Photo: Patrick Nichols Magic in the Water, Merrit Island National Wildlife Refuge, Florida Highlights:
Includes:
Trip Number: 09433A Price: $1145 Deposit: $200 Capacity: 12 Leader:
The Trip  Photo: Patrick Nichols Discover the wild beauty that lured people to Florida long before the theme parks. Spend a week paddling crystalline springs and drifting on quiet waterways. Relish long, sunny days in a subtropical paradise where you may be greeted by dolphins, manatees, and throngs of birds. We will progress across Florida to a liquid landscape where alligators live in close proximity to space shuttles. Enjoy snorkeling, birding, fishing, Southern-style dinners, and camaraderie. On this trip we will kayak five scenic bodies of water. Blue herons, spoonbills, woodpeckers, anhinga, hawks, and eagles all live here. Cool spring-fed rivers and subtropical forest offer outstanding opportunities for swimming, exploring, and play. Every afternoon we will return to our home base, a highly rated Florida-style log home retreat. We return each evening to our air conditioned, two-story log home to exchange memories of the day and share a delicious dinner.  Photo: Patrick Nichols This will be a wonderful opportunity for new and seasoned paddlers to see and experience the real Florida.
Day 1: We meet at Orlando International Airport at 3 p.m. Those who wish to drive will be given directions to the lodge. After greetings and introductions we will start “dry land” instruction and kayak orientation. Day 2: After breakfast we head for Blue Springs State Park. This is a manatee sanctuary with the highest level of protection (almost 200 were spotted in one day last year). Expect outstanding manatee viewing in the clear waters of this amazing spring. We launch our kayaks here and paddle in to the St. Johns River where the manatees spend their days.  Photo: Patrick Nichols Day 3: Today we head for the beach! We will be on Canaveral National Seashore. Friendly dolphins often swim by as we kayak through a fantastic intercoastal lagoon. We will always make time for a swim and stroll on this expansive 16 miles of undeveloped beach. Day 4: This morning we head for Merrit Island National Wildlife Refuge with perhaps the best birding in the state. At this time of year an incredible variety of birds from all over enjoy this well-managed refuge. Alligators can be seen basking in the warm shallows with space shuttle’s launch pad as a backdrop. Day 5: Rock Springs sparkles like liquid diamonds in the sun. We will launch near the headspring and drift down this canopied clear spring run. This is one of your leader’s favorite places to paddle. Limpkins, ibis, and herons lead us down this exotic river.  Photo: Patrick Nichols Day 6: We continue on a spectacular local favorite the Econlockhatchee River. This is a black-water river that seems to have been forgotten in time. Narrow and twisting it reveals secrets at every bend. Day 7: Start the day with a morning hike and then say goodbye to the ranch and our wonderful log home. After our final breakfast, we gather up our belongings by 9 a.m. and depart for the airport.
Our accommodations are a comfortable, air-conditioned Florida-style log home on a 700-acre ranch shaded by century-old oak trees. The dinners are themed and all meals are served, and flavored, with Southern style.
This trip is geared for the novice to intermediate sea kayaker. The waterways we will travel are non-technical. Participants should be in good physical condition and at least 18 years old. Our average paddling time will be 3-5 hours a day.
See the How to Apply for an Outing section for more details on registering for this trip and details about our Reservation and Cancellation Policy. The payment of a deposit does not confirm you as a member on the trip. Participants must be approved by the trip leader. After signing up for this trip, you will be sent a confirmation packet containing approval materials (Participant Approval Questionnaire, Medical Form, Liability Release Form). Each applicant (including those on the waitlist) must fill out these forms and promptly mail them to the trip leader. The leader will review the approval materials and notify you of your acceptance in a timely manner.
Patrick Nichols, an outdoor specialist by trade, is trained by the Red Cross and American Canoe Association in canoeing and coastal kayaking. He has taught kayaking, canoeing, and backpacking for 25 years and is a wilderness first responder.
General Notes About Sierra Club Trips
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