Let's meet at 9:00 to paddle at 9:30. We will put-in at a sandy beach at a free public boat ramp near Tiki Island (see directions below). It's adjacent to the parking lot for Fat Boy's Bait and Tackle. There should be porta-potties (unrated) there. With the moderate presently forecast winds, I plan to do the depicted route counterclockwise. There are bird rookeries on both North and South Deer Islands. These islands are protected habitat so don't plan to land. On prior trips we have seen great egrets, great blue herons, roseate spoonbills, lots of tricolored herons, little blue herons, snowy egrets, black skimmers, oystercatchers, and flocks of white ibis.
This will be a 10 mile Level 2 paddle, not difficult with the current wind forecast but a lot of open water. As of now, winds look light (6 - 10 mph S) but spray skirts could be needed if the wind picks up.
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We will encounter lots of oysters on this trip, so bring your plastic boat and maybe some mignonette sauce.
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Bring lunch and snacks and LOTS of water. We will find a midway lunch spot, probably at the west end of Sportsmans Road, which is about 5 miles into our paddle. Since we will be crossing the Intracoastal Waterway twice, you should have had some assisted rescue training and practice.
Directions -- Drive I-45 South toward Galveston and take the Tiki Island exit (Exit 4). At the intersection, bear right onto Virginia Point Road. Continue toward the large billboard. Where the road turns right under I-45, continue straight into the parking lot. We will likely put in on the sand beach beyond the parking lot. There is a service station at the exit.
Lat - lon of the put-in is 29°18'24.17"N, 94°54'23.30"W
Hazards -- Dehydration. Bring more water than you think you need, at least 3 quarts. Wear sturdy closed-toe footwear for the oysters. We will be crossing the Intracoastal Waterway with large boat traffic. Current in the Intracoastal can intensify choppy conditions but probably not today. There is also a lot of small boat traffic in the area. Oyster Reefs - These are both above and below the water. Submerged reefs can usually be seen as a darker area. The boat ramp may be slippery. One can never rule out at least a slight chance of bears, rattlesnakes, and tarantulas, or a simultaneous attack by a hawk and a snake.
| Trip Leader |
Carl Kuhnen |
| Trip Assistants |
|
| Trip Rating* |
2 |
| Ready to Launch at |
9:30 AM |
| Duration (hours |
5 |
| Paddling Miles |
10 |
| Emergency Initiator |
Linda Kuhnen 713-444-6727 |
| Emergency Phone #s |
Galveston Police (409) 765-3702, Galveston County Sheriff 409-766-2300,
USCG 713-678-9057 |
| Latest Expected Return |
4 PM |
| Auto Description/Lic # |
Red 2018 Subaru TSR 7650 |
| Distance from Houston |
45 |
* Trip ratings are only a guide. Actual conditions will vary with wind and other weather.
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This is an ACA sanctioned event. All participants in ACA-insured activities must wear properly-fitting U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets (Personal Flotation Devices, or PFDs) at all times during on-water activities. Non-HASK participants must sign a waiver.
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Guests – You are welcome to join us for a couple of paddle trips. HASK will cover the $5 ACA event membership for non-ACA members. Hopefully you will then join HASK and continue paddling with us.