ Rendezvous, October 21-24.

FL Sport Paddling Club (FSPC) proudly continues the Rendezvous tradition of bringing together Florida paddling clubs and paddling enthusiasts for a weekend of fun, friends and paddles.
This year’s base camp will be the Silver River State Park campground from which we will launch four days of trips that canoeists and kayakers of all skill levels will enjoy. Also join the potluck supper, program, nightly campfires, paddlers’ swap meet, and the wonderful exchange of friendship and paddling skills that evolves when so many with like interests come together.

The main event will take place Friday-Sunday, October 22-24, 2010. Make your reservations at Silver River SP now!! Pre-Rendezvous paddles will be held Thursday, October 21, for those who can come early. Trip details and a list of additional accommodations will follow when we have a website set up.
Please help us reach all who may be interested.   Send us any additional contacts you may have.  Please email Kathy, publicity chair, at KathrynVaughn@ATT.net with your questions, suggestions or information

Posted under Kayak/Canoe, Nature, Outdoor Family Fun, Parks, paddle/surf/boat

Locals prepare for peaceful protest against pending legislation on Feb. 13, 2010

As the pending legislation for near shore oil drilling looms over the coastlines of Florida’s beautiful beaches, local businessman, Dave Rauschkolb has taken action to protest and bring awareness to the public.

Rauschkolb has created ‘Hands Across The Sand’  as an action dedicated to protecting our coastline and waterways from the devastating environmental effects of oil exploration and support industries, and are organizing a protest along the Gulf Coast.

Mission Statement
1. To raise awareness about pending Florida legislation to drill for oil in our coastal waters.
2. To organize a Gulf coast wide and perhaps a statewide coastal movement to protest this legislation. This protest will bring thousands of Florida citizens to our beaches and will draw metaphorical and actual lines in the sand; human lines in the sand against near shore oil drilling in our waters. This event will be held on Saturday February 13, 2010.
3.  To convince our Legislators and Governor to drop any and all Legislation that would allow this folly.

Walton County area beach locations:

Main Protest Site: Seagrove Beach to Grayton Beach
(parking in Seaside and at the Van Ness Butler Jr. Beach Access between Watercolor and Seaside)

Additional Protest Sites with ample parking: Blue Mountain Beach Access, Dune Allen Beach Access, Ed Walline Beach Access, Gulfview Heights Beach Access, Inlet Beach Access, Miramar Beach Access

For more information, go to http://www.handsacrossthesand.com/

Posted under Birding, Fishing, Kayak/Canoe, Nature, paddle/surf/boat

Kayakers on Western Lake. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors

Kayaks an easy fit for anyone interested in outdoor fun

With the Gulf of Mexico, the Choctawhatchee Bay and numerous lakes, creeks and rivers in the area, kayaking is a popular sport in the Panhandle. And with little maintenance cost after purchase, kayaking can be enjoyed by most anyone.
There are two basic configurations to choose from, the traditional cockpit style and the sit on top. In a variety of lengths, kayaks range from 8 – 20 ft. and weigh in anywhere from 40 – 70 lbs. Deciding which kayak to choose depends on the type of paddle experience one is looking for.

The Kayak Experience in Destin has both cockpit and sit on kayak types. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors

Marlice Brown of The Kayak Experience in Destin explained that the cockpit style offers a faster paddle and drier experience when using a skirt.

The Kayak Experience sells about equal amounts of both types, boasting a variety of manufacturers such as Old Town, Ocean Kayak, Necky, Wilderness Systmes and Eddyline. The Kayak Experience personnel are experienced paddlers who assist buyers in finding the perfect fit.

The first Saturday of every month the store offers demonstrations, and anyone interested can try out any model of interest. The store also sells books, maps trailers and accessories.

Yellowfin Ocean Sports sells and rents a variety of kayaks including several geared for fishing. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors

Fishing kayaks have also become very popular, and can be accessorized with items such as live wells for bait and rod-holders.
Yellowfin Ocean Sports in Seagrove Beach offers both rentals and sales of a variety of kayaks, with a specialty in providing kayaks for the fisherman.
Yellowfin offers rentals and sales of Hobie and Ocean Kayaks, along with supplies for fishing excursions, live bait and tackle.
Yellowfin also offers daily fishing reports for the surf, inshore and the bay, and a variety of other services including suiting people up with an appropriate charter for fishing excursions.

Kayak sales and rentals

There are several dealers offering kayaks for purchase or rent in the South Walton and Destin area.

Yellowfin Ocean Sports
Seagrove Beach
(850) 231-9024
Rent: Hobie or Ocean Kayaks
Sell new and used Hobie, Ocean Kayak, Old Town Kayaks
Satellite rental location inside Grayton General Store at Grayton Corners
Rentals: Sit on top Ocean Kayak, Hobie Kayaks

Big Daddy’s
Blue Mountain Beach
(850) 622-1165
Sell new and used kayaks
Free delivery and pick-up

Sales only

The Kayak Experience
Destin
(850) 837-1577
Sales new and used: Old Town, Ocean Kayak, Necky, Eddyline, Wilderness Systems
Sit-in, sit-on fishing kayaks

Orvis
Grand Boulevard, Santa Rosa Beach
(850) 650-2174
Sit-in, sit-on fishing kayaks

Bass Pro Shop
Destin Commons
(850) 269-6200
Sit-in, sit-on, various types

Sunjammers Watersports
315 N Hwy 79
Panama City Beach, Florida 32413
(850) 235-2281

Guided tours in South Walton

Into the Wild Eco-Diversions in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida offers a unique guide service accommodating anyone looking to explore nature in the Florida Panhandle.

You can reach Into The Wild Eco Diversions at (850) 974-2258.

Paddle clubs

West Florida Canoe and Kayak Club – http://www.clubkayak.com/wfckc/

Paddle fishing clubs:

• Gulf Coast Kayak Fishing Association – http://www.gulfcoastkayakfishing.com/
• Forgotten Coast Kayak Anglers: http://www.fcka.net

More paddle information

• Florida Paddling Trails Association – http://www.floridapaddlingtrails.com/
• To learn more about kayaking and canoeing http://www.americancanoe.org/

Finding where to paddle in Northwest Florida

West Florida Canoe and Kayak Club has a great forum that offer ratings and shares experiences on 46 different paddling locations in Northwest Florida:
http://www.clubkayak.com/greenwave/
The State of Florida Office of Greenways and Trails offers maps to the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail:
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/paddling/Segments/Segment%20Home.htm

State Parks in Walton County
Grayton Beach State Park Western Lake: http://www.floridastateparks.org/graytonbeach

Other Greenways and Trails Paddling in Northwest Florida:
From West to East:
Blackwater River Northwest of Crestview
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/regions/panhandlewest/trails/blackwater_jackson_red.htm
Coldwater Creek North of Milton:
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/designated_paddle/Coldwater_guide.pdf

Rental Outfitters
Adventures Unlimited – 850-623-6197
http://www.adventuresunlimited.com/

Blackwater Canoe Rental – 1-800-967-6789
http://blackwatercanoe.com/

Action on Blackwater – 850-537-2997
http://www.actiononblackwater.com/

Shoal River Canoe Trail near Crestview:
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/regions/panhandlewest/trails/shoal.htm
The Shoal River Canoe Trail is officially designated as part of Florida’s Statewide System of Greenways and Trails. Twisting and turning through a remote part of the western Panhandle, the Shoal River trail covers 27 miles. Few indications of civilization are evident as you paddle through forests of maple, oak, gum, and cypress. Along the trail, creeks broaden into small lily-covered pools that provide excellent fishing. Sandbars along the bends of the river make good campsites. This narrow river is usually 3-4 feet deep, and water levels do not generally fluctuate more than 3 feet.

Yellow River Canoe Trail near Crestview/Niceville
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/regions/panhandlewest/trails/yellow.htm
The Yellow River Canoe Trail is officially designated as part of Florida’s Statewide System of Greenways and Trails. Located in the western Panhandle near Crestview, this trail offers 56 miles of very pleasant paddling. The Yellow River drains the state’s highest elevation. The current is faster than many other Florida rivers because of the river’s steeper descent to sea level. The upper section of the trail is bordered by hardwood forests and high sandy banks. Further downstream, the river widens and becomes more placid as it meanders through cypress-gum swamps. Sandbars can be found on some of the curves. Long sections of the trail, particularly on the upper section, are undeveloped, offering the paddler a glimpse of the Florida early explorers might have seen. Observing wildlife, particularly birds, is an enjoyable part of paddling this trail. Look for turtles sunning on logs over the water, or the large, long-legged wading birds such as the great egret as it stands motionless in the shallow water.

Econfina Creek Paddling Trail north of Panama City
Click here for PDF file: econfina_guide1
Outfitters
Econfina Creek Canoe Livery,
5641-A Porter Bend Rd.,
Youngstown, FL 32466
850-722-9032

Holmes Creek Paddling Trail in Vernon
(Access Point 1) Put-in: Wayside park off SR 79 in Vernon
Click here for PDF file: holmes_guide

Posted under Fishing, Kayak/Canoe, Nature, Outdoor Family Fun

Explore some of the many creeks and tributaries in a kayak with Into The Wild Eco Diversions.

Expert guide service offers unique nature adventures

Into the Wild Eco-Diversions in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida offers a unique guide service accommodating anyone looking to explore nature in the Florida Panhandle. With such a vast amount of natural beauty in the area, ITW offers the opportunity to experience it all with the unique variety of platforms – biking, hiking, kayaking and sailing.

ITW’s concept is to bring people closer to the natural world, as the content of the tours are interpretive discussions on the ecosystems, history and current events affecting our environment. The trips range from 2-4 hours and vary from easy to strenuous. Longer outings can be scheduled and can be customized to an individual’s preference. Read More…

Posted under Biking, Kayak/Canoe, Nature, Trails/Hiking

A pond view at Cypress Cattle Company.

Cypress Cattle Company more than just a cattle farm

Tucked away near Ponce de Leon, straddling Walton/Holmes County line, sits 1,100 acres of rolling hills, magnificent live oaks, cypress ponds, pastures and acres of fresh produce.

Cypress Cattle Company has been a family-run farm for generations. W.J. Sapp started in the family business in the 1920s farming sugar cane and potatoes. The farm then migrated to dairy until 1991, when they switched to cattle farming, which is its mainstay to this day

Now managed by Sapp’s great-great nephew, Luke Langford, and his father Ken, Cypress now offers farm tours, primitive camping and fishing on any of their seven ponds for crappie, bass and bream. And, in keeping with all things fresh, Cypress now commercially grows produce, selling locally. Read More…

Posted under Fishing, Kayak/Canoe, Nature, Outdoor Family Fun

New scenic overlook platform looks over Tucker Bayou.

New entrance, office, paving canoe/kayak launch highlight parks’ changes

One of the most beautiful parks in Walton County sits along Tucker Bayou in Point Washington in South Walton County. Large moss covered live oaks, gardens, walking trails and panoramic views of the bayou provide a visual delight for the visitor to this historic Florida State Park.

The park is boasting new developments this year with more than $1 million dollars worth of improvements. Enhancements to the park include a new entrance, as visitors now access the park directly from CR 395. Other new features include four new picnic pavilions, a new ranger office, parking lot, new kayak/canoe launch, new restrooms and scenic overlook deck along a paved trail that loops around Tucker Bayou. Read More…

Posted under Biking, Birding, Kayak/Canoe, Nature, Outdoor Family Fun, Parks, Trails/Hiking, paddle/surf/boat

Fun outdoor events for kids of all ages coming up this week!

Monster paddle, hayrides, trick or treats, scary (or not so scary) trail walks and Fall festivals fill the calendar this week with fun for everyone across Walton County and the surrounding area.

Butler Pumpkin Patch

through Oct. 30 – The Butler Elementary PTO Pumpkin Patch will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 24, 26; and 12 to 4 p.m. Oct. 25, 3 to 6 p.m. Oct. 27-30. Pumpkins $5-$10. Popcorn and drinks will be sold on Saturdays and Sundays only. An area will be available for taking family pictures. Park in the main parking lot of the school.

Haunted Trail and Fantasyland at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park

Oct 30 – 31 – 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
The Department of Environmental Protection’s Topsail Hill Preserve State Park will be having their 3rd Annual Haunted Trail and Fantasyland. Choose between a fully-frightening trail for adults and children over 12 for $3 a person, a “scare free” walking loop with treats for $1 for young children to go through the trick or treat trail or the fun games with prizes and face painting for a $1. Drinks and food will be sold for donation with all of the proceeds going to the Friends of Topsail Hill. Event is on Hwy 30A 2/10 mile off Hwy 98. Call for more information.
Fees: Park entrance fees will be waived to participants.
Contact: (850) 267-0299
::MAP::
Read More…

Posted under Kayak/Canoe, Outdoor Family Fun, Parks, paddle/surf/boat

Origins Golf Club at WaterSound.

Fun outdoor events for the entire family

St. Joe Community Sales is hosting a fun open hour weekend on Saturday Oct. 24 starting at 9 a.m. with the Two-Man’s Best Friend Scramble Tournament at Origins Golf Course. 9 A.M. Shotgun Start,  Proceeds to Benefit Alaqua Animal Refuge

Enjoy a Saturday morning two-man team scramble on a10-hole par three course designed by Davis Love, III, and help raise money for Walton County’s only no-kill animal sanctuary, Alaqua Animal Rescue. Dogs are welcome to walk with players. Please, no retractable leashes or prong collars. Field is limited to 40 players. Lunch is in included. Play $45 per person. Call 376-4190 to register. Registration deadline is October 17. All proceeds to Alaqua. For more information, email Nancy at bownnancy@gmail.com or Will at whopkins@TroonGolf.com.
Free family play at Origins from 2 – 5 p.m.

Watch the US98 Soccer League play games all morning at WindGarden Park. Enjoy Yoga with Angela Ragsdale, community tours, pool access, games complimentary kayak tours on Lake Powell.

For more information call 850-534-2100 St. Joe WaterSound is located at 180 WaterSound Pkwy., WaterSound, Fl. ::MAP::

Posted under Home/Garden, Kayak/Canoe, Outdoor Family Fun

Grab your kayak, canoe or YOLO and enjoy a fun-filled Sunday puttering around beautiful Morrison Springs

The cypress trees at Morrison Springs cast a golden-brown hue on the crystal-clear water of Morrison Springs. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors

WaltonOutdoors.com and 30A Radio are organizing a beautiful paddle, swim and picnic on Sunday, Oct. 25. Grab your kayak, canoe or YOLO,  and your snorkeling gear as we explore the springs for a fun family-oriented day at Morrison Springs exploring the fall colors.

The fun starts around 10 a.m. Putter around and explore the beautiful cypress trees, then dive into the water to explore the beauty of the spring vent.

Morrison Springs is a 161-acre County park and popular with divers and nature enthusiasts. There are boardwalks meandering through the ancient cypress trees, and span into the springs to a diver’s launching area, a 10×10 ft.  floating concrete platform. There is a picnic area, restroom facilities, a pavilion, showers and handicap access. There is also a small beach area for children.

We are organizing a pot luck lunch with hot dogs for the kids. Please contact lori@waltonoutdoors.com to sign up for what you can contribute. Read More…

Posted under Kayak/Canoe, Nature, Outdoor Family Fun, Parks, paddle/surf/boat