PADDLE GA 2013! Week of Kayaking & Camping on the beautiful Flint River

ADDED NOTE on FEB 15th: This year's event SOLD OUT faster than ever, with all 300+ spots filled by midday on Feb 15.  If you didn't manage to become confirmed you are still welcome to go to the "garivers.org" website below and sign up for their wait list - which in no way guarantees you a spot, but at least does not require an immediate payment or commitment to accept your confirmation if it is offered.

IMPORTANT!  Each of us who wishes to participate in PADDLE GEORGIA 2013 should have FORMALLY REGISTERED with them at the FOLLOWING WEBSITE on THU FEB 14TH:
http://www.garivers.org/paddle_georgia/

JOIN OUR AOC "INTEREST LIST!" Again, to FORMALLY register you must use the above "paddle_georgia" website! Clicking, etc. at the base of this article will ONLY put you on our INFORMAL list of Atlanta Outdoor Club kayakers & canoeists who have an interest in Paddle Georgia and who wish to participate in our planning and mutual enjoyment of the trip - see more below. As worked well on the four previous "Paddle GAs,"we on the INFORMAL AOC list can email one another to share newly posted trip details, discuss transportation & gear needs, advise one another about meals, shuttling, camping & activity options, etc.  If you have questions feel free to contact your AOC trip co-leaders by clicking on our names above.

YOU CAN CANCEL EASILY THRU END OF MAY.  For those who become confirmed and pay for this year's event, refunds should be available at least thru the end of May if you need to cancel, and the Paddle GA staff can move another paddler up from their big waitlist to replace you.

PADDLE GEORGIA IN A NUTSHELL:  Bobby and I (Charlie) have had a blast for several years now participating in this amazing week-long paddling and camping event.  Each year since 2008 we've recruited an "AOC participation subgroup" of paddlers to enjoy it with us and dozens of other friendly Paddle GA "veterans."  Again this year we're encouraging kayakers and canoeists of all ability levels to join us and about 300 other paddling enthusiasts from all over the country for the 9th annual "Paddle Georgia."

Each paddler is responsible for providing our own kayak or canoe (owned, borrowed or rented - and almost any style is suitable this year!) + paddle & lifejacket.  Our selected river this year is the lovely spring-fed "Lower" Flint River in southwest Georgia.  Although our total 7-day paddling mileage will be about 106 miles the adventure is considered suitable even for novices.  We paddle only about 15 miles per day and camp near the river in convenient parks, air-conditioned gyms, schoolyards, etc. Daily shuttle buses get us from our campsites to & from the river. Fortunately this year we have to change campsites ONLY TWICE all week, and on those days (Tue & Thu) our gear is hauled by truck to the next campsite. In our boats each day we carry only a few personal items, lunch and water.

Delicious catered dinners and breakfasts are served at our campsites (for a reasonable optional fee) throughout the week, and hearty bag lunches (also an option) are also available for us to carry in our boats each day.
This year our first day launch will be on Sat AM June 15 near Warwick, GA, just a few yards downstream of the Lake Blackshear dam.  Our final takeout will be on the afternoon of Fri June 21 near Bainbridge in the SW corner of GA (a few miles upstream of the Flint's confluence with the Chattahoochee River in Lake Seminole).

Each year the GA River Network staff and their expert volunteers do an outstanding job organizing and overseeing this unforgettable week-long odyssey and assuring safety both on and off the river.  They arrange daily & nightly optional activities and tours of fascinating natural areas, etc. along the way.  We're free to do any or all of these fun and educational options, but the river and our enjoyment of the river is the main focus.  You'll find that Paddle Georgia and its activities, accommodations, meals, logistics options, etc. are an unbeatable value for your vacation dollar!

YOU CAN JOIN our AOC PADDLE GA 2013 "INFORMAL INTEREST SUBGROUP" by clicking, etc. at the base of this webpage. (No fee or obligation to participate.)  We (Charlie and Bobby) have enjoyed facilitating our fellow AOC members' Paddle Georgia experience in the past few years.  If you have a paddling friend who is not already in the Atlanta Outdoor Club, let them know how easy it to join our Club, which then qualifies them to join our informal AOC "subgroup" by clicking, etc. at the base of this article, as we hope you will.  For those who sign up Bobby and I (and other AOC "veterans" of the trip) are happy to assist you with the following:
- Further advise you about Paddle GA registration + meals & activity options, trip logistics, etc.
- Assist you in choosing an appropriate boat and suitable gear for the trip.
- Help you arrange possible carpooling and boat transportation. (See more below.)
- Facilitate our camping (in parks, school gyms & schoolyards, etc.) and enjoyment of optional activities during the trip.
- We'll host at least one informal "Pre-trip Planning Meeting" for our Paddle GA subgroup here in Atlanta.  Mark your calendar to meet us (if convenient) just before the trip, on Tue June 11 at the same place as our 2nd-Tue June AOC Social.  We can answer everyone's questions and finalize all of the above issues.

- Bobby has a boat trailer and SUV that he plans to make available at the end of the trip on Sat June 22 for hauling several of our AOC boats (and 3 or 4 passengers) from that final take-out back to our parked cars at Chehaw Park in Albany.  Let Bobby know ASAP if you're interested in this special private AOC shuttle as a more convenient alternative to Paddle GA's optional fee-based charter bus & truck shuttle system.  We encourage others of you who may have large vehicles, boat racks, etc. to assist with our AOC carpooling and gear shuttling.

"CANOE-A-THON" FUNDRAISER for GA'S RIVERS & STREAMS:  Bobby again will be serving as our Atlanta Outdoor Club coordinator to raise funds  for the GA River Network's annual "Canoe-a-thon" campaign (during the 3 or 4 months prior to Paddle GA).  Our optional contributions go toward protecting and preserving GA's all-important watersheds, rivers and streams, and are much appreciated by our beneficiaries including GA's various nonprofit "Riverkeeper" organizations.  Contact Bobby at bobbymarie@bellsouth.net if you can help or if you have questions. He can conveniently facilitate our contributions through his "FirstGiving" page, and cash or check pledges are also welcome.  Over the last four years Bobby and his Canoe-a-thon supporters have raised more than $4000 to support this worthy endeavor.

* "PADDLE LITE" 2-DAY OPTION "INVITATION REQUEST":  Paddle Georgia Lite is an abbreviated trip for those who can do only the first 2 days of paddling - Sat June 15 and Sun June 16, 2013.  Its limited number of spots (no more than about 50) are offered on a "lottery" basis, by invitation only. It will be initally offered to Paddle GA supporters and special guests, and those spaces that remain then allocated by a lottery drawing to paddlers who have requested an invitation.  If you would like to be included in the Paddle Lite lottery this year, please fill out this invitation request form by April 1, 2013, and you'll be included in the pool: http://paddleliterequest.eventbrite.com/#  If you're selected you should expect receive your invitation by email by April 12th.   No payment is required until after you have accepted your "Paddle Lite" invitation. The 2-day abbreviated trip fee will be $100 per adult, $85 per senior or college student and $65 per child. Children 7 and under are free.

A FEW MORE TRIP DETAILS: As discussed above the river selected for 2013 is the beautiful LOWER FLINT which drains the SW corner of GA. Unlike the state's other rivers much of its inflow comes not from above-ground tributaries, but from hundreds of crystal-clear springs that are under or beside the river.  The scenery is spectacular with frequent nice swimming holes.  Birds and other wildlife are frequently sighted.  Click on this link for an excellent "blog" about the river and some great photos posted by our Paddle GA founder and chief organizer, Joe Cook:

http://garivernetwork.wordpress.com/2012/11/28/its-official-paddle-georgia-2013-to-be-held-on-flint-river/
 
All paddlers are encouraged (if possible) to arrive at our "Kickoff Campsite" at Chehaw Park in Albany by about 6:00 PM on Fri June 14. One of GA's largest cities, Albany is known for its historic natural springs along the Flint.  There we can check in with the Paddle GA staff, take advantage of the big catered Kickoff dinner, safety briefing & program, and enjoy that optional extra free first night of camping.

After breakfast on the morning of Sat June 15 we'll begin our 106-mile downstream journey at the boat ramp a few yards downstream of the Lake Blackshear dam, near Warwick, GA. (This is also our Fri June 14 "Boat Dropoff" spot - Lat/Lon coords 31.8472,-83.9428 - click on the above blue & green "Location Icon" for a zoomable map.) On our 3rd day on the river we'll actually paddle into Albany, our first-4-nights' campsite city.  Our final-day takeout and "River's End" party & seafood dinner will be on Fri June 21 in Bainbridge.  (See more in  "LOGISTICS..." paragraph below.  More details have been added as they've become known.)

BOAT CHOICE, LOGISTICS & TRANSPORTATION for PADDLERS, CAMPING GEAR, etc:
- A Suitable Boat is your personal choice and responsibility (plus paddle(s), lifejackets, etc. and their transportation to the initial put-in or from the final takeout - see shuttle options below).  Although the lower Flint has no significant "rapids," we'll likely have to paddle across some shallow stone ledges, so consider that when choosing a boat.  Most paddlers will be in lightweight and simple sit-inside or sit-on-top single kayaks, although tandem canoes or kayaks are also a great idea if you have a compatible paddling partner.  Daily paddling distances average about 15 miles and none of this year's legs are considered "technical," although we may have occasional tree and brush deadfalls to maneuver through.

- Need to Rent a Boat? A reputable rental outfitter here in metro Atlanta is www.PaddlingRentals.com at 770-744-5459.  Their manager, Elliott Johnson, has given us a special Paddle GA rate quote for the week including paddles & lifejackets: LiquidLogic 9' Solo Kayak: $125 or 16' Old Town Canoe (for up to 2 adults): $145. They can provide free assistance and tiedown gear for carrying your rental boat safely atop your vehicle, and may even be able to deliver it free to your home, etc.  They also have boat trailers if you'd like to rent one.
- Security is provided for our boats each night at river takeout points (where boats are launched at the same point next morning).
-End-of-Trip Shuttles, etc: As discussed above, Bobby may be able to volunteer his boat trailer and SUV to assist a few of us with a end-of-trip shuttle from Bainbridge back to our 1st-nights' campsite (in the Albany area).  If you don't work out your own private shuttle arrangement (e.g., with Bobby) keep in mind that the Paddle GA Staff offers optional transportation for paddlers ($25 per person via air-conditioned bus) and for boats ($20 per boat via truck). Their "Kick-Off-Day" option (midday Fri June 14) is for those who prefer leaving their car all week at our downstream takeout in or near Bainbridge.  Their "Last-Day" option (Sat. AM June 22) is for those who leave their car all week at our upstream 1st-few-nights' campsite near Warwick. It's usually possible to sign up and pay for the above Paddle GA shuttle options as late as a couple of weeks prior to the trip.

WHERE DO WE "CAMP?"  The Paddle GA staff arranges for the group to use the nice facilities of parks, high schools and colleges near the river with school bus transportation provided between the campsites and the river and back. Most of us (including me & Bobby) prefer to sleep without a tent when enclosed spaces such as gyms are available.  Others prefer to sleep in their own tent each night.  Each of us should be prepared to put up a tent if necessary.  Abundant Hot Showers and Clean Toilet Facilities will be available at each school.
Camping Locations :

  Fri PM - Tue AM:  CHEHAW PARK just N of Albany, GA.
  Tue PM - Thu AM: MITCHELL COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL in Camilla, GA
  Thu PM - Fri AM: BAINBRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL (in Decatur County)
  Fri PM - Sat AM:  Opt. Extra Night at BAINBRIDGE BOAT BASIN PARK

 YOUR EVENT REGISTRATION FEE INCLUDES:

1. Nightly Camping with entertainment, educational programs and games. The big "River's-End Cookout and Party" are included. (An excellent Meals Package for any or all of the other meals is available optionally for an extra charge - see below.)
2. Ground Transportation each morning from campsite to river put-in and each afternoon from take-out to campsite,
3. Truck Transportation for our camping gear & personal bags from each campsite to the next (typically 3 or 4 campsite moves during week),
4. Companionship and camaraderie with dozens of fellow paddlers,
5. Optional Daily Environmental & Natural History Programs including tours of riverside historic sites, nature preserves, etc.
6. Optional Scientific Research training in chemical & biological water monitoring.
7. "Paddle Georgia" T-Shirt & Decal, waterproof Map Case and package of other nice "freebies."

MEALS OPTIONS:  Those who wish to opt for the “Full Meals Deal” ($207 this year for 7 each bkfasts/lunches/dinners) can pay for this option when you first register for Paddle GA - as early as Feb 14th. If you choose this option you'll receive a colored wrist band which in effect will be your meal ticket at each meal.  Breakfasts & Dinners are served at the campsite, and Bag Lunches are made up each morning for our enjoyment on the river. The bag lunches are essentially the same all week, but you can select pre-order one of 3 different sandwiches each day.
By about April the details of the specific menus for the breakfasts & dinners will be announced and it's fine to postpone till then or later your choice of which if any meals to order (of the bkfasts, bag lunches & dinners).  The individual per-meal fees will be virtually the same as those included in the "Full Meals Deal" price calculation.  It's OK to provide your own food for any meals, but keep in mind that access to grocery stores, ice, etc. will be a bit limited and that cooking is not generally allowed at the campsites.

PARTIAL DAILY ITINERARY: (After this year's event details are provided, you we can click on "Journey Details" on the left side of the GARivers.org/Paddle_Georgia home page to see the day-by-day paddling plan.  We'll camp all week at 3 to 4 different schools or other locations to be announced.  Below is a brief overview.)

Fri Jun 14: 1:00-6:00 PM: Boat dropoff at designated Flint River landing near Warwick, GA.
                  2:00-6:00: Check-in & set up camp: Chehaw Park, Albany, GA
                  6:30-9:30 PM Fri: "Kickoff Feast" & Program
Sat Jun 16: 7:00-8:00 AM: Latecomer check-ins & boat dropoffs.
                  7:30 AM - 4:00 PM: First day of paddling.
Sunday-Fri: Six more days of paddling, camping & special tours/programs.
Fri Jun 22: ~2:00-7:30 PM: "Rivers' End Celebration & Feast in Bainbridge, GA vicinity followed by optional free final night of camping.

MORE PADDLE GA 2013 DETAILS will be added here as they become known. (For updated news check periodically www.garivers.org./paddle_georgia/ and its above-linked Facebook page and related blogs.)

OUR JUNE 14-15 GATHERING PLACE and JUNE 14-18 CAMPSITE will be CHEHAW PARK (just N of Albany, GA on GA Hwy 91): 

Lat/Lon coordinates of Chehaw park for GPS Users:
31.6265,-84.1336

Paddle GA Registration Period: You're encouraged to sign up and pay online ASAP on Feb 14 through www.GARivers.org/Paddle_Georgia to help ensure yourself and your party a spot. The first 300 applicants are normally guaranteed a spot for the event.

DO NOT PAY THROUGH the AOC!   For details of Paddle GA 2013 registration and optional meals package fees and what they include go to the following website.  As emphasized above we must individually register and pay via the following website and its online forms:
www.garivers.org/paddle_georgia/

2013 SUMMARY of FEES:
$275 Full-Week Trip Fee per Adult under age 65
(or $240 per Senior or $200 per College Student.)
$207 Optional fee for "Full Meals Deal" (or beginning in April we can order a selection of specific meals.  In past years individual meals have been available at the same per-meal rate as for the "Full Meals Deal.")

CANCELLATION POLICIES: As mentioned above, the GA River Network can normally guarantee a refund of our trip fees for cancellations made through the end of May, with at most a nominal processing fee deducted from refunds.  Fees for Meals and Paddle GA Shuttle Services are normally reimbursable for cancellations of these options through June 10, but also may incur a processing fee.
There's no charge, of course, if you decide you'd like to delete your participation in our informal "AOC subgroup" - you can do that yourself online at AtlantaOutdoorClub.com or have me or Bobby do it for you.