Blackwater Backwater Traditional Cache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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If you are looking for a gorgeous trip down a mangrove-lined waterway but aren't quite ready to tackle the 'Blackwater River GC1BTX6' then this cache is designed for you!
The Blackwater Backwater is a mild paddle of just under four miles starting from the boat ramp in Collier-Seminole State Park. This cache is for everyone, but with a focus on introducing new paddlers to the sport. It will be near impossible to get lost if you follow the river and the cache page instructions! Cachers will get an up-close and personal view of the mangrove walls that line the river and the wildlife that they support. There are sections of beautiful peaceful tunnels. Another bonus of the mangroves is that they provide a protected environment for your trip and the river is pretty immune to the winds and chop. I have paddled this river on the windy days and had a great experience. The cache is hidden in a secret cove off the marked paddling trail.
Entrance fees are waived with a Florida State Parks pass, or $5.00 per car without one. As you arrive at the park, stop at the Ranger Station (phone 239 394-3397), file a float plan and pick up a trail map. You can bring your own kayak, but if you do not have one you may rent a canoe from the park for a very small fee. Proceed to the boat ramp for launch.
Paddle down the river until you reach marker #48. Instead of following the paddling trail to the right, turn to the left up the un-marked creek that is shown on your trail map. You will be guided onto a secret lake and finally into a secret cove, where you will find the cache. It is visible from the water and placed in a way that you should be able to reach it without getting out of your boat if it is at or near high tide. After you CAREFULLY sign the log, take a few minutes to sit and listen to nothing but nature. It is awe-inspiring!
I am not an advocate of paddling alone, but I have paddled this river many times by myself and felt comfortable doing so. Only you know your limitations...safety is your number one priority and I trust that you will do what is right for you!
And finally as always, a huge thank you to the park management for allowing me to place this cache. I would also like to thank all my fellow cachers who have cached responsibly in Collier-Seminole State Park. This will be my seventh cache in this park. The management of CSSP has seen over the past year that cachers are good environmentalists who do no harm to our natural resources. Please keep up the good work so that we may continue to enjoy geocaching in one of the most beautiful parks in Florida. (When you are at the ranger station, be sure to congratulate them on their recent Park awards, including being one of the top 15 paddling parks in the United States!)
Have a terrific trip and happy caching!
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