Seven Runs creek provides shaded canopy most of the paddle. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors

Small scenic creek near Bruce a quiet journey of natural beauty

Seven Runs creek, located off of State Road 81, just north of Bruce, in northeast Walton County is a scenic paddle through hardwood wetlands and cypress swamps.

A short, 2-3 mile paddle, this fairly swift moving creek provides a few twists and turns before it flows into the swampy cypress tree filled forest of extraordinary beauty. Twisted cypress roots bellow out of the bottom of the forest floor, and with a little imagination, the shady canopy and trees provide a backdrop to a fairy tale.

Eventually empting into the Choctawhatchee River, you can take out before you reach the river at a county boat launch off of Dead River Road. This location makes for an easy shuttle with two vehicles. The boat launch offers a picnic area and portable restroom facility. Read More…

Posted under Nature, paddle/surf/boat

Sand dunes along the outfall on Camp Creek Lake. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors

Recreational activities abound on these rare coastal dune lakes

Walton County Florida is well known for its beautiful beaches and great fishing. Less known to those that have never visited the area, are the unique and scenic coastal dune lakes that dot the coastline along the area’s beach dune systems.

Nestled along Scenic Highway 30A, Walton county’s coastal dune lakes are rare geological features that only occur in the Florida Panhandle, Madagascar, Australia, New Zealand and the northern Pacific coast of the United States.

Streams, groundwater seepage and rain are the sources that feed the coastal dune lakes. Storm surge creates intermittent connections to the Gulf of Mexico, called outfalls. This periodic connection empties lake water into the Gulf, and, depending on tides and weather, salt water and organisms from the Gulf flow back into the lakes. Read More…

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

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

YOLO racers navigate a buoy turn on Oyster Lake during 2009 race. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors

First race slated for May 1, new Family Day division added to the popular event

SANTA ROSA BEACH – YOLO Board LLC announces the dates and locations of the 2010 YOLO Board Stand Up Paddle Series that will kick off on May 13th at Eastern Lake.  The race series consists of male and female division four-member teams along with a new Elite Co-Ed Team division (3 guys, 1 girl) of experienced paddlers competing in a series of five relay races that will take place from May to August at various area locations.  Race paddlers vie for the champion title “2010 YOLO Board Cup Series” to be awarded after the final race in August.  A new addition to the 2010 series are three ‘Family Day’ competitions scheduled throughout the season that allow family members to compete as teams in lighthearted, fun-filled races designed for all ages.
Read More…

Posted under 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

Justin Nichols leads a tour on Lake Powell.

Local guide provides tours of area lakes, bayous and creeks on stand up paddle boards

Locals and visitors to the Walton County area have a fun, new approach to exploring the local waterways.  Local resident and outdoor enthusiast, Justin Nichols offers guided nature tours around area coastal dune lakes, bayous and creeks on YOLO stand up paddle boards.

After leaving the confines of a high stress job a few years ago, Justin has found his passion – exploring the natural beauty of the area on his YOLO board.

Originally from Enterprise, Ala., Justin grew up spending most every weekend with his family fishing, sailing and diving around Lake Powell. Justin is a now permanent resident, and enjoys giving tours and sharing his knowledge of the local waters.
Read More…

Posted under Nature, Outdoor Family Fun, paddle/surf/boat

Christmas Eve storm brings bad luck to local boat owner

A 46 ft. juniper boat, the LEO IV broke loose of its moorings and ran aground at Hogtown Bayou during the high winds of a storm on Christmas Eve.

Owner Jeremy Larnce had just sold the boat, and is waiting for a southern wind to push it loose so he can relocate the vessel to Freeport Shipyard.

“It was bad timing all the way around, and I’ve had trouble finding help because of the holidays” said Jeremy as he expressed concern about moving the vessel.

Jeremy plans to relocate the 30-year-old boat as soon as possible. Read More…

Posted under paddle/surf/boat

YOLO will be offering Stand Up Paddle Eco Tours in Santa Rosa Beach and Panama City Beach

Paddle local coastal dune lakes with  Justin Nichols at 1 p.m. on Sat., Dec. 26 at Western Lake Red Bar boat ramp.  Another will be held in that same location on Monday Dec. 28 at 10 a.m., as well as Lake Powell on Wed., Dec. 30 at 1 p.m.

This is your chance to get out on the water and burn off those holiday cookies!  Paddles will last 1 1/2 hours.  Call Justin at 850-687-5700 to reserve your spot!  Boards will be provided for $40, or bring your own board for $10.

Posted under paddle/surf/boat

This year, consider giving something that keeps on giving

The holidays are such an exciting time of year as family and friends share the spirit of giving. This year, here are a few creative ideas that are sure to please any recipient that enjoys the outdoors and cares the protection of our environment.

Florida State Parks annual membership
Annual entrance passes allow you to discover, experience and enjoy Florida’s 160 beautiful state parks 365 days a year.
Annual Entrance Passes allow park entrance in lieu of the daily entrance fee. What a great gift!
Individual Entrance: $60.00 each, plus tax
Family Entrance: $120.00 each, plus tax
Click here for more information

Help protect our environment and join an advocacy group

Local:

Surfrider Foundation

The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world’s oceans, waves and beaches.
Initiatives:
Clean Water: Protect and restore coastal water quality from the ridges, through our watersheds and out to the nearshore ocean where we surf, swim and recreate.
Beach Access: Promote the right of low-impact, free and open access to the world’s waves and beaches for all people.
Beach Preservation: Protect and preserve healthy beaches that are important coastal ecosystems and recreational areas.
Click here for more information

South Walton Community Council membership
Join the local advocate group that focuses on environmental issues in South Walton, as the SWCC spearheads local action for a cleaner, safer environment for the area. The group also focuses on education, with the Nancy James scholarship that provides nature-based educational activity for students in our local schools, and sponsors the Back To Nature Festival which is a weekend event focusing on outdoor events that highlight the beautiful nature to explore in the area. Click here for more information

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Read More…

Posted under Birding, Home/Garden, Nature, Outdoor Family Fun, Parks, paddle/surf/boat

Get your chill on and paddle your kayak or stand up paddle board to benefit Toys 4 Tots

POSTPONED … new date Dec. 19 – The Gulf Coast Paddle Club and Harry T’s at Harborwalk Village will hosting their inaugural Polar Bear Paddle in support of Toys for Tots December 12th from 12 Noon – 3 p.m.

Polar Bear Relay Race, SUP Games, and a trick competition. Prizes for the participants, including a SUP paddle, gift certificates and more. You can participate in all the events by donating a toy for a boy and a girl at the event and donations accepted. Those that donate, will receive a Polar Bear Paddle shirt. Open paddle from noon to 1, events from 1 – 3 p.m. Live music during and after the event, drink specials, and a visit from Santa Claus.

Go to www.gulfcoastpaddleclub.com for more info and registration.

Posted under Outdoor Family Fun, paddle/surf/boat