TRIP LEADER:
Robby Bieber - (941) 744-6620, july_28_shell_key@bieber.dev
Description: We'll meet at Butler hole, on the South side of the Pinellas Bayway along the way to Ft. Desoto but before crossing over into the park. We'll aim to set out 30 minutes before moonrise, which will actually occur about 20 minutes before sunset. We'll paddle West about a mile to a mile and a half into the interior of Shell Key Preserve, where we should have some time to scout out a good place to watch/photograph the moon rising at about 120 degrees Southeast.
I'll be bringing a camera and tripod and plan to break for about half an hour once the moon rises and the sun has set to photograph it coming up over the water and mangroves. 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.
We can try a couple of locations if the group is up for it, or just head right back after enjoying the sunset and moonrise. We should end up about 4 miles or less round trip, with tide starting around half a foot and coming in for the entire time we're out. Even with the tide coming in the interior of Shell Key is shallow, so be prepared to navigate skinny water and potentially walk boats at times.
Location: Butler hole. South side of Pinellas Bayway S. Lat/long: 27.6592, -82.7213.
Also marked as "Capt Yak" on Google maps, there's just an open grassy area off the side of the road to park and launch boats through the mangroves.
Schedule: Meet at 7:00pm on July 27th. Be ready to launch kayaks by 7:30. We'll aim for a return time before 10:00pm, but may be earlier or later depending on group preferences.
Difficulty: Level 1. We'll stick to the protected waters inside of Shell Key and cover a distance around 3-4 miles at a casual pace.
Requirements: All types of kayaks are OK and should have a closed hull, closed hatches, or bow and stern flotation. SUPs are welcome on this paddle and should have a leg leash attached. Paddlers must wear a PFD with whistle 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. 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