Trip leaders: Terry and Charlene Proeger 941-373-0006 tproeger@comcast.net
Description: One of Florida’s designated state scenic rivers, the Myakka winds through beautiful open grasses and hardwood hammocks. The river attracts a wonderful diversity of birds. And gators? Yeah, we’ll see a few. This will be an out-and-back paddle, negating the need for shuttles. We’ll start our paddle just above the bridge and will paddle upriver to the Upper Lake and back.
Location: Myakka River State Park is located at 13208 State Road 72 in Sarasota. We’ll meet at the Fisherman's Loop Picnic Area which will be the first access road on your left after you cross the park bridge and is no further than a half mile beyond the bridge. If Fisherman's Loop is closed, park along the park road in a spot where there is enough space to park completely off the road. Bathrooms are near the visitor center at the entrance of the park. Access a map/info of the park here.
Schedule: Meet at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, Nov 25. On the water by 9:30, return before 1:00 pm.
Additional information:
· Parking costs $5.60 per vehicle. Purchase your parking pass online before the trip here.
· Bring plenty of water to drink, lunch snacks, binoculars, and a camera for all those birds and gators.
· This trip will be capped at 6 paddlers, including the trip leaders.
COVID-related recommendations:
· To minimize contact among the group, pair up with another paddler for the day if help is needed moving boats between vehicles and launch.
· Bring biodegradable hand soap and hand sanitizer for use after handling someone else’s boat on or off the water.
· Have a face-covering for areas where you might get closer than 6' from others.
· Maintain distance while on the water.
Difficulty: This is a Level 2 trip with the expectation that we’ll travel 7 to 8 miles. Half the paddle will be against the current.
Required gear: Wear a PFD with a whistle, and bring sun/insect protection. Refer to TBSK’s Skills Self Assessment Chart and contact the leader with any questions. Please register (or cancel) on the website or RSVP to the trip leader to allow notification of any changes.