| Aardvark's Adventures in Kayak Land February 2005 Edition |
| (Or USE THE INTERACTIVE TRIP SELECTOR FEATURE) |
| Welcome to all the new subscribers for this month. Do try to join us for at least one of the group paddles. It's a great way to meet others with the same interests. |
| CFCC Coastal Ecology February 15, 2005 Ozello Rotary Boat Show February 18, 19, 20 Kings Bay Plaza Moonlight on the Rainbow River February 18 , 2005 Wild Florida Paddle Call Brack at 1-877-945-3928 for details. |
| Aardvark's, in Cooperation with Citrus County Parks & Recreation. will begin to offer a paddlesport program beginning with a Moonlight Paddle in March. Click the moon to send us an e-mail requesting info. Put Moonlight in March somewhere in the e-mail. |
| Group Paddles |
|
| Group paddles are Aardvark's time to socialize and paddle with both old and new friends. Skill levels vary so the trips are typically not very strenuous unless so noted. Join us at no charge if you have your own boat. Need a rental? We'll bring one for you at base rental rates. ($30 single/$40 tandem). Sign up below. Make sure to enter the contact information. |
Interactive Trip Selector
1. Make sure to fill in the contact info box so that we can contact you with trip details.
2. Check the boxes next to the trips that interest you.
3. When everything is filled in hit the Send Button
1. Make sure to fill in the contact info box so that we can contact you with trip details.
2. Check the boxes next to the trips that interest you.
3. When everything is filled in hit the Send Button
| Check the box(s) of interest! |
| Check box if you need a rental boat! |
I want to look for dolphins in Ozello February 9th
I want to paddle Cedar Key February 14th
I want to paddle Lake Rousseau February 28th
I want to paddle Cedar Key February 14th
I want to paddle Lake Rousseau February 28th
| You suggest the trip. Been someplace cool? Suggest it for a group paddle and I'll float (no pun intended) the idea to the group via the Mailing list. |
Paddling Tips
Kings Bay / Upper Crystal River
Kings Bay / Upper Crystal River
| The Bay |
This month we'll talk about Kings Bay, the headwaters of the Crystal River. I've mentioned the Bay innumerable
times on the web site and in the Newsletters, but I've never really talked about it as a paddling destination, so I
guess it's about time. To our local paddlers, this might be redundant, but we've got more than a few readers from
outside the area and also a few who are new to the area. So here goes....
You have several options for a launch point. My favorite is Hunters Spring, a small city park near the heart of
downtown Crystal River (2). There is a small beach just downstream form the swimming area which now seems to
be permanently closed (the swimming area, not the park itself and we'll talk about that in the environment
section,later on.) The city would like paddlers to start using the area at the end of NW 3rd street as a launch to
avoid user conflicts at the park, but until they make some improvements, I won't recommend it. The old ramp is
slippery and there is a drop at the end at low tide from all the years of power loading by boats when it was a
public ramp. Also no facilities. I'm about to start a movement to lobby for some dedicated paddling facilities.
Watch for action alerts this month to the e-mail list and a follow up in the next Newsletter. A good opportunity will
be through the Public Access subcommittee of the Waterfronts Florida Partnership who will meet for the first time
in February.
From the launch, head upstream (east) to Jurassic spring (1). This spring group is located just to the right of the
2 story yellow building. Part of the spring group is behind a floating weed barrier that sort of serves as a de-
facto manatee sanctuary. You often find manatees in this area during the warmer months and also periodically
during the winter months as well. Check the area next to the small island for sunning turtles.
Next stop is Kings Bay proper, but before we go there, let me harp on a couple of boating safety issues. I still
see way too many of us paddlers assuming that kayaks always have the right of way. Where powerboats
are constrained by draft, they are the less maneuverable vessel and paddlers must give way. The first area that
you encounter on this paddle where this comes into play is right at the launch point. There is a very narrow
channel, especially at low tide. The channel widens, but is still narrow both above and below this point.
Aardvarks recommends that you use our "Theory of Collision Avoidance via the Law of Mass" whenever in
doubt. Simply put, if it's bigger than you are and/ or moving faster, it can hurt you, so stay out of its way! We
also recommend you realize that a kayak is a vessel and as such boating laws apply to you as well. Take a safe
boating course! All right, off the soapbox and back into the boat.
Now that we have safely navigated the launch we will head out into the bay. You'll see a big blue metal building
ahead of you. That's Pete's Pier (3) and it can be seen from anywhere in the north bay. Head south (left) past
the outer row of boats and look for the King's Bay Drive bridge to the east (left). Use caution when crossing the
boat traffic flow coming to and from the gas docks and boat ramp. It can get congested at times. As you turn into
the run heading up under the bridge, realize that this is another area where motorboats are going to be
constrained by draft and you need to stay out of their way. Start looking for manatees in the colder months
coming to and from the sanctuaries located above the bridge. The first sanctuary are is the "u" shaped canal to
the left. The sanctuaries are seasonal, but when they are in effect, you cannot enter for any reason (unless you
live there). Also be aware that casting a fishing line into the sanctuary is a no-no as well. I find more manatees
at the upper end of the canal (4), so proceed on and hang out there for a while.
This is a good point to pause and remind everyone that there are rules for you to follow when interacting with any
wild animal, especially endangered ones. Anything that changes a manatee's behavior is considered harassment
and is against the law. I do not condone petting any wild animal (more on this in the environment section) even
though USFWS states that touching with a single open hand is acceptable if the animal approaches you first. Let
the wild stay that wild. Certain things that happen out there are clearly not acceptable, either legally or ethically.
Those things would include poking, surrounding, grabbing, prodding, watering, feeding, riding, harassing,
chasing animals, separating a cow from her calf, or disturbing a manatee that is feeding or resting on the bottom.
As apparent as this would seem, it happens frequently.
Onward....The next stop is 3 Sisters Spring (5). While deep in the heart of suburban development, this springs
group is probably one of the prettiest in the bay. See it while you can. Despite repeated calls for gov't purchase,
it will probably be developed. Follow the left shoreline around the corner to get to the entrance. As things stand
right now, you can paddle in through the barriers, but you cannot land or tie you boats off to the shoreline.
Respect private property. Watch yourself and be respectful of other users as well. It can get congested,
especially on heavy use days in both summer and winter.
After enjoying the crystal blue waters of the Sisters, head back out the way you came. Once you hit the bay, turn
south (left) and continue. The large island you see ahead of you in the middle of the bay is Buzzard Island
(10)and is part of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. There are seasonal sanctuaries on the east and
north sides of the island. When the sanctuaries are off, there are a few small sand beaches on the north end
that area accessible at low tide. The islands interiors are closed to public use. Continuing south, the first
undeveloped island that you will come to (ahead and left) is Parker Island (6) There is a sand bar that separates
Parker from the next refuge island, Banana Island (7). This is a good place to take a stretch. The sand is
reasonably solid, and at low tide, the water is only a few inches deep.
Just off the south shore of Banana Island, is another springs group. The main spring (aka Tarpon Hole or Kings
Spring) is off limits to boats due to the presence of divers. Next to 3 Sisters, this is probably the most used area
for manatee swims and snorkeling. I tend to avoid the more congested areas at the most used times unless there
is nothing else going on in the bay. The next island in the chain lies to the southwest and is known are Warden
Key (8). Make sure you check out the west side of the island. It tends to be less congested at peak times. Also
make sure you are scanning for birds. Wood storks and bald eagles can be sighted here.
After rounding the undeveloped point just west of Warden Key, we are going to explore the least developed
portion of the bay (9). This section is wet lands in private ownership combined with some of the refuge and some
of the Crystal River Preserve State Park. Too shallow most of the time for manatees, but great for birding and
getting away from the sometimes hectic pace of the rest of the bay. A good place for wood storks, eagles and
white pelicans. Look for a small creek that cuts through the marshy peninsula ahead of you. If you miss it, no
worry, just hit the bigger gap to your right and then cut back to the left. You can explore all the way back to Ft.
Island Trail, but pay attention. All of these small creeks look alike on your way out. Once you hot the gap that
brought you in, paddle a little farther east and look for a bay to your left. Turn into the bay and where it looks like
it going to end, you'll find a channel running east along a dirt road. This will bring you back to the main part of
the bay near the southwestern tip of Buzzard Island (10). Head north through the cut. At low tide look for
raccoons digging in the shallows and also look for eagles perched on the palm snags.
The remaining number on the map correspond to (11), my favorite food spot on the bay, Cravings on the
Water. Great cuban food and tropical drinks. Home of the Parrotheads. Located at the Best Western, the ramp
next to the dive shop offers great access. Be courteous and don't block the ramp with your boats.
(12) is Millers Creek and Spring and (13) is Bagley's Cove. Explore these for yourself when you have the time,
especially Bagley's Cove. There is a creek that leads up into the Church House Hammock portion of the Crystal
River Preserve State park. Watch yourself once you leave the protected area of the bay. High speed boat traffic
is the norm and it can get choppy where the demarcation line is located. This marks the change from slow/idle
speed to drop the hammer, so watch out.
Now you are on the home stretch. Head for Pete's Pier and tuck in behind. As soon as you make the corner,
you'll see the bath house at Hunters Spring. In closing, I should mention that the park hours are sometimes
ephemeral. One signs says it opens at 10 am, another say sunrise to sunset. It's usually somewhere in between.
times on the web site and in the Newsletters, but I've never really talked about it as a paddling destination, so I
guess it's about time. To our local paddlers, this might be redundant, but we've got more than a few readers from
outside the area and also a few who are new to the area. So here goes....
You have several options for a launch point. My favorite is Hunters Spring, a small city park near the heart of
downtown Crystal River (2). There is a small beach just downstream form the swimming area which now seems to
be permanently closed (the swimming area, not the park itself and we'll talk about that in the environment
section,later on.) The city would like paddlers to start using the area at the end of NW 3rd street as a launch to
avoid user conflicts at the park, but until they make some improvements, I won't recommend it. The old ramp is
slippery and there is a drop at the end at low tide from all the years of power loading by boats when it was a
public ramp. Also no facilities. I'm about to start a movement to lobby for some dedicated paddling facilities.
Watch for action alerts this month to the e-mail list and a follow up in the next Newsletter. A good opportunity will
be through the Public Access subcommittee of the Waterfronts Florida Partnership who will meet for the first time
in February.
From the launch, head upstream (east) to Jurassic spring (1). This spring group is located just to the right of the
2 story yellow building. Part of the spring group is behind a floating weed barrier that sort of serves as a de-
facto manatee sanctuary. You often find manatees in this area during the warmer months and also periodically
during the winter months as well. Check the area next to the small island for sunning turtles.
Next stop is Kings Bay proper, but before we go there, let me harp on a couple of boating safety issues. I still
see way too many of us paddlers assuming that kayaks always have the right of way. Where powerboats
are constrained by draft, they are the less maneuverable vessel and paddlers must give way. The first area that
you encounter on this paddle where this comes into play is right at the launch point. There is a very narrow
channel, especially at low tide. The channel widens, but is still narrow both above and below this point.
Aardvarks recommends that you use our "Theory of Collision Avoidance via the Law of Mass" whenever in
doubt. Simply put, if it's bigger than you are and/ or moving faster, it can hurt you, so stay out of its way! We
also recommend you realize that a kayak is a vessel and as such boating laws apply to you as well. Take a safe
boating course! All right, off the soapbox and back into the boat.
Now that we have safely navigated the launch we will head out into the bay. You'll see a big blue metal building
ahead of you. That's Pete's Pier (3) and it can be seen from anywhere in the north bay. Head south (left) past
the outer row of boats and look for the King's Bay Drive bridge to the east (left). Use caution when crossing the
boat traffic flow coming to and from the gas docks and boat ramp. It can get congested at times. As you turn into
the run heading up under the bridge, realize that this is another area where motorboats are going to be
constrained by draft and you need to stay out of their way. Start looking for manatees in the colder months
coming to and from the sanctuaries located above the bridge. The first sanctuary are is the "u" shaped canal to
the left. The sanctuaries are seasonal, but when they are in effect, you cannot enter for any reason (unless you
live there). Also be aware that casting a fishing line into the sanctuary is a no-no as well. I find more manatees
at the upper end of the canal (4), so proceed on and hang out there for a while.
This is a good point to pause and remind everyone that there are rules for you to follow when interacting with any
wild animal, especially endangered ones. Anything that changes a manatee's behavior is considered harassment
and is against the law. I do not condone petting any wild animal (more on this in the environment section) even
though USFWS states that touching with a single open hand is acceptable if the animal approaches you first. Let
the wild stay that wild. Certain things that happen out there are clearly not acceptable, either legally or ethically.
Those things would include poking, surrounding, grabbing, prodding, watering, feeding, riding, harassing,
chasing animals, separating a cow from her calf, or disturbing a manatee that is feeding or resting on the bottom.
As apparent as this would seem, it happens frequently.
Onward....The next stop is 3 Sisters Spring (5). While deep in the heart of suburban development, this springs
group is probably one of the prettiest in the bay. See it while you can. Despite repeated calls for gov't purchase,
it will probably be developed. Follow the left shoreline around the corner to get to the entrance. As things stand
right now, you can paddle in through the barriers, but you cannot land or tie you boats off to the shoreline.
Respect private property. Watch yourself and be respectful of other users as well. It can get congested,
especially on heavy use days in both summer and winter.
After enjoying the crystal blue waters of the Sisters, head back out the way you came. Once you hit the bay, turn
south (left) and continue. The large island you see ahead of you in the middle of the bay is Buzzard Island
(10)and is part of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. There are seasonal sanctuaries on the east and
north sides of the island. When the sanctuaries are off, there are a few small sand beaches on the north end
that area accessible at low tide. The islands interiors are closed to public use. Continuing south, the first
undeveloped island that you will come to (ahead and left) is Parker Island (6) There is a sand bar that separates
Parker from the next refuge island, Banana Island (7). This is a good place to take a stretch. The sand is
reasonably solid, and at low tide, the water is only a few inches deep.
Just off the south shore of Banana Island, is another springs group. The main spring (aka Tarpon Hole or Kings
Spring) is off limits to boats due to the presence of divers. Next to 3 Sisters, this is probably the most used area
for manatee swims and snorkeling. I tend to avoid the more congested areas at the most used times unless there
is nothing else going on in the bay. The next island in the chain lies to the southwest and is known are Warden
Key (8). Make sure you check out the west side of the island. It tends to be less congested at peak times. Also
make sure you are scanning for birds. Wood storks and bald eagles can be sighted here.
After rounding the undeveloped point just west of Warden Key, we are going to explore the least developed
portion of the bay (9). This section is wet lands in private ownership combined with some of the refuge and some
of the Crystal River Preserve State Park. Too shallow most of the time for manatees, but great for birding and
getting away from the sometimes hectic pace of the rest of the bay. A good place for wood storks, eagles and
white pelicans. Look for a small creek that cuts through the marshy peninsula ahead of you. If you miss it, no
worry, just hit the bigger gap to your right and then cut back to the left. You can explore all the way back to Ft.
Island Trail, but pay attention. All of these small creeks look alike on your way out. Once you hot the gap that
brought you in, paddle a little farther east and look for a bay to your left. Turn into the bay and where it looks like
it going to end, you'll find a channel running east along a dirt road. This will bring you back to the main part of
the bay near the southwestern tip of Buzzard Island (10). Head north through the cut. At low tide look for
raccoons digging in the shallows and also look for eagles perched on the palm snags.
The remaining number on the map correspond to (11), my favorite food spot on the bay, Cravings on the
Water. Great cuban food and tropical drinks. Home of the Parrotheads. Located at the Best Western, the ramp
next to the dive shop offers great access. Be courteous and don't block the ramp with your boats.
(12) is Millers Creek and Spring and (13) is Bagley's Cove. Explore these for yourself when you have the time,
especially Bagley's Cove. There is a creek that leads up into the Church House Hammock portion of the Crystal
River Preserve State park. Watch yourself once you leave the protected area of the bay. High speed boat traffic
is the norm and it can get choppy where the demarcation line is located. This marks the change from slow/idle
speed to drop the hammer, so watch out.
Now you are on the home stretch. Head for Pete's Pier and tuck in behind. As soon as you make the corner,
you'll see the bath house at Hunters Spring. In closing, I should mention that the park hours are sometimes
ephemeral. One signs says it opens at 10 am, another say sunrise to sunset. It's usually somewhere in between.
Environmental Issue
This month I'm going to ramble about this and that, touching on water quality, and of course manatees. First, the
petting issue that I mentioned earlier.
I do not condone close physical interaction with any wild animal. Feeding, watering, and petting are all activities
that acclimate wild animals to humans. The first two are treated differently by law than the last. It is a matter of
interpretation. I believe that petting a manatee changes it behavior just as surely as feeding it. The acclimation
that comes with petting is longer term, but potentially just as harmful as feeding. Animals that are no longer
afraid of humans are going to get hurt. I believe that the manatee that was killed on Memorial day in Kings Bay
would still be alive if it had not acclimated to humans.
People need to remember that not everyone loves manatees. Here are a few links to prove my point:
http://www.flmarinecontractors.org/issues/fmcaLocal.html
http://www.buysell.com/boating/articles/aug02/waterfront.asp
http://www.freedom.org/prc/prc-digest/?i=volume03/23
http://www.flmarinecontractors.org/issues/manateeIssue/manateeWar.html
http://www.akdart.com/esa.html
http://www.sirenian.org/sirenews/36OCT2001.html
I am not saying that people can't get in the water, I'm just saying that passive observation is in the best interest of
the animal. Ultimately, the number of people that can enjoy this unique experience will depend on how well the
human animal behaves and how minimal the impact is to the wild side. In Natural Resource Management speak
it's entitled Environmental Ethics and Sustainability. It's a relatively simple premise. More people can participate
in an activity without harming the resource if everybody acts ethically.
Next a few words on water quality. I'm beginning to question whether it is wise to have the mechanical harvester
working constantly. It seems to me that the harvester is stirring up the sediments, harvesting very little lyngbya
and re-suspending nutrients which feed more lyngbya. Going back to the Sun Cruz days, the issue was
increased turbidity. Is not the harvester doing the same thing? While it is true that manatees may also contribute
at some smaller scale, that is a natural phenomenon. It is not something they choose to do, but do only because
they exist. Increased turbidity and sediments re-suspension also hamper the growth of submerged aquatic
vegetation (SAV). The lack of SAV has been identified as one of the probable causes of the lyngbya infestation.
I think it may be time to address the need for the continual operation of the harvester. If it's not getting rid of the
lyngbya or at least helping to control it, is it a waste of tax dollars? Is it making things worse? We need to know.
This month I'm going to ramble about this and that, touching on water quality, and of course manatees. First, the
petting issue that I mentioned earlier.
I do not condone close physical interaction with any wild animal. Feeding, watering, and petting are all activities
that acclimate wild animals to humans. The first two are treated differently by law than the last. It is a matter of
interpretation. I believe that petting a manatee changes it behavior just as surely as feeding it. The acclimation
that comes with petting is longer term, but potentially just as harmful as feeding. Animals that are no longer
afraid of humans are going to get hurt. I believe that the manatee that was killed on Memorial day in Kings Bay
would still be alive if it had not acclimated to humans.
People need to remember that not everyone loves manatees. Here are a few links to prove my point:
http://www.flmarinecontractors.org/issues/fmcaLocal.html
http://www.buysell.com/boating/articles/aug02/waterfront.asp
http://www.freedom.org/prc/prc-digest/?i=volume03/23
http://www.flmarinecontractors.org/issues/manateeIssue/manateeWar.html
http://www.akdart.com/esa.html
http://www.sirenian.org/sirenews/36OCT2001.html
I am not saying that people can't get in the water, I'm just saying that passive observation is in the best interest of
the animal. Ultimately, the number of people that can enjoy this unique experience will depend on how well the
human animal behaves and how minimal the impact is to the wild side. In Natural Resource Management speak
it's entitled Environmental Ethics and Sustainability. It's a relatively simple premise. More people can participate
in an activity without harming the resource if everybody acts ethically.
Next a few words on water quality. I'm beginning to question whether it is wise to have the mechanical harvester
working constantly. It seems to me that the harvester is stirring up the sediments, harvesting very little lyngbya
and re-suspending nutrients which feed more lyngbya. Going back to the Sun Cruz days, the issue was
increased turbidity. Is not the harvester doing the same thing? While it is true that manatees may also contribute
at some smaller scale, that is a natural phenomenon. It is not something they choose to do, but do only because
they exist. Increased turbidity and sediments re-suspension also hamper the growth of submerged aquatic
vegetation (SAV). The lack of SAV has been identified as one of the probable causes of the lyngbya infestation.
I think it may be time to address the need for the continual operation of the harvester. If it's not getting rid of the
lyngbya or at least helping to control it, is it a waste of tax dollars? Is it making things worse? We need to know.
Shop News
Well the move is just about complete. I'm still working on the upstairs display area and waiting on boats and
accessories. Also still waiting on my sign permit. Once that's all done, we'll have the grand re-opening. You'll all
receive a special invitation. But by all means stop by in the meantime. I almost always have coffee on when I'm
there.
Our best wishes go to Doris who is having a hip replaced. She'll be out for a while, but knowing her, she'll be
back strong in no time. We'll plan a welcome back yak just for you.
I have some new goodies on the way and some already in. A shipment of the new Swift graphite paddles with
Carbonlite faces and an infinitely adjustable cam lock ferrule, new deck bags by Current Designs and Sea
Airsports, a bigger selection of SOT seats including back bands and highbacks, and last but not least 5 new
lightweight Phoenix 12 sit on tops in a rainbow of colors, 2 Palmettos, a Ferrari red Tampico, and a cool emerald
green Tampico XL. I'm also expecting a Current Design Kestrel 12 in Mango.
We'll be at the Kings Bay Rotary Sportman's Showcase in the Kings Bay Plaza on February 18, 19 & 20, but we'll
still have rentals available on those days as well, thanks to Sue who is volunteering to help for the weekend.
Stop by and see us at the show. I'll have a couple of really good "show specials" on some of the upper end boats.
Check out the Used Kayaks page.
Finally here are a few photos of the recent outings.
Well the move is just about complete. I'm still working on the upstairs display area and waiting on boats and
accessories. Also still waiting on my sign permit. Once that's all done, we'll have the grand re-opening. You'll all
receive a special invitation. But by all means stop by in the meantime. I almost always have coffee on when I'm
there.
Our best wishes go to Doris who is having a hip replaced. She'll be out for a while, but knowing her, she'll be
back strong in no time. We'll plan a welcome back yak just for you.
I have some new goodies on the way and some already in. A shipment of the new Swift graphite paddles with
Carbonlite faces and an infinitely adjustable cam lock ferrule, new deck bags by Current Designs and Sea
Airsports, a bigger selection of SOT seats including back bands and highbacks, and last but not least 5 new
lightweight Phoenix 12 sit on tops in a rainbow of colors, 2 Palmettos, a Ferrari red Tampico, and a cool emerald
green Tampico XL. I'm also expecting a Current Design Kestrel 12 in Mango.
We'll be at the Kings Bay Rotary Sportman's Showcase in the Kings Bay Plaza on February 18, 19 & 20, but we'll
still have rentals available on those days as well, thanks to Sue who is volunteering to help for the weekend.
Stop by and see us at the show. I'll have a couple of really good "show specials" on some of the upper end boats.
Check out the Used Kayaks page.
Finally here are a few photos of the recent outings.
| Who Says Fishing Yaks are Slow? |
| Manatees at Kings Spring |
| Snapper Hole at Chaz |
| That's all for now folks. See You on the Water Aardvark's |
| Copyright ©2003 Aardvark's Florida Kayak Company All Rights Reserved |
| Upcoming Events Call Matt for details and or reservations at 795-5650 |