A Canadian newcomer to the list, looking for a quiet, scenic location to practise rolling and bracing this January/February would be grateful for any suggestions. The coasts of Georgia, Florida and the Gulf states all look interesting. Could anyone recommend a particular place? Many thanks. Mary Jo *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
In a message dated 1/22/00 8:59:20 PM !!!First Boot!!!, mj.cullen_at_sympatico.ca writes: << A Canadian newcomer to the list, looking for a quiet, scenic location to practise rolling and bracing this January/February would be grateful for any suggestions. The coasts of Georgia, Florida and the Gulf states all look interesting. Could anyone recommend a particular place? >> Our water temps are higher in winter than yours are in summer. It mainly depends upon your preference to salt or fresh water. If you intend to camp, I would suggest the many springs, creeks and ponds of the Ocala National Forest. It is centrally located and offers a lifetime of paddling opportunities. Many lakes and ponds that get very little use. You could have a twenty acre pond to yourself. The St. Johns River is the eastern boundary. The river flows through Lake George which is 4 miles wide and 9 miles long. The Silver River is fed by Silver Springs, one of the largest springs in Florida. The water is chocked full of large fish. Gators and many wintering species of birds roost along the shoreline. And of course, I have to mention the monkeys. Rhesus monkeys are wild in the trees. The Silver River feeds into the Oklawaha River, one of my favorites. This river forms the western boundary of the Ocala National Forest. It is remote and undeveloped. We normally paddle 15-25 miles/day on different sections. The river runs through Lake Oklawaha (AKA Rodman Reservoir) this is the northern boundary of the forest. Once again undeveloped territory and touted as some of the best large mouth bass habitat in the world with ten pounders (AKA lunkers) being common. As the river exits the reservoir it reverts back to a river, traveling through the Lake George Wilderness Area. A designated wilderness area. It then empties into the St. Johns which flows north. Other springs in the forest are Juniper, Alexander and Silver Glenn. All these waters mentioned will be around 70 oF at this time of year. All of this paddling is within an hour drive of St. Augustine which is on the Atlantic coast. Water temp in the ocean will be in the mid 60's to low 70's. Well, I am exhausted. I am always hesitant to do a post of this type for two reasons. First, I do not want anyone to abuse these waters or the plants and animals in the area in any way shape or form. If I witness abuse, I will confront the offender. Second, I do not want my posting to be misconstrued as commercialism. I know that these spots would satisfy most people. If anyone does not feel that they can abide by the most stringent environmental ethic, then please, feel free to stay away. Oh and please no flames if this is not considered to be sea kayaking. Just trying to be more generous in the new millennium, Bruce McC WEO www.wholeearthoutfitters.com *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
The warmest waters you'll find in the contintal US is SE Florida and especially the Keys. Current temps are mid 70s. Canada 3000 flys to Ft. Lauderdale for $199 Cdn. cya -----Original Message----- From: owner-paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net [mailto:owner-paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net]On Behalf Of Outfit3029_at_aol.com Sent: Saturday, January 22, 2000 4:51 PM To: mj.cullen_at_sympatico.ca; paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Warm water kayaking In a message dated 1/22/00 8:59:20 PM !!!First Boot!!!, mj.cullen_at_sympatico.ca writes: << A Canadian newcomer to the list, looking for a quiet, scenic location to practise rolling and bracing this January/February would be grateful for any suggestions. The coasts of Georgia, Florida and the Gulf states all look interesting. Could anyone recommend a particular place? >> Our water temps are higher in winter than yours are in summer. It mainly depends upon your preference to salt or fresh water. If you intend to camp, I would suggest the many springs, creeks and ponds of the Ocala National Forest. It is centrally located and offers a lifetime of paddling opportunities. Many lakes and ponds that get very little use. You could have a twenty acre pond to yourself. The St. Johns River is the eastern boundary. The river flows through Lake George which is 4 miles wide and 9 miles long. The Silver River is fed by Silver Springs, one of the largest springs in Florida. The water is chocked full of large fish. Gators and many wintering species of birds roost along the shoreline. And of course, I have to mention the monkeys. Rhesus monkeys are wild in the trees. The Silver River feeds into the Oklawaha River, one of my favorites. This river forms the western boundary of the Ocala National Forest. It is remote and undeveloped. We normally paddle 15-25 miles/day on different sections. The river runs through Lake Oklawaha (AKA Rodman Reservoir) this is the northern boundary of the forest. Once again undeveloped territory and touted as some of the best large mouth bass habitat in the world with ten pounders (AKA lunkers) being common. As the river exits the reservoir it reverts back to a river, traveling through the Lake George Wilderness Area. A designated wilderness area. It then empties into the St. Johns which flows north. Other springs in the forest are Juniper, Alexander and Silver Glenn. All these waters mentioned will be around 70 oF at this time of year. All of this paddling is within an hour drive of St. Augustine which is on the Atlantic coast. Water temp in the ocean will be in the mid 60's to low 70's. Well, I am exhausted. I am always hesitant to do a post of this type for two reasons. First, I do not want anyone to abuse these waters or the plants and animals in the area in any way shape or form. If I witness abuse, I will confront the offender. Second, I do not want my posting to be misconstrued as commercialism. I know that these spots would satisfy most people. If anyone does not feel that they can abide by the most stringent environmental ethic, then please, feel free to stay away. Oh and please no flames if this is not considered to be sea kayaking. Just trying to be more generous in the new millennium, Bruce McC WEO www.wholeearthoutfitters.com *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ *************************************************************************** *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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