Paddle With Manatees

Details
‘Tis the season for manatees.

We will put in at French Landing, a public boat ramp at the end of the road that brings visitors to Blue Spring State Park in Orange City. Do not enter the state park. Parking is along the side of the road after you drop off your kayak (or canoe) and gear near the (unimproved) ramp.

A “new and improved” Meetup interface exhibits profound glitches when trying to set a location. Here is the address: 2398 W. French Ave, Orange City, FL 32763

The mouth of the Blue Spring Run is a short paddle from the put-in. We cannot paddle up the run but we can loiter and view the sea cows from our boats. Then we will continue up-river and explore Snake Creek. On our way back, we will dock at the state park, get out, view manatee from the boardwalk and eat lunch.

Aside from the usual kayaking gear bring socks and shoes to change into for walking in the park. A short hike is an option. We will leave the park when we feel like it and paddle back to French Landing. The 2:00 PM “end time” is not to be trusted.

There may be an “Iron Ranger” where we dock. So bring a few one dollar bills just in case. There are restrooms and concessions at the park. Rentals are available from St. Johns River Cruises (where we put-in). Call (386) 917-0724 for costs and reservations.

This may be a popular outing. Please do not plan to attend unless you RSVP via Meetup.com. If you have not paddled with me before, please expect and respond to an email message via Meetup. I will ask a few questions to screen participants for safety reasons