Trip Leaders: Andy Bartley (sailonbear@hotmail.com) and Mary Mangiapia (mamagia@gmail.com)
Description: Join Andy Bartley and Mary Mangiapia as we do a relaxing cruise to the springs that feed the “Chaz”. This beautiful river winds its way through 31,000 acres of protected wildlife refuge and is home to over 250 species of birds and 25 species of mammals. Manatee sightings are common. Total trip distance will be about 3 nautical miles. As a level zero paddle, we will focus more on sight-seeing and relaxing and less on speed. We will visit two springs on the main river and then paddle up Baird Creek to the beautiful spring known as the Crack. We will have snacks/lunch by the springs and then paddle back to the launch. Any kind of kayak is welcome but we request that kayaks have at least one sealed compartment for flotation. Feel free to contact us if you have questions about your specific boat. You must RSVP to join on this trip.
Launch: Chassahowitzka River Campground boat ramp. We will meet at 8:30am and launch around 9:00am. There is a $2.00 parking fee.
Paddle Difficulty: A Level 0, leisurely paddle of about 3 miles