LOCATION: Meet Trip Leaders Andy Bartley (813-263-4906) and Mary Mangiapia at Emerson Point in Bradenton for a HOT 7-mile paddle around Snead Island with a stop at De Soto National Memorial. The launch point is the western end of 17th Street W in Bradenton.
DESCRIPTION: We will meet at 9:00 a.m. and launch when everybody is ready. The trip will go around Snead Island in a clockwise direction. Partway around the Island on the north side is a short mangrove trail that we will check out. Continuing east we will go through Champlain Bay where we have encountered tri-color herons and large sharks. Heading south through Snead Island Cut will put us in the Manatee River. Boat traffic will be a concern here so be alert! Crossing the river will bring us to De Soto National Memorial. This little bay offers an opportunity for a cooling swim. There is also a walking trail with interpretive signage of the De Soto Expedition. The museum on site is awesome! After a bit of cooling swim and relaxing we will head across the river to our start point. We should be finished by 12 or 1:00.
REQUIREMENTS: A sea kayak of at least 14 feet with a spray skirt. Bring plenty of water/Gatorade etc. It will be hot! Bring a snack if you'd like. This is a Level 2 paddle. Participants need to be able to paddle 5 miles without getting out in hot conditions. Crossing the Manatee River can be 'interesting' due to boat wakes and traffic.
Any questions, feel free to call/text Andy at 813-263-4906.
Come! Paddle! Play!