#1: Thank you Steve Cournoyer for the awesome art work for the Blogs logo! I turn 60 this month! And I have a birthday wish…more on that after I fill you in on the paddling trail I have been doing and the great organization behind it! The idea of a paddling trail extending around Florida's coast was conceived by environmental lobbyist and paddler David Gluckman in the 1980s after seeing the establishment of the 350-mile Maine Island Trail system. In 2005, thanks to a group of very passionate and dedicated individuals, the 1515-mile circumnavigational trail was officially designated by the Florida Legislature as part of the Florida Greenways and Trails System (Title XVIII, Chapter 260 Florida Statutes). Scouting for the trail was completed in the summer of 2007. The official name is the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail, often coined the “CT” for short. I recently completed one of the first segments established on the CT. This beautiful two-day paddle began on the north side of the St. Johns River/Sisters Creek – winding through scenic Simpson Creek; This is where I met Jody & Ray, owners of Kayak Amelia. Awesome folks and outfitter, who were also involved back in 2007 establishing this segment of the CT. After primitive camping on an island on the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) (thank you Steve & Gus for that recommendation!) the journey continued north another 16 miles on the ICW, to Ft. Clinch State Park, the official end of the CT. During this segment, I’m glad my paddle buddy George Hancock was with me…It was a memorable segment; sailboats "migrating" north along the ICW and humongous Manta Rays s leaping from the water like they were celebrating something! And a cold IPA and wings at the half way point. It was also a challenging paddle from the start and by the end, we were paddling in 20 knot headwinds. We were each others 'pace car' and kept our sense of humor laughing at the wind! The CT start (Big Lagoon State Park) & finish (Ft. Clinch State Park) have been ceremoniously marked with a kayak, like ‘book ends’ envisioned by Liz Sparks. The kayaks were donated by Frank & Monica Woll, owners of Florida Bay Outfitters, Key Largo, FL. Hang In There...My Birthday Wish Is Coming!
A 1515-mile trail of this length and magnitude doesn’t operate by itself. In 2007, the same group of individuals (visionaries is a much better term) formed an independent non-profit association to help maintain and improve the trail.Later that year in Cedar Key, the Florida Paddling Trails Association (FPTA) was established. The FPTA is steward for all Florida's water trails, including the 1,515-mile Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail that surrounds the state. FPTA's core missions are to:
Since 2014, the Florida Paddling Trails Association (FPTA) has hosted the annual celebration of Florida's 1515-mile CT, its paddlers, and the network of trail angels and volunteers who make it special. During the event we camped, explored the local tidal creeks and enjoyed hearing "Tales from the Trail" from paddlers who have completed their journey or from those who were still ticking off the miles. My introduction to the CT took place in April 2019 at Tomoka State Park, Florida. I haven’t told many people this, but I was so excited about attending the event, I got my dates mixed up and I actually showed up a week early! Today, I am still laughing not only at myself, but at many of the stories told at that reunion! Now Back to my birthday wish… To celebrate turning 60, I envisioned a party with all my friends…and a kayak camping trip. COVID-19 put the kibosh on those plans! So in lieu of the birthday presents you were going to give me (smile), I ask you to consider donating to the Florida Paddling Trails Association (FPTA). In addition to providing FPTA funds to support paddling trails, your donation would also send kids to summer paddling camps, help fund events like the CT Reunion, and plugs the donors into a statewide network of kick-ass paddlers, like me! So please consider becoming a member or just click the 'donate' button - It's simple, just click here! Final Note: Borrowing Kayak Amelia’s logo “You Deserve a Good Paddling” - that birthday tradition will not be offered as an alternative to donating to FPTA! Thank you for following my adventure & Blog!
6 Comments
Frank Oley
5/18/2020 04:25:19 pm
And I was so looking forward to giving you a good paddling! HAHAHAHA Happy birthday my friend!
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Gus
5/18/2020 05:15:24 pm
Done and Happy Birthday!
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David Chen
5/18/2020 08:52:48 pm
Happiest of Birthdays! Great blog and I will be following.
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June
5/18/2020 09:00:47 pm
Glad none of the flying manta rays hit you. 😊
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Doug Alderson
5/19/2020 01:54:55 pm
Nicely done. Segment 26 was the first one I tackled in mapping the trail because Ray and Jodi had such a good working network of land and water managers in the region. For the markers, I got the idea from seeing half a canoe being used as a shower at Ochlockonee River State Park. The wheels starting turning and Frank and Monica had an extra kayak to cut in half (surprisingly easy with a saw saw!). The state park folks were great in helping out, especially at Fort Clinch, and FPTA purchased the materials. I hope the markers last for many more years!
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Steve
5/21/2020 03:52:40 pm
Your welcome. Nice to see the progress you've been making on the CT!
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AuthorDorsey DeMaster embraced kayaking after retiring from 38 years in aviation. She lives near Crystal River, Florida. Archives
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