CRITICAL BAYOU FULL MOON PADDLE W/ PHOTO STOP - LEVEL 2
TRIP LEADER:
Robby Bieber - (941) 744-6620, august_28_critical_bayou@bieber.dev
Description: Join us for an evening exploring Critical Bayou, just East of Rattlesnake Key. The shallow waters of this bayou act as a nursery for all manner of aquatic species in Tampa Bay, as they're inaccessible to larger predators. A fact that's also reassuring when you're walking around at night with a camera.
Launching from the Skyway south rest stop we'll aim to set out about one hour before moonrise, which will roughly coincide with sunset. We'll paddle about 2 miles under the bridge and over to Big Miguel or Little Miguel pass, which should leave us some time to scout out a good location to take in/photograph the moonrise over the bayou.
I'll be bringing a camera and tripod and plan to break for about half an hour once the moon rises 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 between 4 and 6 miles round trip, depending on how much we paddle around the bayou.
Tide is going to be low around moonrise in an area that's already very shallow to begin with. Rudderless boats or kickup rudders are highly recommended, be prepared to paddle some skinny water and potentially have to walk some stretches.
Location: Rest stop parking lot, south side of Skyway bridge Lat/long: 27.5845, -82.6133
Park on the East end of the parking lot, the path down to the water is in the trees east of the picnic pavilion. Look for other vehicles with kayaks when you get there, or call me if you're having trouble finding the spot.
Schedule: Meet at 6:30pm on August 28th. Be ready to launch kayaks by 7:15pm, a little sooner if everyone's ready. I'd expect a return time around 9:00-9:30pm, but may be earlier or later depending on group preferences.
Difficulty: Level 2. Total distance between 4 and 6 miles. We have a little distance to cover before moonrise so I'd like to strike a steady but not rushed pace on the way out, and we can be more relaxed on the way in. We will be paddling in Tampa Bay, but not far from shore. If conditions are calm, this shouldn't be a difficult paddle.
Requirements: Seaworthy vessel with sealed bulkheads or other flotation. Sea kayaks, shorter touring kayaks, and outrigger canoes should all be fine but probably not a good paddle for recreational boats. 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. It never hurts to have a backup! 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