Sierra Club Outings | A Naturalist Kayaking Trip, Florida

Highlights:

Follow in the steps of the famous naturalist William Bartram
Observe wintering manatee at Blue Springs State Park
View numerous and varied birds and wildlife
Enjoy a private lodge on the banks of the Econlockhatchee River

Includes:

Kayaks and kayaking gear
All entrance fees and permits
Nightly showers
Well-prepared mealsKayaks and kayaking gear

From 1773 to 1778, William Bartram, a trained naturalist, traveled southern North America, noting the characteristics of almost everything he encountered: the rivers of Florida, the groves of wild oranges, the swamps and lagoons, the fish, the tropical snakes and reptiles, the land and aquatic birds, the festivals of the Seminole Indians, and the customs of the Creek Indians. He was to Florida what Lewis and Clark were to the Northwest.

Following the general path of William Bartram, we will paddle our way through large swamps and narrow rivers to the St. Johns River. Traveling north (downstream) the group will stop to explore large springs, flora and fauna, Indian mounds, and other points of interest. Evenings will be spent hiking, exploring, and discussing the day�s highlights around the campfire.

The leaders will make every reasonable effort to meet the goals outlined in the itinerary. Please keep in mind that weather or other conditions beyond our control may cause us to modify the itinerary in order to ensure the safety and well being of the group. Traveling north (downstream) the group will stop to explore large springs, flora and fauna, Indian mounds, and other points of interest.

Day 1: Airport pick up, settle into our lodge, meet, greet and enjoy our first group meal together. Afterwards we will walk down to the river and receive basic instruction on kayaking. We will also go over the week's agenda, local environmental issues, and of course the travels of William Bartram.

Day 2: Shuttle to Rock Springs run, snorkel, swim, and explore the large springs. Basic kayak instruction will be given before we make our way down the spring run to the confluence of the Wekiwa River. Keep an eye out for alligators, otters, wild hog, and swimming deer. Lunch served picnic style at the sight of an ancient Indian midden. Evening will be spent at our lodge hiking, birding, or swimming in the river.

Day 3: After a big breakfast and a short shuttle we will be back into our kayaks for another day on the beautiful Wekiwa River. At this time of year the Wekiwa is exploding with color and the movement of life. The river is edged by arching sabal palms as well as many other trees. Islands of lush green water plants float in the stream, while asters dot the landscape with purple. The trained eye will spot clumps of orchids mingling with resurrection ferns and draping Spanish moss. On occasion, deer hide near the river's edge for a drink, bears are seen amongst the palmetto, and river otters dance through the clear water.

Day 4: An exciting day for wildlife viewing! We will make our way into the lower Wekiwa river basin and meet up with the St. Johns River, rich in wildlife. Have your camera ready. Turtles and large alligators sunning on logs or on the river banks can be observed at distances determined by the strength of your nerves or the power of your binoculars. In addition we will have the opportunity to observe many wading birds. Our take out for the day will be at Blue Spring State Park. Last year we spotted over 110 manatees in the spring run alone!

Day 5: Today we visit a place of great beauty and rich history, New Smyrna and Canaveral National Seashore. The day will be spent paddling the many islands in the lagoon and hiking on the still undeveloped beaches.

Day 6: We are off to Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. In your leader's opinion this is the greatest place in Florida for birding and wildlife viewing. There is so much, it just seems too easy. We will be feet away from rosette spoonbills, glossy ibis, reddish egrets, wood storks, bald eagle, and countless species of migrating ducks.

Day 7: After a morning hike and a huge breakfast, we will make our way back to Orlando and the airport. We should arrive at the airport by 1pm.

All participants will be picked up from the Orlando International Airport at 2pm. on February 7th. Participants wanting to drive will be mailed a map prior to the trip.

The leaders will joyfully prepare all meals; however, everyone is expected to help clean up. Meals included in the trip fee begin with dinner on the first day and end with breakfast on the last day. Meals served on the trip will honor and reflect local cuisine. A typical dinner would consist of shrimp and crawfish etouffee, white rice, garlic bread, fresh salad, and something chocolate for dessert. Folks with special diets should contact the trip leader.

Our lodging will be at an 800 acre working cattle ranch and B&B on the Econlockhatchee River. There is a large two story log cabin with wraparound porch and an old fashion house. Bathrooms are shared and rooms are multiple occupancy. Rooms with one bed will of course be given to couples. Camping is permitted for those who prefer tenting it! Because we are staying at a lodge each night, everyday our group will have to be shuttled to that day's location.

This trip is geared for all levels of paddlers. Instruction will be given prior to paddling each day. The leader asks that participants be in good physical condition and at least eighteen years of age. We will paddle between 8-10 miles per day. This translates into five to six hours on the river. If bad weather rolls in alternative activities have been planned.

A detailed equipment list as well as a trip roster will be sent to all participants. Kayaks, paddles, and personal floatation devices (PFD�S) will be provided. If you have a fondness for your own paddle or PFD, bring it! A recommended gear list and specific directions to our meeting point at the airport will be sent to all participants.

Please honor Sierra Club policy and leave all electronic gizmos at home, the only exception being cameras. People bringing watches and cell phones will be asked to leave them at the lodge while we are on the water.

Each day's shuttle to our paddling destination will give everyone the opportunity to witness the destructive force of sprawl, not only the destruction of habitat but also the loss of a unique culture.

The payment of a deposit does not confirm you as a member on the trip. Participants must be approved by the trip leader. After signing up for this trip, you will be sent a confirmation packet containing approval materials (Participant Approval Questionnaire, Medical Form, Liability Release Form). Each applicant (including those on the waitlist) must fill out these forms and promptly mail them to the trip leader. The leader will review the approval materials and notify you of your acceptance in a timely manner.

Greg Pflug has dedicated his life to the pursuit of an endless outdoor adventure and preventing the destruction of the wild lands remaining in the southeast. A certified kayak instructor and outdoor specialist through professional training, Greg takes all the worry out of the activity so participants can enjoy the experience. Greg has been leading outings for Sierra Club since 1999.