Paddle Florida's Dam To The Bay - A Trip Report

by Mim Duncan, embellished by Jill Lingard

Dam to the Bay on the Ochlockonee River
March 16-22, 2013

by Mim Duncan, embellished by Jill Lingard
Reprinted with permission

Paddle Florida trips are well organized and it's so convenient to have our luggage and camping gear carried to each campsite rather than having to haul it in our kayaks. Meals are provided by caterers, so the trips are more relaxing than non-assisted trips. Paddle Florida's leadership works hard to make our trips easier. Many of us have formed friendships through these experiences and have paddled numerous trips with this group. It's always a joy to reconnect with established friends and to meet new ones.

Thirty-seven people signed up to paddle the beautiful Ochlockonee River this March. Before we left for the Ochlockonee, many of us had consulted the 10-day weather forecast and were pleased to see that there was very little chance of rain and that seasonal temperatures were expected.

As life happens, the forecast changed as we started the trip and there were several rain events that gave us practice in setting up and dismantling our camps in wet conditions. It was one of the few times that I have ever worn my rain gear on these trips. Of the ten Paddle Florida trips I have gone on, this is only the second time that rain has been an issue for more than a few hours. Most trips have been blessed with good weather.

Day 1: Saturday, March 16, Ed & Bernice's Fish Camp

This was the day everyone gathered for the trip. Some of us met at Bald Point State Park, planning to leave our cars there for the week since this is where the trip would end six days later. Boats and people were then shuttled 50 miles north to Ed and Bernice's Fish Camp near Lake Talquin. The rest of the group drove their vehicles and boats directly to Ed & Bernice's. At the end of the trip, that group would then be shuttled from the ending point back to the beginning to reconnect with their vehicles.

As I arrived at Bald Point State Park, it was obvious that excitement was high among the participants, especially the newbies. Some had been waiting for as long as three hours. Boats were loaded on the trailers, luggage was put on the Penske rental truck, and participants scrambled into the vans.
As we arrived at Ed & Bernice's, we learned that 16 inches of rain had fallen the week before and that the entire campground had been under about six feet of water. A day before, the area had still been closed to campers. We were informed that the river was at flood stage and would provide an interesting and challenging
paddle. Fortunately, we were able to find areas dry enough for pitching tents. Everyone readied their boats for launching the next day and Paddle Florida staff provided us with the information needed to navigate the river safely and to enjoy the trip....

CLICK HERE to continue with Day 2 activities and photos at Paddle Florida's website

BACK to the Florida SEE Grapevine, JULY 2013 Annual Meeting Edition


Paddle Florida's Dam To The Bay - A Trip Report by Mim Duncan, embellished by Jill Lingard Dam to the Bay on the Ochlockonee River March 16-22, 2013 by Mim Duncan, embellished by Jill Lingard Reprinted with permission Paddle Florida trips are well organized and it's so convenient to have our luggage and camping gear carried to each campsite rather than having to haul it in our kayaks. Meals are provided by caterers, so the trips are more relaxing than non-assisted trips. Paddle Florida's leadership works hard to make our trips easier. Many of us have formed friendships through these experiences and have paddled numerous trips with this group. It's always a joy to reconnect with established friends and to meet new ones. Thirty-seven people signed up to paddle the beautiful Ochlockonee River this March. Before we left for the Ochlockonee, many of us had consulted the 10-day weather forecast and were pleased to see that there was very little chance of rain and that seasonal temperatures were expected. As life happens, the forecast changed as we started the trip and there were several rain events that gave us practice in setting up and dismantling our camps in wet conditions. It was one of the few times that I have ever worn my rain gear on these trips. Of the ten Paddle Florida trips I have gone on, this is only the second time that rain has been an issue for more than a few hours. Most trips have been blessed with good weather. Day 1: Saturday, March 16, Ed & Bernice's Fish Camp This was the day everyone gathered for the trip. Some of us met at Bald Point State Park, planning to leave our cars there for the week since this is where the trip would end six days later. Boats and people were then shuttled 50 miles north to Ed and Bernice's Fish Camp near Lake Talquin. The rest of the group drove their vehicles and boats directly to Ed & Bernice's. At the end of the trip, that group would then be shuttled from the ending point back to the beginning to reconnect with their vehicles. As I arrived at Bald Point State Park, it was obvious that excitement was high among the participants, especially the newbies. Some had been waiting for as long as three hours. Boats were loaded on the trailers, luggage was put on the Penske rental truck, and participants scrambled into the vans. As we arrived at Ed & Bernice's, we learned that 16 inches of rain had fallen the week before and that the entire campground had been under about six feet of water. A day before, the area had still been closed to campers. We were informed that the river was at flood stage and would provide an interesting and challenging paddle. Fortunately, we were able to find areas dry enough for pitching tents. Everyone readied their boats for launching the next day and Paddle Florida staff provided us with the information needed to navigate the river safely and to enjoy the trip.... CLICK HERE to continue with Day 2 activities and photos at Paddle Florida's website BACK to the Florida SEE Grapevine, JULY 2013 Annual Meeting Edition
The Florida SEE Grapevine - July, 2013: The Annual Meeting Issue