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Saturday, October 15, 2011
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The code "10-15" is cop talk for being arrested. If you are crazy enough to join me on this journey, occuring on 10-15-11, being institutionalized might be in the best interest of society.
Seriously. Participating in this event can very easily result in you being seriously injured or killed. This is not a tame stretch of water during the best of times. Between the huge alligators, the venomous snakes, the wild hogs, the feral cattle and the drunken airboat operators, it is, quite simply, an unsafe place to be at any hour. Going out there at night, in a little plastic boat, is dang near suicidal.
Do not attend this event unless you are willing to acknowledge that you do so at your own risk, knowing the dangers involved.
Now that we've covered all the legalize, let's get to the details!
We'll meet at the Snow Hill Rd bridge, N28* 40.661 / W81* 06.844, around 5:00pm. We'll shuffle cars, so most are at the takeout point, CS Lee Park, on State Rd 46, N28* 42.874 / W81* 02.125. Break ins are common, so be sure you don't leave any valuables in your car at either location. Hopefully, we'll have this done in time to splash before sunset at 7:00pm, as it is best experienced from the water. The total paddle from launch to takeout is about 12 miles, but all of it is with current so it's not overly strenuous if you are a regular paddler. Usually this stretch of river is free from obstructions, so you won't need to worry about ducking under or scooting over stuff. If the river is low, we may have to drag our boats on occassion. It is hard to calculate how long the run will take, as this will be dependent upon the slowest paddler in our group. I will be taking the rear position to ensure no one gets left behind. I need one person who has experience with this stretch of river to take the lead position. If anyone wants to grab caches along the way, we need to let the lead know, so they stop the crowd at each point. That way our group is not too stretched out. Once each cache is found, and we are back in our boats, the lead will continue downstream. Finding caches will be secondary, as the event is about paddling the river.
When we reach the posted coords, we will get out, stretch our legs, schmooze for a bit, and resume our journey. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on the river and at the event site, so please leave them at home.
The Little Big Econ State Forest has issued a permit for this event, and this comes with a couple stipulations above and beyond those required by the state of Florida. To participate in this event you agree to wear your PFD while on the water, as opposed to simply having it handy. You also agree to affix a working glowstick to the back of your PFD. Personally, I like to ziptie a couple to my paddle, and the bow/stern of my kayak as well, as it looks really kewl when a bunch of glowstuck boats float by.
Things you will need:
A paddle craft, paddle, PFD, whistle and a white light capable of illuminating 360 degrees.
Bug spray, as the mosquitos will be out in full force.
Snake boots, if you plan on exiting your boat for caches.
A pokey stick to move water moccasins away from your boat.
Long pants, long sleeve shirt and a hat.
A cell phone, camera, GPSr, spare batteries, etc in a dry box.
A quality flashlight.
A change of clothes, as you will probably be soaked by the end of the trip.
Snacks to nibble along the way.
The moon will be full that night, so for those who survive, you should come away with some truly amazing memories.
Let's go splash some boats!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Qba'g trg rngra!