The CLAPS Cachin' on the Bayou
Post-Mega Paddle Event
Sunday, October 12th, 2014
Launching from Bay Area Park promptly at 9:00 a.m.
If you are unaware of the CLAPS caches and how they work or if you have never paddled the CLAPS caches before, please read the cache page for the first in the series HERE: 01 N CLAPS.
Come enjoy a great time on the water paddling with us. Grab some caches and see some Osprey, Herons, Egrets, Pelicans, Hawks, and possibly some Roseate Spoonbills or a Bald Eagle. Maybe a gator. Probably a bunch of gators. And certainly some trackable kayaks and geomobiles. Bring your trackables and take photos of them on the water!
This event launches from and returns to BAY AREA PARK.
And you can log this event IF you are AT the posted GZ with us shortly after launch.
Please note that GZ is in the middle of the bayou!
I've also been told by PR to tell you that having a boat / boating is completely optional.
That said, the is bayou filled with gators. I highly recommend a kayak or canoe.
We will begin meeting at Bay Area Park around 8:00 a.m. (+/-) but note: we will launch promptly at 9:00 a.m. and then start paddling along our route. Please arrive early enough to be ready for departure! You can return whenever you'd like.
We will determine where we are going once we are there, based on several factors, including: tide levles, wind, weather conditions, number of participants, and experienced CLAPSers to lead a flotilla, etc.
Cautions for all participants: There are risks involved in getting out on the water. Please read and heed the warnings on all of the CLAPS cache pages, which will give you more information on the area, including warnings and recommendations. The CLAPS caches are all bookmarked, and can be found HERE: CLAPS V2 Bookmark.
Things you need to consider and consider bringing if you attend this event:
- You will get wet, and possibly soaked, at this event.
- Bring a couple gallon-sized ziplock baggies -- for your GPSr (easy to operate in a large bag), camera, cell phone, and anything else you don't want to get wet (wallet). Trap a little air in them and they float should they fall into the water.
- If something sinks in the bayou, it's gone. It will immediately be buried under 3 feet of muck on the bottom, and there is no getting it back. See tip, above.
- Bring something to drink. Bring lots. Bring more than you think you will need. A few bottles of water and a Gatorade will do you good. And consider a snack that won't melt (chocolate is a bad idea here).
- A hat and sunscreen are a must! Sunglasses are highly recommended.
- Wear clothes and shoes you don't mind getting wet, muddy, and possibly stained.
- Bring a change of clothes in case you get wet / mucky. There are real restrooms you can use to change clothes before you go home, out to eat afterward, etc. near the boat launch. Make your ride back comfortable.
- Wear a PFD / Lifejacket.
- It's not a party until someone goes turtle. In the unlikely event of a water landing, don't freak out. Just stand up. Most of the bayou and areas of Mud Lake where we'll be are less than 5' deep. But there are some deep spots. See tip, above.
- Bring a real camera (remember - ziplock).
- Bring your cell phone... just in case.
- No motors are allowed in the area where we'll be.
- And remember, what happens on the Bayou stays on the Bayou...
The CLAPS Wherigo starts at the boat launch. Be sure you have downloaded the cartridge to your GPSr and/or smartphone. Bay Area park has some caches in it, and the trail along Bay Area is loaded with caches (including a mutli and some letterboxes). Consider bringing your bike for some great caching afterward!
Please log a will-attend log online as soon as you can.
If you don't have a boat or are a new paddler, post a note here! You may find someone with which you can share a ride in a canoe or a tandem yak. We will do our best to help you get out there! There are also several rental places - contact me through my gc.com profile if you need information.
Is this is your first time paddling? Don't worry! After 15 minutes on the water you'll have it down and feel like a pro. Don't let your first-time status stop you!
Bring your camera and sense of adventure and come have a great time, rain or shine!*
*Event may be delayed or canceled due to inclement weather and/or lightning.
This event is hosted in conjunction with Geocoinfest 2014. There will be a coin for this event through GCF. Be sure to check out the site!
Please contact me through my profile if you would like a summary of rental companies and info on the area.
This paddle Paddle Event hosted by
members.
Come visit our website.
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Three useful resources:
Paddle Checklist.pdf
CLAPS - General Information and Resource Guide.pdf
Click here for a Bay Area Park facilities map and directions