This event is part of Cacheapalooza 10 weekend.
Those with their own watercraft (including the event host) will meet at Hosford Park on Gaines Ave (see waypoint) at 8:45AM with an intended launch time of 9AM.
If you need to rent a kayak (single or double) or a canoe, there is an outfitter (see waypoint) that opens at 9AM. The main paddle group will pass the outfitter, but if you're running late don't fret you can catch up to us at the main event site.
Starting around 9:30AM we will begin arriving at Treasure Island i.e. the posted coordinates. There is a small landing area close by. We will take a break here until 10AM; feel free to bring a morning snack. This will also be an opportunity for anyone arriving late to catch up to the main group. This portion is the formal event for logging purposes, but hopefully you will be able to join us for most or all of the paddle.
At 10AM, we will resume paddling upstream to at least the Halpatiokee Kayak Landing. As long as river conditions allow, those interested can continue a little further to the headwaters of navigation (a canal spillway near the SE corner of Halpatiokee Park). We will take a short break at the Kayak Landing before heading back downstream to the outfitters and Hosford Park.
The entire paddle, including stops, should take about 5 hours.
Bring a PFD, sunscreen, water, and snacks. Be aware that while there are no restrooms or outhouses at Hosford Park, Treasure Island, or Halpatiokee Kayak Landing. Otherwise this is an easier paddle than the upper Loxahatchee River.
This is the first place I ever kayaked (although I had canoed a few times when I was younger). The river is home to the usual array of turtles, fish, and birds. Gators are also a common sight, although not as much as the Loxahatchee River. I have also seen a manatee here.