Face it -- doing taxes sucks. And you're in one or two boats: You're either done or you're looking for an excuse not to do them. Well, taxes aren't due till the 17th -- so there's you're excuse. And if you're done, you have no excuse NOT to get out on the water!
Let's clean up 'Colorful Creek'. Bring your kayak, canoe, raft, or other NON-motorized boat / flotation device and paddle down Clear Creek from Countryside Park to Walter Hall Park. Don't have a kayak or canoe? Read on....
Clear Creek is an extremely scenic waterway, passing through a heavily vegetated region. The lower 12-15 miles are suitable for recreational use. One of the best sections is between Countryside Park in Friendswood and Walter Hall Park in League City.
Here, the creek is lined with thick vegetation. Magnolia Creek flows into Clear Creek right after Countryside Park. This section is the one that gets compared to the rain forest and is very subtropical. Around Challenger 7 Memorial Park, wetland areas appear that can also be paddled.
Numerous species of birds are found in the area, including Osprey,Roseate Spoonbills (I've seen a large flock every time I've paddled Clear Creek), various egrets, herons and pelicans. Deer, snakes, and other mammals and creepies can often be seen as well. In other words, bring your camera for potentially great wildlife and scenic photo opportunities.
We will meet at Countryside Park at the 'boat launch area' starting around 8:30 a.m.. I anticipate that several people will be renting kayaks this morning and we will wait for them to arrive. Once they do, we'll hit the water.
Things all paddlers should have / know: Paddlers should always wear life jackets, and take plenty of sunscreen and water. Sunglasses and a hat are highly recommended. While gas engines are allowed where we will be -- we will stick to paddling for this event.
Things needed for the CITO Event: A garbage bag or two. A reaching stick of some kind is often easier to use than your paddle. A fishing net may be useful if you have one. Gloves are recommended.
Cautions for all participants: There are risks involved in getting out on the water! Some have sharp teeth. Please read and heed the warnings (lised on each of the CLAPS cache pages), which will give you more information on paddling in the area, including warnings, hints, tips, and recommendations. The CLAPS caches are all bookmarked, and can be found HERE: CLAPS Bookmark.
Each of the three parks we will be in or pass have some caches in them. There are also caches along Clear Creek. In other words, you won't be bored after the CITO event is over!
Please log a will-attend log online as soon as you can.
If you want to help out, but can't or don't want to get on the water, please contact me -- we can use your assistance! We can always use assistance at sendoff and to coordinate late arrivals, as well as shuttle services both before and after the event. (Hint, paddlers should arrive early to have their car shuttled so it's already waiting for them at the end!) Non-paddlers are always welcome to CITO on the land in the park and along the Creek, as what's on the land will end up in Clear Creek -- and ultimately in Clear Lake and Galveston Bay.
If you don't have a boat and do want to get out on the water please post a note here. You may find yourself in an empty canoe or kayak seat in which you can lend your paddling muscle. We will do our best to help you get out there! Contact me through my profile if you want rental information.
Is this is your first time paddling? Don't worry! After 15 minutes on the water you'll have it down and feel like a pro. Don't let your first-time status stop you from having fun on the water with us!
Bring your camera and sense of adventure and come have a great time! After the CITO, some of us may head out and do some other CLAPS paddle caches nearby. Weather dependant. Details to come by an Announcement Log just before the event date. Stay tuned.
This paddle event hosted by a
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