Trip Leader:
Robby Bieber - (941) 744-6620, perico_may_30@bieber.dev
Description: We'll meet in the small parking lot on the North side of State Road 64/Manatee Ave, just East of the bridge to Anna Maria Island. We'll aim to set out approximately 45 minutes before moonrise, which roughly coincides with sunset. We'll head North around the land mass of Perico and then East and South into Perico bayou, aiming to find a scenic location in Perico Bayou to take a break and watch the moon come up. The moon will rise in the south-southeast, over the south end of Robinson preserve.
I'll be bringing a camera and tripod and plan to break for about 20-30 minutes as the moon rises to photograph it coming up over the bayou. If you have a tripod you don't mind getting in the salt water, bring it along with a suitably dry-bagged camera or phone to take some photos of your own (don't forget a towel to wipe wet fingers on). Otherwise hang out in the twilight, have a snack, and maybe pose if you feel like being a subject.
From there we'll head South, West, and back North to return to our launch site in one big loop around Perico totaling about 6 miles. The tide is going to be very low in the evening, and Perico Bayou is SHALLOW, so be prepared to navigate some very skinny water and potentially walk boats at times.
Location: North side of SR-64, just East of the bridge to Anna Maria Island. Lat/long: 27.4964, -82.6886
This location is easy to miss. Heading West towards the island, it's after the last paved turn-off. You'll be looking for a dirt parking lot just before the bridge which you have to drive over the sidewalk to access. Watch out for pedestrians! From the parking lot, there are two short footpaths leading down to the beach where we'll launch.
Schedule: Meet at 6:45pm on Saturday, May 30th. Be ready to launch kayaks by 7:15. We'll aim for a return time before 10:00pm, but may run later if the wind proves frustrating.
Difficulty: Level 2. We'll spend most of our time in relatively sheltered waters, but distance is 6 miles and we may encounter some wind. Review TBSK's Skills Self Assessment Chart and contact trip leaders with any questions.
Requirements: Boats must be at least 14 feet long with deck lines and bulkheads or bow/stern flotation. Paddlers must wear a PFD with whistle, a spray skirt if applicable, and appropriate water shoes. Bring plenty to drink and be sure it's accessible while you paddle.
For this paddle specifically, LIGHTS ARE REQUIRED. The sun will be going down when we launch, and we'll be returning in full dark. Your light(s) should be visible from a mile away, which can be accomplished by a light on a pole behind you or deck lights on both bow and stern. Head lamps with red light are also highly recommended, especially for the Perico Bayou shallows. If you wear glasses, you may want to bring both sunglasses and clear glasses.
If you have any medical issues that might impact your paddling, please notify leaders before the trip so that they can be best equipped to assist you as needed.
If your plans to participate change, please cancel on the website or app so that people on the waitlist can join us
Current forecasts are for thunder and high winds this evening, so if you sign up keep an eye on your email in the 24 hours leading up to the launch. If the forecast doesn't change we'll have to cancel this one but don't worry, the moon will probably continue to rise.