Fri, Apr 22 2016 - Camp and Kayak In FL at Port St Joe Penninsula (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): Patrick Barry, Jerry K Participants: Jerry K, A-M, Jason Norsworthy, Judy, Tim W, Phyllis Melton, Patrick Barry, Lysa, jrssitp

Many members braved torrential rain to get from ATL to FL.  We did what any outdoor minded person would do - crack open a cold one and greet your fellow AOCers.

The hard rain became a drizzle and at 6ish, or so, we headed the 100 yards or so to the beach and gazed at a terrif sunset.  We returned to the camp site, got the fire started with dryer lint and chilled until 11PM or so before calling it a night.

The next morning we arose to clear skies and after fueling up, hit the water.  We paddled St. Vincent Sound.  The paddle out was filled with calm waters and abundant wildlife - a baby gator, dolphins, eagles, plenty of sea birds such as pelicans and little boat traffic.  We stopped for lunch and were entertained by hermit crabs, a blue crab and dolphins doing 360 degree explosive swims to disorient their prey.  None of us had witnessed this in person but viewed it on TV.  It was cool!

We paddled a bit more to a small water trail with tall grass on the sides.  We spooked a gator that lifted, rocked and banged into several kayaks.  After collecting our pride and thanking the water gods for not dumping anyone, we opted to head back to the put-in.  The sky was clear and a comment was made a front was coming in.  We turned the corner and hit a 25mph wind head-on.  It was brutal with the brackish water splashing folks with kayaks shorter than 14'.

We all made it back OK - tired and hungry.  We hit a local dive for oysters and brews.  We then made our way back to camp and repeated the sunset and camfire procedure.  Jerry's rectal remorse BBQ sauce was hotter than hot.

On Sunday we hit Dead Lakes.  The water is similar to Okefenokee - tannic.  Very peaceful but not much wildlife.  We saw a few snakes.  We parted ways and agreed to paddle together soon.

It was a fun group with awesome experiences on the water and fun times on land!  PM/EM Jerry or Patrick if you are interested in doing a similar trip in the area.