Join us on the water! Or at least come CITO on land if you're not paddling.
CLAPS: 2017 Mud Lake Spring Cleaning CITO
Saturday, March 25th, 2017
Official event time 8:15 a.m. - 9:16 a.m.
Launching from Clear Lake Park (the North side) promptly at 9:00 a.m.
PARKING: Parking is all around the road through the park. Park near GZ, but if you don't have a yak please leave the closest spots for those that do have yaks and equipment because they'll have to lug them a ways to the launch point. Thanks for your cooperation.
NON-PADDLERS: Show up during the official event time at the boat launch and then CITO around the park. Please focus on areas along the water where land-based trash may make it into the bayou. Garbage cans are located all over and you can put the trash you collect in the bins in the park when done. Be sure to see off the kayak CITO team.
PADDLERS: Event hosts will begin meeting at Clear Lake Park around 8:15 a.m. (+/-) at GZ to get our yaks ready and mingle but note: we will launch promptly at 9:00 a.m. and then start paddling along our route. Please arrive early enough to be ready for departure at launch time! Of course, you're welcome to launch whenever but that's when the mob will depart.
If you are unaware of the CLAPS caches and how they work or if you have never paddled the CLAPS caches before, please read the cache page for the first in the series HERE: 01 N CLAPS 2016.
Come enjoy a great time on the water paddling with us. Grab some caches and see some Osprey, Herons, Egrets, Pelicans, Hawks, and possibly some Roseate Spoonbills or even a Bald Eagle. Maybe a gator. Probably a bunch of gators. And certainly some trackable kayaks and geomobiles. Bring your trackables and take photos of them on the water! Share for discovery or trade them at the event.
This event launches from and returns to CLEAR LAKE PARK.
Did you notice that? CLEAR LAKE PARK!
Did you catch it? CLEAR LAKE PARK!!
I'm gonna say it one more time - CLEAR LAKE PARK!!!
(As in not Bay Area Park - just so we're clear.)
I'm willing to bet there's gonna be one of you....
► We will determine where we are going once we are there, based on several factors, including: tide levels, wind, weather conditions, number of participants, water hyacinth, etc. Once we have determined where we're going, we'll start CITOing. Garbage bags will be provided, but you may want to bring a reacher stick and/or gloves. A knife is also handy for removing fishing line you may find tangles of in branches, etc.
Cautions for all participants: There are risks involved in getting out on the water. Please read and heed the warnings on all of the CLAPS cache pages, which will give you more information on the area, including warnings and recommendations. The CLAPS caches are all bookmarked, and can be found HERE: CLAPS 2016 Bookmark.
Things you need to consider and consider bringing if you attend this event:
- You will get wet, and possibly soaked, at this event.
- Bring a couple gallon-sized ziplock baggies -- for your GPSr (easy to operate in a large bag), camera, cell phone, and anything else you don't want to get wet (wallet). Trap a little air in them and they float should they fall into the water.
- If something sinks in the bayou, it's gone. It will immediately be buried under 3 feet of muck on the bottom, and there is no getting it back. See tip, above.
- Bring something to drink. Bring lots. Bring more than you think you will need. A few bottles of water and a Gatorade will do you good. And consider a snack that won't melt (chocolate is a bad idea here).
- A hat and sunscreen are a must! Sunglasses are highly recommended.
- Wear clothes and shoes you don't mind getting wet, muddy, and possibly stained.
- Bring a change of clothes in case you get wet / mucky. There are real restrooms you can use to change clothes before you go home, out to eat afterward, etc. near the boat launch. Make your ride back comfortable.
- Wear a PFD / Lifejacket.
- It's not a party until someone goes turtle. In the unlikely event of a water landing, don't freak out. Just stand up. Most of the bayou and areas of Mud Lake where we'll be are less than 5' deep. But there are some deep spots. See tip, above.
- Bring a real camera (remember - ziplock).
- Bring your cell phone... just in case.
- No motors are allowed in the area where we'll be.
- And remember, what happens on the Bayou stays on the Bayou...
Please log a will-attend log online as soon as you can.
If you don't have a boat or are a new paddler, post a note here! You may find someone with which you can share a ride in a canoe or a tandem yak. We will do our best to help you get out there! There are also several rental places - contact me through my gc.com profile if you need 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!
Bring your camera and sense of adventure and come have a great time, rain or shine!*
*Event may be delayed or canceled due to inclement weather and/or lightning.