Trip leader: Therese Eby 425-802-2281 thereseeby@gmail.com
Description: Werner-Boyce Salt Springs offers up opportunities for picturesque coastal exploration across a variety of paddling environments, including protected back bays and mangrove tunnels and island hopping in more open waters. It is common to see ospreys, bald eagles, shorebirds, and dolphins.
We will take advantage of an afternoon high tide (>2') to explore the southern branch of Double Hammock Creek. If winds are favorable, we will journey over to Durney Key for a lunch break and check out the stilt houses a mile offshore. If winds are high we will paddle to Salt Spring via protected paths through mangrove tunnels and marsh trails, stopping at the launch on our way for lunch. The cavern of Salt Springs is not evident from the surface, but it extends 351 feet below the water’s surface.
Location: Werner-Boyce Springs State Park, 8737 US Highway 19 North, Port Richey, FL 34668
Schedule: Wed 3/31, 10:30 a.m., launch by 11:00. We expect to finish up by 3 p.m.
Additional information: $3 cash entrance fee. Bring snacks/lunch, drink, and sunscreen. Dress appropriately for air temperature and abundant sun exposure. Water temperature should be approaching 70 degrees. We’re targeting high tide, so oyster beds shouldn’t present a challenge. With wind over 10 mph, plan to have a wet paddle in the Gulf.
Difficulty: Level 1-2. We’ll minimally paddle 5 miles but could go up to twice that if wind/weather conditions are favorable and the group wants to explore more Gulf islands and shoreline. Refer to TBSK’s Skills Self Assessment Chart for more details on trip levels and expectations. Please register (or cancel) on the TBSK website to allow notification of any changes.
Required: Any kayak with water-tight bulkheads or flotation is ok for this trip but must be able to maneuver through some short sections of mangrove tunnels as well as maintain pace in open waters. Spray skirt required. No inflatable PFDs. Bring lots of water/sports drink, snack/lunch, sunscreen.