Kayaking | Life at 60, (mph)

Lake Yonah – Ga

May 11, 2011

Tom Haynie (bacshortly) Kayaking, Paddling 8 Comments

Lake Yonah – Ga/SC Border

@325 acres

Water Clarity – 7+

Natural Quality – 8 (fewer folks)

Perception – weekday

(Lake Yonah fishing report)

My first thought was Where in the world is Lake Yonah? With a little research I found that Lake Yonah is part of Georgia Power’s Tallulah River ‘chain of lakes that run along the Northeastern Ga/SC border. Yonah is downstream from the Tallulah Gorge and Lake Tugalo and is fed by both the Tallulah and Chatooga River.

Lake Burton is the first Lake of the Tallulah river-bed, then Lake Seed, and then Lake Rabun before joining up with the Chatooga river at Lake Tugaloo. Lake Hartwell is where the water goes from Yonah – after passing through Hartwell’s dams it continues to the Atlantic Ocean as the Savannah River.

(GPS – 4 Dike Rd Clarkesville, GA)

A group of friends and paddlers from the neighborhood gathered to paddle ‘Yonah’ (which is Cherokee for ‘big black bear’) to help and solve this mystery for me. As a group we have paddled together before on the Chatooga River (section II), today’s trip would be a simple flat-water paddle just a short distance away.

Lake Yonah has approximately 85 residences spread out along the 9 elongated miles of peaceful shoreline, the lake did not feel crowded at all.

Of course the first thing our armada attacked was the ‘peace’ of it all, but that’s just one of those sacrifices you unintentionally make with a group paddle. Paddling becomes more of a ‘social’ opportunity than an insight to the lake’s character, but the perspective is always there if you know what to look for. I went for the ‘opportunity,’ along with the welcomed change of enjoying some of the fun and fellowship that a casual group paddle provides.

Being a smaller lake (325 acres) I continued to break-away in search of the quiet coves and any sound of running water,

all the while admiring the individuality of each boathouse along the way, little wooden islands

Well it is a river-type of lake with limited coves and streams flowing into it – this small stream just before the Tugalo Dam offered cool shade and a babbling brook, a nice change to the upper-eighty temperature out on the lake.

Tugalo Dam

In no time at all we were at the Tugalo Dam where we all dismounted to enjoy a quick snack on one of the picknic tables of the campground. Its a simple and clean little campground just below the Dam, 2 bucks a night – honor system, be nice kind of place, pay at the entrance – fish your heart out.

but a simple stop/snack/chat

and then again back down the small lake our ‘Cherokee armada’ went.

somewhere in here I took a plunge, the water felt great even though I was air-dried in short order.

The entire paddle didn’t take long at all, less than 4 hours – it’s a nice little lake providing a quiet place to paddle while enjoying the shoreline more completely. From the reports I have read the fishing is excellent, probably because it is in a little known corner of Georgia.

The end of the paddle and the boat ramp came way too soon.

There are two boat ramps, one below the Tugalo Dam and campground and one on the Southern end at the Yonah Dam (off Yonah Dam rd) near Toccoa. For those paddling Yonah its a great place for beginners and those ‘getting their feet-wet,’ even though it could be more complicated with wakes from skiers and boaters of the summer – I suspect the volume of boaters is low in comparison to other more accessible lakes and weekdays are the best everywhere. What stuck out for me was the fishing potential of the lake. It’s one of those lakes that few know about or care to travel to, a little known opportunity below the busier lakes (Tugalo) of the area.

ez paddle.

Lake Burton – Ga.

May 5, 2011

Tom Haynie (bacshortly) Kayaking 2 Comments

Lake Burton – Ga

@2800 acres

Water Clarity – 7+

Natural Quality – 7 (homes/highway)

Difficulty – easy to moderate (wind/size)

Day Trip – Weekday

Lake Burton’s water originates from the Tallulah riverbed and continues through a series of hydro-power lakes ( Seed, Rabun, Tugalo, Yonah, and Hartwell) before entering the Atlantic via the Savannah river basin. I have been wanting to paddle Burton for some time but for a number of reasons haven’t, the easiest reason has to be the quality of water and the distinct boat-houses which have withstood the ‘test of time’ in my memory.

Lake Burton, Ga

It’s a compelling little lake, a little more than 40 years ago I attended 9th and 10th grades at the Rabun Gap Nacoochee School just a few miles up the road. At the time the schools (RGNS) curriculum was based on a christian/work/study based ethic for grades 8 through 12 – when students were not in school we were either at a church function or working off our tuition through manual farm labor – they kept us ‘busy.’ The school had some property along one of the shores of Burton and our crew spent several trips clearing brush from that shoreline – those were my first memories of lake Burton.

Timpson Cove

The days tentative paddle plans were to start from the Anchorage Marina (Timpson Cove) on the Northeast part of the lake – or – from the Moccasin Creek State Park ( Moccasin Creek ) on the Western side.

On arrival and upon entering Timpson Cove it was apparent that Burton had suffered a hard storm. The previous weekend there had been a record number of tornadoes rumble through the South – three hundred folks had died from Alabama northward.

While planning the paddle I received the word that Burton had taken one of those tornadoes, so I had ‘laid back’ until this date (Wednesday) from paddling – Timpson Cove was a mess of tangled trees and downed power lines.

Burton Fish Hatchery Ramp

(GPS – @ 282 Landing Ln, Clayton, GA)

Moccasin Creek

Moving on to the West side, Moccasin Creek State Park at first appeared in better shape, and after asking a few questions I ‘checked out’ the Park; spaces were available for camping and the park was well managed. Beside the Park was the Burton Fish Hatchery and boat ramp – available for day use only (no overnight parking) with no fee – that would be my put-in.

With the Burton fish hatchery next door to the State Park and Moccasin Creek running between the two I felt sure that it could be a magical place for a kid to catch a trout in the summer – even noticed that they had one area marked off specifically for kids and seniors – 173 trout waters.

“Lake Burton has a water surface area of 2775 acres with 62 miles of shoreline ” (chart).

Due to the size of Burton more than one day would be needed to paddle and appreciate her character, and it was along these thoughts that my trip objective for this date was to simply paddle to the Northermost point of Burton’s Tallulah river-bed and then work my way back to Moccasin Creek – I would head back at three pm no matter where I happened to be, it was now 930 am.

As I paddled out east from Moccasin Creek it was easy to notice where the Tornado had slammed the mountainside ahead.

This is the direction the storm passed blowing one home completely into the lake before crossing and striking the opposite shore in front of me –

– and then striking the mouth of Timpson Cove beyond that.

Moccasin Creek rd.

Complete and devastating damage to those in her way. I paddled away impressed with how the winds had sheared the trees off midway, a clean cut – like a ‘flat-top’ haircut. In awe also with how easily the winds had dismantled and so thoroughly scattered the buildings throughout the scalp.

I came to paddle Burton’s character not to gawk at someones losses, but wow – couldn’t help but to feel for them. Not everyone suffered damage, but it was easy to sense how each member of Burton’s lake community had been affected.

There remained some sense of normality further North in the main channel – well, until I paddled nearer to Timpson Cove,

– in the distance I could see where the tornado’s blast had once again delivered its turbulent and very authoritarian message along Meeting House Mtn rd.

Trampoline wrapped around a tree

The trampoline ‘caught my eye’ because this tree was along the shoreline – leaving me to ‘consider’ that the trampoline had traveled quite a distance across the lake before striking the tree. The harsh winds certainly didn’t touch all of Burton’s shores, but in the places where it did – it devoured.

Once again I moved away, touched – and thinking too of the powerlessness of experiencing an active storm. In Florida, I remembered experiencing Hurricane Donna as a child, our house rattled as my father “held’ our roof from peeling-off during the high winds, then as the eye of the hurricane passed and the wind changed direction, the large trees fell like leaves – Burton’s tornado was swift and sudden.

On Burton there were many more places undamaged than damaged – the boathouses of Burton are great, I love how everyone puts their own little ‘stamp’ or twist on these little wooden islands.

Hwy 76 bridge

Noon at the Highway 76 bridge, still headed further up the Talullah bed.

and past YMCA’s Camp High Harbour

Things seemed a little more simple up here, I liked that.

Max Northeast Lk Burton point

Max Northwest Lk Burton pt

I hadn’t met my turn-around time but I had reached my distance objective – it was 130, four hours after leaving Moccasin Creek. After understanding the violence of a passing tornado’s wrath it was good to feel the peace that Burton’s corners continue to offer.

I also liked the stillness of its coves and the ‘little less than civilized’ nature surrounding its homes, so far paddling had not been difficult at all, after paddling the Suwannee a few weeks back, it was a good change to be back on still waters.

In one area the spring pollen was spread across the water like a satin sheet.

Back to the character of Lake Burton, boathouses – and reflecting the signs of our economic times – homes for sale, a ‘buyers market’ (they’ll let you make payments!).

As I crossed Dicks Creek Cove the wind had really picked up from the West, the whitecaps were starting to grow.

Burton Cemetary

I know that this is not a vivid picture, but there are markers in the main channel at Moccasin creek that indicate a submerged cemetery from many years past – “Here lies Jake, six feet under – Burton lake.”

Then a paddle back up Moccasin Creek from whence the wind had blown, on one boathouse I noticed a clock stopped at 5:45, I suspected as the storm rumbled through.

and the wind continued to blow from the West, all the way back to the ramp (center).

I watched the two guys above nail our country’s flag up before gazing into the remains of their boathouse, it made me wonder just how pride mixed with the hurt of what they were staring into.

I suppose there are points in our lives where we are challenged with ‘the hand we have been dealt,’ and realizing – that it’s not always the worse place to be…..

I will return in the next couple of weeks to paddle Cherokee, Murray and Wildcat Coves’ on the southern end of Burton. Burton is a beautiful lake and nothing about that has changed, except maybe that this community might be a little stronger now.

– whenever possible, please “Buy American”

Rehoboth to Delaware Bay – De.

May 1, 2011

Tom Haynie (bacshortly) Kayaking Leave a comment

Delaware Bay Adventures

April 2011

While in Delaware recently there was time for a paddle, the most convenient place seemed to be a nearby canal, the Lewes to Rehoboth canal – so….

that’s where I went. In the rawest of forms “canals” are but man-made channels for water; expectations would be mundane shorelines with a less established cycle of wildlife. A slightly brackish atmosphere – one in which I still have plenty of attention for – of course there have been days that I wouldn’t rule out paddling a ditch either – a canal is simply an elongated channel of water. But here leading into the coastal flat of The Cape Henlopen State Park; this particular cut still left plenty of room for natural interest.

At the time of ‘put-in’ I was unsure of any ‘proper name’ or local slang to capture the cut; I did wonder if my day just might be like the Seinfelt show – ‘a paddle about nothing.’

Didn’t really matter, as a kid my Saturday morning treks wading along our neighborhood channels opened a world of intrigue. There were tadpoles, lilies and the life that circled about them – those simple treks were real life adventures that were never as bad as my parents wanted us to perceive. Still, the local canals of my neighborhood (Florida) were shrouded with the true apprehensions of snakes and alligator’s to which Lee, Mark, and I simply waded right-on-through (kids make alot of noise) – then again we might just have been ‘lucky.’

Our local canal in Ft Myers ran several miles from Highway-41 past the hospital, the trailer-park, the ballpark, and then behind the High School that I would graduate a number of years later. It’s origin came from someone else s neighborhood (along Canal st) and ‘ran’ all the way to the Caloosahatchee river. Our little band made the expedition to the Caloosahatchee and to the ‘new-bridge’ numerous times – a trek that our parents would have never knowingly allowed.

Fifty years later here I stand along a much larger ‘canal’ in Delaware, one with a history – “The Lewes-Rehoboth Canal” connects Rehobeth Bay to the Delaware Bay at Lewes – this particular canal was authorized by the U.S. River and Harbor Act of 1912.

“Initially, the canal was envisioned as a means of access to the sea for farmers and saw mills along the Indian River and Bay. Consent to acquire land for construction was granted to the U.S. Government by the Delaware state legislature in 1913. Construction by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was completed in 1927.

Today, this feeder route to the Inter-Coastal Waterway is used by commercial and pleasure boats and provides access for pilot boats to guide ocean-going vessels up the Delaware Bay to the major ports of Wilmington and Philadelphia.”

Delmarva Chapter 56, International Right-Of-Way Association.

On this date I would paddle from Rehoboth Beach to the Delaware Bay (Roosevelt Inlet) – @ 8 miles, ez paddle.

Henlopen acres Marina

Knowing the winds would be noticeable at about 22 mph, I did check the weather for wind direction – it would be from the South, so this was the determining factor for paddling Northward towards Lewes. Good choice, wind at my back – the tide for some reason was less of a concern.

There were several ‘off-chutes’ along the way that were available for exploration, but I continued-on toward the sawgrass and protected flats of the State Park.

Still plenty to ponder with homes, yard-art, docks, boats, and man-made features along the way,

and the civilization of Rehoboth slid behind,

while the canal opened up into more of a coastal-flat setting. The constant wind remained and ally and the tide stayed in my favor. All making this paddle the more simple – peaceful, and comfortable.

Small clusters of birds skillfully maneuvered the heatwaves of the sawgrass flats ahead,

numerous times they passed in tight-knit formation before disappearing over the grass once again – frolicking, returning and teasing me yet again.

I paddled up behind the old WW II invasion towers on Lewes Beach.

Birds were the predominant wildlife, I could understand why ‘birders’ frequent the area, Does anyone come to watch the fiddler-crabs?

I quietly passed through them all.

The shores were protected and the low tide exposed the ‘mucky’ nature of the earth while leaving fiddler crabs to scamper. Small shellfish clung to weeds and seemed plentiful.

There were several Osprey nests, with sitting Osprey’s – Cape Henlopen Osprey Cam.

I did take one of the ‘off-chute’ channels out into the flats area of Cape Henlopen State Park and thinking how similar that it was to the coastal flats of Suwannee Fl I that I had just recently paddled – with but one notable exception – no gators!

Looking towards the Highway 6 bridge in Lewes – note; the small pass at this railroad trestle funnels water through at a rapid pace, paddle on.

On the other side of the bridge stand hoards of vessels awaiting crews, fishermen, and ‘paying’ passengers – along the same area are several waterside restaurants too; had a ‘cold-one’ and some deep fried pickles at Irish Eyes and then later enjoyed another cold-one and some deep fried sweet potatoes at Gilligan’s (the ‘bacshortly routine).

Long dead vessels.

Interesting boardwalks and docks, a city street separating the homes from their docks.

At Roosevelt inlet it was a quick paddle out into Delaware Bay before returning to the protected waters of the canal. With a little more time (and research to maximize tidal efficiency) I could (and maybe should) have extended my paddle further up the canal to the stream leading inland to Milton, Delaware (the Broadkill river) – chalk this trip up for experience. I think a Milford to Rehoboth paddle could be in future works.

Lewes Fire and Rescue boat at Roosevelt inlet.

In the end all was good, a canal is simply a canal if that is all that you perceive it to be – this was an eco-system to paddle. Paddling, is about finding the less exposed corners of our world and dwelling within the perspective of them – ‘any’ time paddling, is better than ‘not having the time.

– Just a simple view, from two little portholes.

Kayak the Suwannee River – Fargo Ga to the Fla Gulf (days 1-2)

April 10, 2011

Tom Haynie (bacshortly) Kayaking, Paddling 26 Comments

Post 1 of 8

A RIVER OF TIME

Fargo, Ga to Big Shoals

(Low water paddle)

10 Days on the Suwannee River, Georgia to the Gulf of Mexico – 225 miles

The Georgia Suwannee

Paddling the Suwannee River had been on my mind for quite a while; an inkling of a thought growing into a small tilt and then finally tangible movement. I wanted to paddle the complete Suwannee from Georgia to the Gulf of Mexico. The kid inside of me wanted to follow the creek as it becomes a river, maybe the trek would allow a better understanding of the changes surrounding the both of us along the way.

As I threw out an offer for any to join up I also met-up with a local paddle group whom had planned a weekend ‘social’ trip – a great opportunity to grasp the logistics, shuttling, and intricacies of the Suwannee. The Holton Creek weekend happened in February, I was planning an early April run at the river – Gordy, a friend (and brother-in law’s brother) from Delaware quickly signed on for the paddle, awesome.

Gordy drove down from Delaware and we proceeded to The Suwanee River State Park where we camped on Sunday, the next day (Monday) we would take the shuttle from the Suwannee Outpost to Fargo, Ga – from Fargo it would be 221 river-miles to the Gulf, via the Suwannee. There are other outfitters available but the Suwannee Outpost seemed the most convenient (our vehicles would be riverside and secure at the one-third mark, an advantage if restocking or adjustments were needed).

Dropped Off

Fargo, Ga. – DAY ONE, (Monday) – 221rm to 203 river mile = 18 work miles (10-days planned)

The lowest recommended paddle depth for this section of the river is a 51-foot reading at White Springs, on this date it was low-water 50.4 – a deterrent?, – naaa, too many things in motion, us being the largest factor. It was a late 10 am drop off and start from the Highway-41 bridge in Fargo – a handshake, and Gordy and I were off.

A later high water paddle at 60.3 ft – same area/distance.

The Suwannee in Georgia

Here the little creek 12 miles out of the Okefenokee Swamp really wasn’t much, but it was full of character – both natural and human, which on this date we found naturally stoic. The shorelines were weathered and the ‘line’ of the river randomly altered, everything about the Suwannee was interesting – it remained that way the entire paddle to the Gulf (at Suwannee, Fl), cool.

With the White Springs reading at 50,’ the Georgia section of the Suwannee shows all the signs of rapid fluctuation – a ravaged and beaten shoreline. On this date we saw it totally placid and seemingly dead-still – several times through the day we commented about the ‘peaceful nature’ of it all.

There were the anticipated areas of shoaling (movement of sand creating sand-bars or shallow water), and places between the slow water where stepping-out to cross or a simple hand-shove (low water) was necessary – not bad, just “part of it.”

The gnarly tree roots were ever-present, the natural rebellion of trees vs the elements to survive creates a myriad of character. There were the occasions where an aged tree had lost the battle and crashed into the creek. There were also reminders of the once vibrant era of nearby Ga highway-41 – where an occasional dated tire (50’s/60’s) peeked from the shoreline; fixture’s – not so much ‘trash,’ but adjusted within the setting as ‘relic’s’ to contemplate.

ever-dilligent Osprey

There were the kingfishers darting about, an Osprey (which I think remained with us the entire trip) continually working far ahead in search of prey that sensed our movements. Like the Current River trip, I’m starting to believe that its an ‘opportunity’ that these birds use in catching prey ahead from our movement.

And there was the almighty ‘peace,’ surrounded.

We paddled until about five before setting up camp high on river-left – near the Fla/Ga state line. Finishing the last half of our Subway sandwiches for supper and zzzzzzzz by seven, only the Owls stirred after that.

The first day had been overcast and misty – ‘just another part’ that anyone has to anticipate dampness when making a multi-day paddle. Periods of lite rain arrived during the night.

Topside of the Suwannee, 2017

Facebook Post – “Fargo to Ga/Fla line, late start, 16 miles – low water, getting lower, Overcast day with mist, kinda nice – felt like it was 80. Gnarley trees, owls, Osprey’s. Camped on suwannee, day 1 done, using battery power to post – alls good”

DAY 2 (Tuesday)- 203 rm to @180 rm = 23 ‘easier’ river miles

For the most part the lite rain passed through the night – so we packed damp gear. It was insta-breakfast meals (not bad), and some ‘rough’ river-jolt (coffee). Chewing on a few grinds we were bac on the water by 8a.

The creek now resembled a larger stream, there were longer and deeper sections of ‘slow-water’ and stepping out for shoaling was less frequent. There were also occasional areas of rock shoaling where ‘picking a line‘ was necessary. At the 50.4 ft water mark, locating the ‘right line’ (decision-making) through these shoals became a game. At the same time – each narrowed current provided a simple and welcomed ride.

The bubbles (above) showing were from the water flowing over the porous rocks in combination with the tannic acid (natural coloring from the leaves, vegetation) composition of the water – not from any unwanted crap in the water.

In retrospect the Suwannee’s water had a ‘quality’ feel to it all the way to the Gulf.

Around 11 am we made the Hwy-6 bridge, an optional shuttle starting point for many paddlers from Live-Oak.

Around three pm we made the Cone Bridge Landing; interesting thing here was ‘as the crows fly’ the area between Cone Bridge Landing and Hwy-6 was 5 miles, but via river it had been 9 river miles.. still alot less deviated than the Mississippi. Just a note for this section; in between is ‘limp-dick’ bend, no kidding that’s the real name -if/when you look at the aerial view of this section – well, you figure it out.

The images within the trees along the river are incredible also, easily leaving room for similar landmark namesakes….

Our paddle rate was in the neighborhood of 2.5 mph, a comfortable rate – this would increase slightly downriver, but not by much.

This was not a trip to ‘paddle’ the Suwannee; it was a trip to ‘enjoy’ the Suwannee – while simply paddling it.

Not a bad day on the Suwannee – even though it was overcast with lite rain – the underlying current gave it a ‘soft’ comfortable ride. It was a fine day in ‘the lawn chair‘ as our-buddy the Osprey remained diligently working the waters ahead.

(“my vessel is as comfortable as any ‘lawn-chair’ that I’ve ever sat in.” tgh)

We passed-up on a sandbar in the middle a few miles back and regretted it; not so many miles later we stopped near a private hunting camps boat ramp (@180 rm) – mosquitoes were present (but not a factor in the tent). With water levels a little higher I’m sure the camp-site on the Big-Shoals portage would have been achieved, but for this night; this ‘was-what-it-was’ – just a “part of it.”

Another night of movement in the woods and owls courting throughout the night; there were a few flashes of lightning crossing the sky.

Sleep was fleeting; the ‘pollen-lines’ that I had noticed earlier along the river haunted me. sinus stuff.

Still, mornings come – again up to Gordy’s boiling water, insta-food, and coffee – a ‘wet pack and damp start to day-3.

Topside of the Suwannee, 2017

Next Day;

Day 3 Big Shoals to Woods Ferry River Camp (159rm)

More day 1 and 2 pictures

more information this link; SUWANNEE RIVER MILEAGE INFORMATION, TRIP IDEAS

Suwannee River Mile References

Note; the Suwannee river’s mile references are correct – yet there are no physical markers (signs) along the river to help with ‘exact’ orientation. Markers on any river are not absolutely necessary but after a career of emergency service – having ‘marks’ along the way seems prudent – and, just maybe I was a little spoiled from 1800 miles of the Mississippi River where those ‘benchmarks’ provided some entertainment on the long hot days. The Current river is another frequented river which could benefit with certain signage and benchmark’s.

As for river-speed, just estimate a casual paddling rate of 2.5 to 3 mph (a solid mph greater with high water)

240.o The Okefenokee Swamp – a tricky section with several short portages

221.0 Hwy 41 at Fargo, Ga from here it’s a nine day paddle to the Gulf. Check the water table reading at White Springs; below 52 feet (less water) = more paddle 53 to 61′ reading (more water) = nice ride, fluid paddle

206 Georgia/Fla line (night-1 from Fargo, wilderness camp)

202.0 – Roline Ramp

197.7 – Turner Bridge ramp

195.7 Highway-6; some start here, three days two nights to SR Outpost – Big Shoals portage ahead

185 – ‘Limpdick’ bend

186.5 – Cone Bridge ramp

180 (our night 2 from Fargo, wilderness camp) – sandbar in river, or high water will get you to Big Shoals

177.1 Big Shoals State Park – to right

177.5 Big Shoals – to left, portage, signs, campsite – Fla’s only natural class III rapid – N 30 21.19, W 82 41.24

171 Highway-41 at White Springs; Great starting point for 2-day one night paddle to SR Outpost, ‘playful section’

168.3 Hwy 135 Stephen Foster State Park White Springs – Hub; Hubs are towns or parks ‘ A wide range of goods and services are provided to meet visitors’ needs. Visitors can enjoy special events, shopping and other activities.

163.2 – Interstate 75 – Blue Sink Launch/ramp (night 3 from Fargo – Woods Ferry camp)

159.3 Woods Ferry River Camp – River Camps are located a day’s paddle between hubs. Accessible only from the river, the camps provide covered camping platforms, primitive camping and restrooms with hot showers – reservations; (800) 868 – 9914

158.0 – Woods Ferry Launch

150.0 – Suwannee Springs launch

148.5 Good starting point to Gulf or shorter paddles. Suwannee River Outfitter at rear of Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park – place to leave vehicle. Hub – Hubs are towns or parks ‘ A wide range of goods and services are provided to meet visitors’ needs. Visitors can enjoy special events, shopping and other activities. (GPS – 2461 95th Dr, Live Oak, FL)

Our canoe start – Live Oak to Gulf – Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park ramp (eight days to the Gulf)

Nearby hotel (I-75, exit 439) or Suwannee River State Park. The Suwanee River Outpost – shortest access to Music Park (I-75 exit 451). Easy, no hurry ‘first’ 10 mile ‘shake-down’ day with 2-mile paddle upriver to Suwannee Springs before heading downriver to Holton Creek River Camp for the night (very easy day)

140.9 Holton Creek River Camp FREE to hikers and paddlers

River Camps are located a day’s paddle between hubs. Accessible only from the river, the camps provide covered camping platforms, primitive camping and restrooms with hot showers – reservations; (800) 868 – 9914

Night 1 from Live Oak, (night 4 from Fargo) On the river by 830, 20+ mile paddle/day. A couple light shoals below SR State Park, neat Geological layers along shore, exposed fossils – Stay at SR State park or Dowling Park river camp (it’s all “candy” after that)

135.6 Shelley Run (night camp option – private)

135.4 ALAPIA RIVER Gibson Park ramp

130.4 – BRIDGE – Road 141 ramp

127.7 Suwannee River State Park, camping/hot showers – fee. (Hub) Hubs are towns or parks ‘ A wide range of goods and services are provided to meet visitors’ needs. Visitors can enjoy special events, shopping and other activities.

127.8 Withlacoochee River

113.0 Dowling Park River Camp N 30 14.81, W 83 14.87

Day-3 from Live Oak (Wednesday), 29-mile paddle/day with stay at Adams Tract, or option of easier 19-mile Paddle day staying at Peacock Slough.- neat Springs along the way, laid back paddle rate – crystal clear springs, nice area.

106.5 – Charles Spring ramp

103.3 Lafayette Blue Springs State Park (Hub) Hubs are towns or parks ‘ A wide range of goods and services are provided to meet visitors’ needs. Visitors can enjoy special events, shopping and other activities.

97.4 – Telford Springs ramp

95.8 Peacock Slough river camp; River Camps are located a day’s paddle between hubs. Accessible only from the river, the camps provide covered camping platforms, primitive camping and restrooms with hot showers – reservations; (800) 868 – 9914 (Night 3 from Live Oak)

Day-4 from Live Oak, More Springs, City-restaurant food ahead in Branford, paddle rate determines stop for the night with the Santa-Fe river as an Objective – Ivy Park at Branford has primitive/tent camp area – no showers

85.5 Adams Tract River Camp; River Camps are located a day’s paddle between hubs. Accessible only from the river, the camps provide covered camping platforms, primitive camping and restrooms with hot showers – reservations; (800) 868 – 9914 (night 6 from Fargo)

82.0 – Ruth Springs ramp

– Troy Springs – Little River Springs

76 Highway 247 at Branford, Fl (just before – easy walk up behind the old train depot – park is just after)

76 Ivey Memorial Park/ramp – Branford ; (Night 4 camp from Live Oak, primitive camp with land-food)

65.5 SANTA FE RIVER RIVER (Ichetucknee Springs) beautiful beach to camp on

56.6 Highway 340 /ramp – FOOD/COLD BEVERAGE STORE at top of ramp Rocky Bluff Store

55 Gornto Spring County Park ; Night 6 from live Oak, primitive camp at Park, fee – cold shower – (this place can be a ‘zoo’ on the weekends (‘locals’))

43.1 Hart Spring County Park /ramp N 29 40.46, W 82 57.26

35.8 Highway 98 Suwannee Gables Ramp

34.2 Fanning Springs State Park Camping, cold-water showers – good food across street (Hub) Hubs are towns or parks ‘ A wide range of goods and services are provided to meet visitors’ needs. Visitors can enjoy special events, shopping and other activities.

(Night 6 from Live Oak, night 8 from Fargo)

25.1 Manatee Springs State Park; camping, but sites are a long way from ramp. Canoe/kayak friendly (paddle in) April 1 to Nov 1 N 29 29.34, W 82 58.67

22.7 – Yellow Jacket Ramp – campground

16.8 – Fowlers Bluff Ramp primitive camp at Treasure Cove restaurant, land-food, live music, cold beverage. natural-water (garden-hose) shower (Day 7 camp from Live Oak)

Day-8 to Suwannee, the town -expect ‘no-see-ums’ (flyin teeth)

3.9 Anderson Landing River Camp Camping (room or tent – no credit cards), hot-water showers, good food walking distance (Hub) Hubs are towns or parks ‘ A wide range of goods and services are provided to meet visitors’ needs. Visitors can enjoy special events, shopping and other activities. (Day 8 from Live Oak, Day 9 from Fargo)

(GPS – 18 SE 225 St, Old Town, FL)

Note; Live Oak to the Gulf trip with ‘green’ canoeists limited mileage to twenty a day – kayaks alone may average 25 to thirty miles a day – but hey, sometimes its good to slow down and appreciate the setting…..

PAST TRIP OVERVIEWS

Fargo to the Gulf – kayak (225 miles) High water

Post 1 of 3 – Days 1 – 4, Fargo to Dowling Park river camp
Post 2 of 3 – Days 5 – 8, Dowling Park river camp to Gornto Park
Post 3 of 3 – Days 9 – 11, Gornto Park to Suwannee, Fl (a favorite post)

Live Oak to the Gulf – canoe (150 mile)

Suwannee River Grin – 4 posts

Day 1 – Live Oak to Shelley Run (rm 148 to 135) 13 mi
Day 2 – Shelley Run to Dowling Park River Camp – rm (135 to 113) 22 mi
Day 3 – Dowling Park to Peacock Slough River Camp (rm 113 to 95) 18 mi
Day 4 – Peacock Slough to Ivy Park in Branford (rm 95 to 76) 19 mi
Day 5 – Ivy Park to Gornto Springs Park (rm 76 to 55) 19 mi
Day 6 – Gornto Springs to Fanning Springs State Park (rm 55 to 34) 21 mi
Day 7 – Fanning Springs to Fowlers Bluff (rm 34 to 16) 22 mi
Day 8 – Fowlers Bluff to Anderson River Camp in Suwannee, 16 mi

Fargo to the Gulf – kayak (225 miles) Low water

A River of Time – 8 posts

Days 1 and 2 Fargo Ga, to riverside camp to just above Big Shoals (178rm)
Day 3 Big Shoals to Woods Ferry River Camp (159rm)
Days 4 and 5 – Woods Ferry to riverside camp (136rm) to Dowling Park River Camp (113 rm)
Day 6 – to Adams Tract River Camp (85 rm)
Day 7 – to riverside (56rm) just above Gornto Springs (56rm)
Day 8 – to Fanning Springs (34 rm)
Day 9 – to Anderson River Camp
Day 10 – Suwannee, Fl (03rm, Gulf)