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Boiling Creek - 25 July 2003 (Hotline Trip) A very last minute hotline trip (hope you all got the e-mail!) to Boiling Creek was held on Friday, 25 July. 10 paddlers, including two fist time club paddlers, Pat & Carl, met on the south side of the hwy 87 bridge, and made the quick shuttle to the put-in. We had current for about the first mile, and then boiling creek became boiling lake. It got a little difficult to distinguish the creek from the surrounding swamp land at one point. A lesson was learned about reading current flow by looking at the underwater grasses, and we were back on track. Lunch was at the only dry land available (the short take out), and then we hit the Yellow for the rest of the trip down to the bridge. Thanks to all who participated. Look forward to some more Friday hotline trips in the future. If you aren’t getting hotline trip notifications on your email, send your address to cicero1987@cox.net See you on the River! Cliff July 12, Blackwater River We had a great turnout for our Blackwater River trip on Saturday, July 12. A total of 23 people were on the Sign-Up Sheet from the trip and we picked up 2 more on the way there. It was a true mix of canoes, both solo and tandem, and kayaks of all colors and sizes. I want to thank all of you for making it such a great trip! Okay! Okay! So the trip ended up being closer to 9 miles than 6 -- okay, so there weren't ANY large sandbars to speak of -- okay, so the river was running a "little" high and probably wasn't the best time to put new paddlers onto the water. Boy, did we learn a lot! Actually the river was probably 2 feet higher than it should have been, thus creating a fast current and dangerous strainers. Everyone got on safely and seemed to be having a good time. About an hour later we stopped for a swim; by this time the group had sorta split in half and I was with the "back half." The water felt good as the day was hot and humid but, unfortunately, the water was murky and not as pretty as it usually is. We really didn't run into (literally or figuratively) many rental boats the first half of the trip. We caught up with the "front half" of the group at lunch time at a nice sandbar (yes, "nice" but not huge!) where they were about ready to leave .. but we socialized, swam, and told canoe stories, and tried to get to know some of the great new folks who showed up for the trip. By this time some of the folks were starting to get tired; we had a few episodes of people swimming with their (or friend's) boats. This made for immediate recall of our rescue skills -- it's sure different trying to hang onto a boat and collect floating equipment and paddler with such a fast current and around strainers. Then there's the problem of no shallow bank to collect the paddler, boat, gear, bail the boat, and get everything settled back in! Thank goodness for the experienced paddlers we had with us!! We had an extremely dangerous situation where kayak and paddler went over in front of a big strainer in very fast water. It took all of probably 1/2 hour to get the paddler out of the water and onto safer ground. By that time a rainstorm had moved in, the air was about 10 degrees cooler and we had to think about hypothermia. Thank goodness for preparedness with dry clothes, extra rain jackets and hats, and people willing to share them with someone they barely knew. A big THANKS goes out to Sonia, who brought along watermelons to share with everyone. She put them in the river to cool them down during lunch, and then hauled them down river, only to find we had again split into 2 different groups. She ate melon with us "back-halfers" and then paddled on down to catch up with the "front-halfers" to be sure they also could share them. What an effort!! As for the weather, we had a gorgeous day to start. Somewhere after lunchtime we got threats of rain, and then the real thing complete with thunder and some lightening. About that time we also found ourselves sharing the river with some tubers and other canoes (Where did they come from??). They seemed to be a friendly bunch, kinda loud but were considerate and we didn't have any problem skirting around them, though their, shall we say un-environmentally friendly style, was noticed by our paddlers. Regrettably, by the time I got to the take-out, most of our group had already left and I couldn't give them my thanks for coming, and ask if they enjoyed the trip. The few souls still there shared their stories of the day with us. Sounds like it was a fairly exciting day for most!! I only hope it was a GOOD exciting day and everyone went home feeling happy and with that good tired feeling from having expended energy in a productive way. I want to extend special appreciation for the on-river sweeps, Martha and Bill; for our watermelon lady, Sonia; for the on-road sweep and shuttle bunny, Sheila; for the 2nd shuttle bunny Jim; for the at-the-end shuttle bunny Wes; and for Charlie still being there at the take-out to offer a ride also. -Jan heart Sardine Creek Trip, 19 July 2003, led by Karen Warden and Wade Burroughs It was a dark and stormy night. Ooops, sorry, thought I was snoopy writing my novel again. Actually, it started out as a beautiful, hot sunny day. A group of us met at the ever famous Panhandle Restaurant in Century, FL for some good old grits and eggs and of course lots of talk. Then off to the meeting place, the Hardee’s on Hwy 29 where we quickly moved to the end of the parking lot due to the dead, smelly cat on the side of the road. We sure missed Sonja being there, as we knew if she’d been there, we’d have had a burial detail for the poor creature. Off went 21 folks with 19 boats to the put-in. We got all our boats to the water and then shuttled behind Wade to the takeout. Did I mention before that Wades only job in this venture was get us to the put-in and takeout? Well, guess who missed the road to the takeout? Thank goodness others in the shuttle knew where they were going. We finally got on the river around 11:00 and took our time stopping along the way, as the water was moving fast and pretty high. The shoot was a bit washed out and could be run any direction. We even had one brave soul, Sheila, run it in her PFD. We stopped for lunch downriver a ways and after eating, decided to do the Train in the current. We had a group of about 12-15 hardy souls who got involved. PFD’s on, legs locked around the person in front of you, laying back and letting the current take us down stream. To add to the fun, our engine, Wade decided to whip the caboose of this train around. When he did, we were all holding the ankles of the person behind us as we each got so stretched out; I swear we grew another 2 inches. We were all laughing and screaming. It’s a miracle any of us didn’t go under. Did I mention that during this whip, he managed to toss the rear of the train into a strainer? It was a good time by all. The day stayed sunny and hot except for the last mile or so when the afternoon storm moved in. But hey, what’s paddling if it doesn’t rain on you. We had no swimmers, other than the intentional ones at our pit stops. A good time was had by all, even if I did manage to tear up the front spoiler on my car. I’m thinking SUV or Pickup truck is in order. I’ll definitely lead this trip again and hope to see more of you on the river. I hear the train calling……… Paddle On! ~Karen Juniper Creek, July 5th - CANCELLED! A trial run 2 days prior to this event revealed many fallen trees making a club trip impossible at this time. This is a beautiful stretch of water to paddle. A work day will be set up in the near future to clear the Juniper from Munson Highway down to Red Rock Bridge. Stay tuned for details. June 7, New Member Paddle, Juniper Creek Due to unsafe stream conditions this trip was changed to a paddle on Bear Lake in northern Santa Rosa County, Florida. This didn’t prevent the seventeen people who showed up from having a great time. The lake is in Blackwater River State Forest, the largest state forest in Florida, a great place to hike, camp, and canoe. Another new member paddle has been scheduled for July 12
Boiling Creek, May 17 Ten boats and 11 paddlers joined us for a wonderful paddle on Boiling Creek. The creek was crystal clear as always. The pitcher plants were still in bloom, and the lilies were at their peak. At the break spot it was a welcome treat to immerse our bodies in the cool refreshing water.A leisurely lunch was enjoyed at the short take out with no one in attendance except ourselves. Have no idea where everyone else had gone. Multiple bird life was observed on the creek. A three-foot alligator was seen sunning himself on the Yellow River several bends beyond the creek. The trip on the Yellow was shorten by the short cut river left about 4 bends after entering. Cuts off ½ mile. If it is windy it is a welcome cut. Advanced free-style maneuvers were observed by two new paddlers. I have personally never seen such a wonderful display of balance, without turning over. The River Gods must have been with us that day. The day was partly cloudy with low humidity. We awoke on Sunday to horrendous thunderstorms and wind. Sometimes you just luck out. Thanks to all that attended. It was a great group. See you on the river soon. Sonia
Upper Shoal River, May 24 Heavy rains earlier in the week didn’t have too much effect on the river Saturday when we paddled eleven miles down the Shoal. The somewhat murky water was flowing at about 3 miles per hour and had risen only a half a foot above the normal level. Some trees had recently fallen into the river creating strainers and a couple of pullovers.Twenty-one boaters showed up with canoes and kayaks to enjoy this paddle on the Memorial Day weekend. Folks came from as far as Louisiana and Georgia.The put-in was at highway 1087 bridge north of Mossy Head, Florida; the take-out at highway 393 bridge east of Crestview. This stretch of the river flows through tree canopied high banks, which are covered in moss and ferns. Several varieties of wildflowers were in bloom such as Elderberry, Lizard Tails, and Spanish Gold. A few homes and cabins are widely scattered along the stream banks, usually near the three bridges we passed under.Of course there were the usual breaks and lunch stop where paddlers could relax and talk about past trips, friends we have in common, and what a great day it was to be on the water. By the time we came to the take-out it was late afternoon and most of us were getting hungry. About half of us decided to stop in Crestview for Mexican food and something cool to drink. Saturday turned out to be just another day in paradise…you should have been there! -Wes April 5-6, Okatoma & Leaf Rivers This was a good weekend to paddle these streams located just west of Hattiesburg, Mississippi. The water level and current was just right to make for some whitewater fun…I mean whitewater for this far south. We camped at Okatoma Outdoor Post Campground and ate dinner at the local catfish house. The azaleas on the Okatoma were in bloom and there was plenty of wild and wet entertainment. Boatloads of Boy Scouts and Frat brothers flipped, floundered, and frolicked at the larger drops and faster shoals. It was like aluminum Demolition Derby! Our shuttle for the Leaf River turned out to be last about as long as the paddle. The old take out is now private property so we spent some time looking for a new place to get out of the water. This stretch of the river is just north of Hattiesburg and not as scenic as the Okatoma. It was a fun weekend and as they say in Louisiana “a good time was passed by all.” - Editor
April 11-13, Abbey & Omussee Creeks, Columbia, AL Area What a great weekend. All the fears of high water and mud were dispelled. Tall Pines area of the Kolomoki Mounds SP in Georgia was a great camping area too. We were joined by Tom and Cindy Clark from Tallahassee and Charlie's Son Daren and grandson Austin from Valdosta. Weather was great all weekend and the river levels were perfect. Saturday found 15 boats and 19 people on the river enjoying all the new Mountain Laurel and many other budding trees. The hike up to the waterfall on the Abbey Creek was challenging and rewarding. Our two wood-boys Philip Ruckel of Niceville-9 and Austin Stecz-11 of Valdosta, Georgia were a big help. Austin even started the campfire with a flint.-Way to go! Saturday night's feast was just that-yum! On Sunday we had 12 boats, 16 people and another beautiful day on the Omussee! We had enough shoals and moving water to please everyone. Thanks to our shuttle helpers Scott Plowman and Tom Clark. It you missed the trip we're sorry-please try next year when we will do it again. SEE YOU ON THE RIVER...Barbara & Charlie Stecz
April 19, Hotline, Upper Sardine This Saturday Hotline trip started out as a morning drive in the fog. Ten of us met about 8:30 AM at the Huddle House on the west side of Interstate 65 at exit 69. By the time we shuttled to the put in on Big Escambia Creek near Barnett Crossroads the fog had cleared making it an almost perfect day. The club calls this creek the Upper Sardine because it flows through the small town of Sardine, Alabama. Water level was slightly above normal with a good current making for ideal paddling. Rains earlier in the week had washed silt and clay into the creek so the water was slightly murky. As we traveled the first few miles we noticed that Mountain Laurels were in full bloom along the streamside. Spring rainstorms had eroded the banks causing numerous trees to fall. Most fallen trees formed easy to negotiate strainers, but a few blocked the creek and made for some interesting pullovers. Only one of us took an unplanned swim and she didn’t seem to mind this minor adventure. The Upper Sardine has several shoals and some small drops making it perfect for paddlers new to moving water and interesting for those more experienced. There are lots of large gravel bars for stopping and this stretch of the creek has great scenery. A good part of the Sardine is canopied so you can paddle in the shade if the sun is too hot. The stream distance from put in to take out is about 9.5 miles or a five to six hour trip. The take out was at the bridge on county road 27 where we usually put in when we shuttle from Flomaton. Thanks to the trip organizers Miriam and Carl Stewart for arranging the great weather, an easy shuttle, and an enjoyable day on the water. - Editor March 22 - 23 Coldwater Overnight Trip February 14-16, Coldwater Creek, Ladies Only, Cabin Campout If you missed the women’s “Cabin Out” you missed a good one! Ten women stayed in a cabin right on Coldwater Creek at Adventures Unlimited. On Friday we toured Adventures Unlimited grounds, Ropes Challenge Course, and walked the nature trail. On Saturday we paddled Coldwater Creek from Pond Eddy to our cabin. Sunday we paddled from the cabin to Munson Highway. We had so much fun, food, and friendship we decided we would not want to wait a whole year to do it again. So look for another “Cabin Out” in the fall. – Martha Szymoniak Yellow River – East Bay Paddle, February 1 Six of us braved the unknown on Saturday to explore a new area to us. Led by Fritz Jackson, in one of the more pleasant of paddles we have done in a long time, we went on the Yellow River below the rt. 87 bridge to the confluence of the Weaver River and then into East Bay to the newly designated area by Olf Choctaw air base. The day was just perfect with lots of sunshine, pleasant current and great companionship. With shuttle and a long stop for gourmet lunch on a beautiful sandy beach we were about 5 hours total. This is the area most have not seen when you do the trip down Boiling Creek to the Yellow River and take out at rt. 87 bridge. While it does not have the spectacular foliage of Boiling Creek and crystal clear water, it does have a mellow lackadaisical quality that goes well with first rites of spring. The river opens into several estuaries that are short excursions into pre-history and plenty of osprey and silver backed fish to gape at. Then it fans out into a huge expanse of shallow water that would be great in hot weather for "falling into." It is a short ways to an easy take out into a large crescent shaped bay with beautiful white beaches and always pristine facilities care of Northwest Florida Water Mgmt. District. Just as wonderful was the shrimp boil and outdoor fire at Fritz's estate combined with magic elixirs of unknown origin and vast metaphysical properties (Fritz has a rare and exotic collection of Tequila). All in all it was a wonderful impromptu paddle and thanks to Fritz and Paula for the great effort. – Gary Worob Sardine (Big Escambia Creek), February 1, Hot Line Trip Saturday was very beautiful. Fourteen of us just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to paddle on such a gorgeous day so we gathered at the Hardee’s in Flomaton. From there we shuttled past the take out where we left two vehicles and on to the put-in at the bridge near Sardine, Alabama. Some campers had started a cook fire not far from the launch site and the faint smell of smoke drifted in the air as we carried our boats and gear to the water’s edge. Two summers ago Big Escambia Creek was my first introduction to paddling in moving water and the creek was very low. Saturday it was running higher and faster than I had seen before. The conditions seemed almost perfect. The water was clear, cold, and deep enough to cover most of the sand and gravel stream bottom between the banks. This turned out to be a very relaxing trip. No strenuous paddling was required, we stopped often for snacks and stretching our legs, and lunch was leisurely. It was too early in the year for spring flowers but we did see some wildlife as we drifted along. The front group of paddlers saw several deer cross the stream and everyone got a good look at some black vultures sitting in the top of a dead tree near the creek bank. It was still early in the afternoon when we reached the big gravel bar at the take out. Reluctant to part company, we took our time loading our gear. Afterward we stood around for a while and talked about future trips we could take. I wish all trips could be as pleasant as this one. -Wes Mosteller January 25th, Juniper Creek Another last minute e-mail trip. (Sorry about the confusion on the time of departure) a foursome, Jane Moesteller, Denise and I, and our friend Kelly (along with her Jack-Russell-Chihuahua mix), did the 6.2 mile stretch of Juniper from Red Rock down to the Indian Ford bridge. The river was VERY clean and clear. Thanks to all of the club members who helped with the clean up that we did on this run last year. There were no pullovers, although Kelly’s Pungo struggled on a couple of sand bars. The bass were moving already, so I think I’m going to do this run solo in a couple of weeks with my spinning rod.
January 20th, Styx River Eight of us met at the Interstate 10 Wilcox Road off-ramp at 9:00 AM Monday morning for a short trip on the Styx. We put in on the private property of a friend of Miriam and Carl Stewart. The weather was spring-like and the water level nearly perfect. Our two kayaks and six canoes were quickly carried along by the current causing us to worry that the trip would end too soon. The highlight of the trip was at the infamous drop, which usually doesn’t have enough water to run. This day the water looked deep enough that we could avoid hitting the hidden rocks. In all, four people made the run. The current was so swift and waves so erratic that trying to control your boat was very difficult…you just tried to keep your balance and hoped your boat didn’t turn sideways. No one took a swim or had much water splash into their boat. After making the run we “play boated” for a good while in the standing waves below the drop. A long lunch helped extend our day on the water. Thanks to the Stewarts for coordinating the trip! Turkey Hen Creek, Eglin AFB, January 18 Eight hardy souls met at Hardee’s in Crestview on the coldest day in January. The temperature at the put-in was maybe 32 degrees with a slight breeze blowing. Turkey Hen Creek was clear, shallow, twisty, and narrow, that looked a lot like Weaver Creek. Unfortunately the paddle on Turkey Hen was short before it flows into the Shoal River. The Shoal was wider and with a slight breeze made paddling a little more work.We stopped for lunch on a bluff where a fire was built, hot chocolate prepared and thermoses of hot soup kept us warm. The takeout was at Gin Hole on the Yellow River. In spite of the cold, we all had a great time. Thanks to Sonia McCrory and Jim Goff for leading this frosty but fun trip. – Jane Mosteller January 1 New Years Day Paddle, Boiling Creek, Eglin AFB This annual event was one of the best-attended club trips in the last couple of years. Forty-five people showed up to launch their 39 boats and celebrate the New Year on the water. After meeting at the Yellow River Bridge on highway 87 we divided into three shuttles which left at ten-minute intervals. Special thanks are due Gail Biskis who brought her van to shuttle the groups even though she wasn’t able to paddle that day. That’s real friendship! The creek was running clear and a little higher than normal. It was somewhat crowded at the put-in due to the large number of people but everyone launched their boats without any mishaps. We drifted downstream enjoying the nice weather and scenery as well as each other’s company. At the traditional stopping point on the creek people tied up to trees or other boats to form a human logjam. When everyone had arrived the champagne corks went flying and snacks were passed from boat to boat. What a great way to toast in 2003! Further down the creek and about an hour later we stopped for lunch at the “short” take-out where Boiling Creek enters the Yellow River. Tables were set up and spread with all kinds of goodies, water was heated for hot chocolate, and the feasting began. Folks sat around in groups eating and telling lies about great trips and river disasters they had experienced in the past. It was a long lunch and we didn’t feel like rushing back to our boats. Rains had rutted the road to the “short” take-out so badly that no one had attempted to drive their vehicles there. Everyone paddled the last few miles on the Yellow River to the take-out at our original meeting place. Special thanks to our trip leader and organizer Lou Cook; also thanks to those who brought those special snacks and champagne that we all enjoyed. Don’t miss this event next year! December 21, Boggy Bayou Night Trip Twelve boats paddled from Elliott Peterson’s backyard boat dock into the dark bayou night (sounds like a bad novel doesn’t it?). After about an hour the moon still hadn’t come up so we headed for a lighted city park on the east side of the bay singing Christmas songs on the way. Still no moon. We finally gave up and paddled back to Elliott’s for chili, appetizers, and drinks. The food tasted especially good and the conversation was lively. Now the moon appeared through the big glass doors and it was spectacular. It almost made one want to put the boats back in the water and …nah, too comfortable right here. Maybe next time.
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