Paddlepalooza Event Cache
JL_HSTRE: Thanks everyone who paddled or shuttled. Look for news this fall about Paddlepalooza II at CP8!
Hidden
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Friday, January 18, 2013
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Please join us at 8AM on Friday January 18, 2013 to paddle the Loxahatchee River.
This event is part of Cachepalooza 7 weekend.
About The River
The northwest fork of the Loxahatchee River drains the Jupiter Farms area, eventually joining several other forks of the river to flowing into the Atlantic Ocean via the Jupiter Inlet. This fork is one of only two rivers in Florida to receive the "Wild & Scenic", which it received in 1985. The river passes through lands managed by Palm Beach County (Riverbend Park), SFWMD, and JDSP. The upper part of the river winds through a cypress swamp and flows over two dams; they can often be paddled over (depending on water levels), but a boardwalk for portaging around them is also provided. After the river passes by Trapper Nelson's historic site in JDSP, the water becomes brackish and the river is wider and lined by mangroves. Sightings of gators and turtles are almost guaranteed. Manatees and ospreys are also a common sight in the downstream portions.
About The Event
Meet at the kayak/canoe launch at Riverbend Park (posted coordinates) at 8AM. After unloading all the watercraft, we will shuttle cars to the JDSP then return to Riverbend and hopefully be on the water at 9AM. Cars will probably be parked at the Kimbell Center lot as there is limited parking at the boat ramp itself.
The paddle will end at the boat ramp at Jonathan Dickinson State Park (JDSP), with stops at Masten Dam and Trapper Nelson's to take short breaks. The route is 9 miles long and will probably take at least 6 hours. There are a few caches along the river and a few more will probably be published before the event, but the primary purpose of this event is to enjoy this beautiful river.
For those planning to attend the CP7 Friday night games event, the paddle should be over with a few hours to spare so you can clean up and eat dinner before those festivities.
The middle section of the river between I-95/Turnpike and Trapper Nelson's is prone to fallen trees which may require some portaging and/or very skillful maneuvering, hence the event's difficulty rating.
There are restrooms available Masten Dam and Trapper Nelson's.
Sorry, no pets. While leashed dogs are allowed in JDSP, they are prohibited in Riverbend Park and on the Loxahatchee River. (Fido is a serious gator-bait risk anyway.)
Fees
Free admission to Riverbend Park. JDSP is a state park; normal state park fees apply (annual pass, campground reservation, or $6/car).
What To Bring
Water & snacks
Sunscreen (the first 5 miles is very shaded, but the last 4 miles below Trapper's there is no tree cover)
Canoe or kayak & lifejacket/PFD
Volunteers Wanted
I am looking for volunteers who would be willing to provide shuttle service for people participating in the event. Shuttle volunteers would meet at the JDSP boat ramp at 8:30AM to transport event participants back to Riverbend Park to begin their paddle. Ideally, nobody will need to return to Riverbend for their vehicle after the paddle.
Shuttle volunteers can claim a smiley on this event even if they don't participate in the paddle.
Need A Boat?
If you want to participate but don't have a canoe/kayak or if you have extra kayaks/canoes you would be willing to loan to those without, please note this in your log.
Riverbend Park does have an outfitter that rents canoes and kayaks. Please see the Dec 20th Announcement log for details. (I can't post details on the cache page due to Groundspeak guidelines.)
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Treasures
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