This so called "Rendezvous of Florida Paddlers" is over 350 miles from my house and an additional 70 from Miami. Why not rename this a "Rendezvous of Georgia and North Florida Paddlers" which would seem to be more representative. Although I am not a current member of any paddling clubs, I would have to question the rational of any organization that hosts a so called state event in another state and in an area that is almost 400 miles from some of the better paddling in Florida. Is there some hidden agenda I'm missing here? Why not hold next years Florida Rendezvous in Seattle! It's probably easier to get to.. -----Original Message----- From: owner-paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net [mailto:owner-paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net]On Behalf Of Kurt Wisner Sent: Monday, September 07, 1998 9:28 AM To: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subject: [Paddlewise] Rendezvous of Florida Paddlers The Rendezvous Of Florida Paddling Clubs will be held on October 10 & 11 at the Hidden River Ranch on the St Marys River. This is an excellent opportunity to show your club's spirit, meet fellow paddlers from all over the state, share stories and ideas with new friends, and to simply kick back, relax and paddle one of the prettiest rivers in the area. Registration time for the Rendezvous has arrived! For those clubs which will not have a final count by September 10th due to later club meetings, please email or call Barbara Hatten (see below) to confirm your intent to attend and to give an estimate of the number of attendees. If you already have registered electronically, please don't forget to mail in your registration fee. Clubs are encouraged to set up display tables in their camping area with photo albums of club outings, newsletters, and information on special projects you may have adopted. Individuals not currently affiliated with a paddling club can look for paddlers from their home areas and either join a club or perhaps start a new club. Regardless, everyone will be able to make new paddling pals and learn about new places to paddle. There are two primary runs on the North Prong of the St Marys which connect you to the Hidden River Ranch: 1) The northern-most begins six miles upstream and twists and turns its way through high banks and overhanging Tupelo trees all the way to the campground takeout. This run takes about three hours and is magnificent in its pristine beauty. 2) The second run begins at the campground and runs 12 miles to the Rt 121 bridge. The first two-to-three miles are like the previous run, twisting through trees and around islands. The remainder of the run opens up a little, offering good opportunities to stretch on sandy beaches. This run takes five to six hours to complete. The North Prong is fed almost solely by the Okeefenokee Swamp and is dependent on rains in the swamp. Should water levels be too low for the primary runs, there are two alternatives which begin further down river and take advantage of the feed from many creeks above. Both of these are day trips of five to six hours. All of the runs are unique in their personality, and all include beaches of white sand where you can stretch, swim, and have lunch. Saturday night will feature a Bar-B-Q dinner prepared by the owner of Hidden River Ranch. Barbara was a caterer in a previous life and I can tell you from past experience that the food will be great and you won't walk away hungry! At this writing, a vegetarian option to the Bar-B-Q entree is being planned. It's especially important that you let Barbara know if you want the vegetarian option. After dinner, there will be a Chief's Pow-Wow at which the presidents or one designate from each club will meet to discuss the format and procedures for future Rendezvous. This is your opportunity to guide future statewide events, so be there with ideas. Hidden River Ranch has given us a special discount for all services for this event. Because it's a three-day weekend for many (Columbus Day), those rates will be extended for the duration of your stay if you're attending the Rendezvous. Feel free to come early and stay late if you can. To see photos of the river, link to the campground, and to register electronically, visit the Paddle Florida! website (http://www.paddlefl.com). If you have questions or wish to register by telephone or mail, contact Barbara Hatten at Hidden River Ranch: Hidden River Ranch 885 Reynolds Bridge Road St. George, GA 31646 phone: (912) 843-2603 email: (mailto:hiddenriver_at_planttel.net) web: (http://Web.InfoAve.Net/~hiddenriver/) Disclaimer: Neither Quetzal Trading, Inc. nor I as an individual have a financial stake in the Rendezvous. Publicity and planning assistance is being donated to promote statewide paddler's gatherings. You can help by attending and spreading the word. Kurt ************************************************************************ *** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ************************************************************************ *** *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************Received on Tue Sep 08 1998 - 09:09:36 PDT
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