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Kayak SW
Florida
What does your guide do?
What doesn't your guide do?
How to get to the Everglades
National Park
To
access Everglades City from Ft Myers, take 75 South to exit
80 which is Route 29. Take a right heading south on Route
29. This takes you right into Everglades City.
Follow it thru town and it will take you to the park. Please
note there is a traffic circle, Route 29 will be the 3rd turn
off (by the small church)
If you have a GPS and want to enter an
address, across from the park is the
OYSTER HOUSE
RESTAURANT 901 Copeland
Ave S Everglades City, FL 34139
Places you might need Camping-Closest
state park where there is camping (for before or after the trip
if you need it) Hotels This information should get you thinking about what you have, how much space does it take up and what can you do to minimize size? All of your gear should fit
into the hatches of the kayaks. This means lots of small bags,
packed with your items, rather than a few large bags. Usually we
use 5, 8, or 10 liter dry bags. Remember the kayak is narrow
toward the front and back, so smaller items will go there and then the
medium size items then larger heavier items towards the middle. A
variety of sizes for your bags ensures that you items go in the boat.
Remember that there are things you cannot carry on the plane – most common item is fuel for your stove.
Water One prepackaged, pre cooked meal we all like are the Vegetarian Dishes by Tasty Bite www.tastybite.com These are Indian style, veggie dishes that are flavorful and easy to prepare and don't require using any water for cooking. We also purchase packaged chicken to add to these, or instant rice or both. Pita bread is another accompaniment that makes this a really filling meal. There are also many prepared soup mixes that just require heating, such as ginger carrot soup or roasted pepper and tomato soup. All of these items are available at my local grocery –check yours! Want Fresh? A small soft sided cooler with sausage, tofu, or some other meat will certainly keep your first day out, so will yogurt, and fruits. Fresh vegetables do well for many days as do cheese, hummus, pita bread, salads and more. How about left over pizza? Cold chicken from the nights dinner before? Three Bean Salad? So many options, have fun with it Clementines are one of our favorite things to bring, juicy and sweet, good anytime! Snacks- bring plenty of high energy snacks. Bars, nuts, and certain fruits, are all good choices. Stay away from anything that contains chocolate that will melt in the heat! Cheese, Crackers, hummus, fruit. These are just some ideas, be creative and see what you can come up with! Packing your food. Food items must be 100% waterproof. If you are using Ziplocs, please double or triple the bags. Even those should ultimately go into a dry bag. Minimize what you carry, get rid of any packaging that is not needed. You can write down cooking directions and take them with you, instead of bringing the whole box or bag along. Minimize what you take with you, and that will minimize the garbage you have to return with, as well as give you more space for more food and snacks! Medications If you are taking Medications please be sure to bring more than enough. You may want to consider packing what you will need, and then backup in a different bag. There is nowhere to purchase medications in Everglades City, and once we are out on the islands, replacing soggy pills is even a greater challenge. Most towns are 1-2 hours drive from Everglades City. Be prepared and have anything you need safe and in a watertight container or bag. Glasses/contacts Please bring spare – if you lose them, or they get lost in the water, broken etc, there is nowhere close to replace them. It will be a long drive into the city and take most of the day. Don’t let your whole trip be ruined by not having a backup plan. Wildlife/Marine Life There are plenty of wonderful things you will experience on this trip. The animals are certainly one of the highlights of the trip. We will pass through areas that include: dolphins, manatees, sharks, jelly fish, sting rays, sea urchins, huge variety of fish, waterfowl, sea turtles, wild hogs, panthers, crocodiles, snakes spiders, insects, cranes, great blue heron, egret. wood stork, deer, roseate spoonbills, vultures, Anhingas, white ibis, etc. Remember it is illegal to harass the wildlife, so please keep your distance and use a spotter or binoculars for a better view You should view any wildlife from a distance, and never approach or harass an animal. Steer clear of all wildlife and if you want a close up look, bring your telephoto lens, or binoculars. Southwest Florida is one of the last strongholds for many of these animals that are on the endangered list. Please respect them! Insects Generally we don't have much problem with bugs. But you never know when they might be a problem, so here are some things to keep in mind. If it is windy, bugs are never an issue. But in the early morning or late afternoon, if it has been hot and humid and the wind dies down, that is when we encounter our little friends. The best protection is to keep covered. Bug spray will not deter No See Ums. Deet is not their enemy. Long pants and long sleeved shirt, and a scarf or bandana or head net. Socks will protect your ankles and feet from pesky bites. On rare occasions when they are more than pesky, we can take an early morning or sunset paddle to escape. It is not generally a big problem, but lots of people ask about them. Air and Water Temps The air temps are usually 70-80 degrees during the day, and 50-60 at night. Water temps are usually about 65-75. CHECK THE EVERGLADES CITY FORECAST BEFORE YOU COME. For sleeping, a bag that is rated 30 and higher will keep you warm, even if there is a cold snap. You may want to consider bringing a lightweight sheet/fleece blanket, so that if it is really warm, you can use that instead of a bag. Again, check the forecast when packing your gear. Sun protection: The Sun in Southwest Florida is intense. Sunburn will strike in minutes, instead of hours if you are unprotected. This can also result in heatstroke. Sunscreen, adequate protection for your head, and sunglasses. Plan on paddling in lightweight clothing that will cover you. HANDS can get burned, consider paddling gloves Foot Protection So many ways to hurt your feet. Be Foot Aware – look where you are stepping. Oysters live in many of the bays, these are sharp, and can slice your foot pretty easily. Please have boating/kayaking shoes on that cover your feet properly (no flip flops). Charts and Maps. Are available at the park. Please pick one up. Your chart should be on your deck as we paddle. This will help you feel oriented thru the trip. It also is nice to have back home to show everyone where you paddled and camped. Group Travel Remember that we will all be spending a lot of time together. This is a great way to learn about each other, and learn from each other. Please be courteous and polite while on the trip. Share stories, gear, food, whatever you wish. Alcohol and Drugs There is a strict policy on this trip – no drugs ever! Alcohol may be consumed in camp, when the kayaking day is done. If you are using drugs, you will be expelled from the trip immediately. So save the libations for the evening around the campfire. Keep your head when you are out. Remember when you put yourself at risk, you put the whole group at risk. If you see a problem, alert one of the group leaders immediately. Fires Having a fire is perfectly alright on our island trips. Per Park Regulations, all fires (and all cooking) must be done below the high tide line. Fines are steep, and if you build your fire low, the high tide overnight will wash away the remains and you will wake up to a nice whitesandy beach instead of a black hole where the fire was. That also leaves it really nice for the next person Cell phone Use: We will be out in the wilderness, but will have cell phone coverage most of the time. This is great for emergencies, or quickly checking in – but please remember, that your fellow participants do not wish to paddle with anyone constantly on the phone. If you need to use your cell phone, please step away from the group and speak quietly. Respect the natural world in which you will be traveling. FL Wilderness Be aware, that we will be kayaking and camping in true wilderness, where medical care is not readily available. Know yourself and know your abilities, and know your body. If you have concerns, please let us know before signing up. Out on the water if we are kayaking, please let the leader know right away if you are feeling tired, sea sick, sunburned, dehydrated, overly warm, or anything else that can affect your ability to kayak. We paddle as a group. No exceptions!
While we plan a steady pace, there will be times when we need to
hurry to beat a tide, or slow down to observe or give
room to
wildlife. If you have a special request – just let us know. We try to
accommodate all reasonable requests.
If you feel that the trip is going too fast or too slow
for your ability, again, let us know. We can make most
reasonable
accommodations if we are aware. All food and water must be stored securely in your kayak bulkhead, covers secure when on land unless you are actively cooking or eating or sitting by your provisions. You are responsible for any damage to a kayak/tent/pfd etc. that gets damaged from not storing these items properly. PARK RULES All plants, animals, and artifacts are protected; do not collect or disturb them. Do not cut mangroves and other vegetation in any manner. Unoccupied shells may be gathered—up to one quart per person. Pets Pets are not permitted at backcountry campsites, beaches, or ashore anywhere in the wilderness. Pets can disrupt feeding, nesting, and mating activities of wildlife. Wildlife It is illegal to feed wildlife. Do not approach wildlife so closely that it interrupts their natural behavior. Enjoy the diverse wildlife, but from a safe distance.
Your Vessel All vessels must conform to Coast Guard regulations. Air boats and personal watercraft (jet skis) are prohibited. Portable Motors Generators, chain saws and other portable motors are prohibited at wilderness sites. Fires Fires are not permitted at ground sites or chickees.
Build fires below the highest tide line, and use only dead and downed wood. Weapons Possession of weapons is prohibited. Closed Areas All keys (islands) in Florida Bay are closed to landing, except Bradley Key (open sunrise to sunset), and those designated as campsites. Sleeping on Board If you sleep aboard a vessel, anchor out of sight of chickees and ¼ mile from other sites. Trash Carry out all your trash; do not bury it or dispose of it in toilets.
Fishing Regulations Park fishing regulations are available from visitor centers.
or from area bait and marine supply stores. You may also obtain a fishing license by calling 1-888-347-4356. Human Waste Use toilets where provided. Bring a trowel for use at other times.
At beach and coastal ground sites, urinate directly in the water. Pack out toilet paper. To avoid soap pollution in local waters, wash dishes (and yourself) away from waterways and sprinkle the gray water over the ground to soak in below the current high tide line For Your Safety:
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