Craigheads Pond Canoe Trail

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Comment by Michael Palozzola on November 17, 2011 at 5:42pm

I'm in ... I've never done 16 miles in a single day though. How intensive of a paddle is 16m in a single day? I was always told 8-12 was a comfortable speed for most ppl. I don't wanna hold anyone up or slow down the group.

Comment by Xavier Becquer on November 18, 2011 at 7:24am

I to would like to give this a try, but have some questions.

1.Is this a loop, and In and out or is there a shuttle involved? 

2. How much dragging do u predict?

3. Any time to wet some lines? Is there bass out there?

4. I too have some concern on the distance.  We have paddled longer distances, but usually with currents helping us out along the way. Can you give us a little insight on what we will encounter.

 

Comment by Terry on November 18, 2011 at 8:58am

Craigheads Pond Canoe Trail starts at Nine Mile Pond Marker 65A and heads

east to Taylor Slough.  It's the closest route we have to follow the old

"Reef" trail from before the area was designated a park.  There is no

shuttling of cars.  There will be no dragging it's totally a stay in the boat

what I call a "dry foot" trail.  It can be a partial loop, sometimes I take the

low numbered markers of Nine Mile Pond Trail to 65A then go out to Craigheads Pond then take the high numbered side back to the parking lot.  I would call

this an intermediate skill level trail because of the distance and it requires

navigational knowledge.  Following old airboat trails is not the same as

following established canoe trails and it requires using aerials and GPS....

as Amazon Bill discovered as soon as he made a right at 65A.

 

The way I'd call it is this trip is for people who are good paddlers and

have already experienced many of the "brochure canoe trails".  As for

navigation you have a guide for this trip, as for the distance there's two

things to consider:  First, as previously mentioned you need to be an

experienced paddler, second, since it's out and back on the same route

a weaker paddler could either turn around if they feel they can't make it or

just stop, rest and pick up the group as they come back.

 

 

Fishing?  Doubt there's time for fishing but you're exploring out new fishing

spots.  Blooming orchids?  Doesn't that happen later going into the summer?

Comment by Gary M on November 18, 2011 at 1:20pm

I will be in the Park the night before, most likely staying in the Pines campground, but either campground is fine with me.  If anyone would like to share a site, or just visit and maybe drink a beer - contact me and we'll work out the details.

However... I will be away from computers after Tuesday the 22nd.  Email me befor that and I'll get you my cell number.

A question or comment:  I kinda expected to use my push pole more than I did my paddle.  I've found that easier in the past, in the general area.  Terry can confirm this, but if I'm right those of you concerned with the distance might bring a pole as well as paddles.  Its easier, and the view standing is a lot better.

Comment by Gary M on November 18, 2011 at 1:23pm

Sorry... forgot my email:  gladesflybum@netscape.net

Comment by Amazon Bill on November 18, 2011 at 8:48pm

I will be camping on Friday night and am looking forward to this trip!  I saw some orchids with long green shoots about to bloom last week.

Our time for 6 miles on the 'Nine' mile loop was 4.5 hours with a 15 minute pause at 65A, lots of bass fishing the last 45 minutes in the deep lakes near the launch site. Out in the spike rush the GPS had average canoe speeds at 2.5 mph.  Fishing in the grass flats was not productive. We had 30" of water then at Nine mile pond. Awesome place and No draggin bottom!

On the USGS gauge, Craighead is at 0.18 ft which is about 1.4 above ground elevation. It only dropped an inch last week over 6 days.

Don't wait, we got water depth and Terry as a guide! It might be the last trip till Oct 2012. 

 

Comment by vivian on November 20, 2011 at 12:10pm

Wish I could make this on Terry and thanks for the invite. Will be out of town that weekend.

Comment by Amazon Bill on November 22, 2011 at 9:54pm

I'll be there around 6 am. Might be doing solo in my 14.5' tandem green Ole Town Guide.  I made a 10' foot push pole out of 1 inch pvc pipe and couple of end caps, I had laying around the garage. As of Tuesday night, the NWS forecast for Friday night temp 65s, 10-14mph wind. Saturday's forecast is East wind 10-14mph, temp 76. Against the breeze on first half and ridin' the wind the second half of the paddle. NOAA NWS Graphical Forecast site

Comment by Terry on November 24, 2011 at 12:56pm

Brian, how are you paddling?   Kayak? Canoe? If canoe solo?

Remember folks the vultures are worst at Nine Mile Pond parking lot and

they'll have the whole day to work on your car.   I cover my truck with a tarp.

 

Comment by Bob Bonnen on November 24, 2011 at 1:41pm

Thanks for the invite Terry - wish I could make it but as it turns out I'll be working - have a great time everyone - Bob

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