REC/LEVEL ONE PICNIC PADDLE: FRED HOWARD MANGROVES AND LAKE AVOCA
TRIP LEADER: Bob Gallo 1bobgallo@gmail.com 3125157963
CO-LEADER: Al Tillson alberttillson12@gmail.com 813-731-3583
We’ll paddle east from the beach parking area across a sheltered portion of St. Joseph Sound and explore a short mangrove trail within Fred Howard Park, then up the shore line to a channel leading into Lake Avoca and back to our launch. Should see lots of birds in the mangroves, a variety of fish against the light-colored background of the Lake Avoca channel bottom, and hopefully a dolphin or two in the Sound.
Location: Fred Howard Park. 1700 Sunset Drive in Tarpon Springs. After entering the park, continue out the causeway to the beach parking lot. We’ll launch from the northeast corner. There should be a short kayak wheel-friendly path down to the beach near the eastern end of the north side of the parking lot. At last check, getting to the water on the east side involved negotiating a few stairs.
PLEASE NOTE: Unless you have a Pinellas County Parks parking pass, there will be a $6.35 parking fee payable via the Park Mobile app (zone # 93813).
Schedule: Saturday March 21st. Meet at 9AM for a 9:30 launch. We’ll aim to be back around noon to unload and join the other group on the beach for the 1PM picnic.
Additional information: Restrooms are on the western side of the parking lot near the life guard station and near some of the picnic shelters in the mainland portion of the park.
Difficulty: Recreational/Level I. (See Skills Self Assessment Chart link below for level assignment)
Boats should be at least 14 feet long and have deck lines and/or grab loops, as well as sealed bow and stern flotation. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, bug repellant, a hat, and shoes that will protect you against oyster shells at take-outs. The water temperatures may still be at winter levels, so it’s important to DRESS FOR POSSIBLE IMMERSION: avoid cotton clothing and include a waterproof outer shell.
See the Skills Self Assessment Chart on the web site and contact the leader with any questions. Please register (or cancel) on the web site or RSVP to the trip leader to allow notification of any changes.