Upper Tampa Bay - Level 1
Moving the Launch Location to State Street (south on Doublebranch then left on State to the end).
Trip Leader: Dave Schmidt, dave@tbsk.club, 608.842.0135 (h)
Tides are favorable that day (needed there). Launching at Upper Tampa Bay Park (near Oldsmar) we'll head out through the mangrove islands into the upper bay. Take a left and land for a relaxed break at the entrance to what mapquest calls "Channel A". Nice beach there. Last time there were 100's of hermit crabs scurrying around in formation. Mesmerizing. Unless an airboat comes near (did last time) we should see lots of birds.
I think of Upper Tampa Bay Park as being in Oldsmar but the address is actually Tampa (8001 Double Branch Rd). It has an ADA compliant kayak ramp that I'm not fond of so I lower my yak from the pier and get in at water level. Likely want your kayak cart to get your kayak from parking to the pier (or drop off and park). Hillsborough County does want $2 for entrance.
Let's meet at 9:30 so everyone is ready to launch at 10. Anticipate a return around 1pm. It's about 5 miles (assuming we don't get lost in the mangroves). Level 1 so this will be at an L1 casual pace. I think of the hazards as being the occasional oyster bed (always have good footwear) and having enough water under the boat to float.
Current forecast is sunny high of 79, light winds of 6mph from the north. Low tide (0.8 ft) at 5:38a, high tide (1.6 ft) at 11:30a
No expectations on boat selection or pfd. As long as you are able to stay with the group.
See the Skills Self Assessment Chart on the web site and contact the leader with any questions. Please register (or cancel) on the web site or RSVP to the trip leader to allow notification of any changes.