Meet Al Tillson at Picnic Island on Sunday August 13th at 8:30AM to launch at 9:00. Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders left for Cuba from here in 1898, and Al will talk a few minutes about the site’s historical background and maybe share a few pictures. Then we’ll head north to explore a changing shoreline of older industrial sites, newer residential developments, and wilder mangroves at a leisurely pace. After a snack/lunch break on a spoil island just below Rattlesnake Point, we’ll return to the launch spot by about 12:30. If weather conditions and group interest encourage it, we can then paddle further in the other direction around the tip of the South Tampa peninsula toward the edge of MacDill AFB. Boats must have bulkheads or flotation and a length of at least 10 feet. Please RSVP with the trip leader (altillson@yahoo.com; 813-832-3961) or on the club website in case weather requires a change of location. Detailed directions to the launch spot will be provided to all who RSVP. See the Skills Self Assessment Chart on the web site and contact the leader with any questions.