Saturday, February 8, 2014

Black Creek

With its deep channel (deeper than the St. Johns into which it flows) and its proximity to St. Augustine and the nearby ancient trail that served Indians and white settlers for thousands of years, it's little surprise that this is one of the most history-rich paddles we offer.


This is about an hour north east from Gainesville in Middleburg.

Cost: The fee for this trip is $39/person for "wanna go" members ($50 for non-members). With your own boat, it's $25 for members and $39 for non-members.

Calendar of Tour dates: www.adventureoutpost.net


Description

Black Creek is one of those river's you don't hear much about - not in paddling circles anyway. This, in itself, wouldn't be so unusual if it weren't for the fact it has been one of the most well known and thoroughly explored rivers in Florida.

Many of the families and individuals who played major roles in the settlement the Alachua region around Paynes Prairie, had their Florida roots along Black Creek and the adjacent sections of the St. Johns.

Our trip begins at the old town of Middleburg. From there, we will paddle downstream a few miles to the bluff at Black Creek Ravines Conservation area. Here, atop a 50 ft. bluff (it's an easy climb) we'll take lunch while enjoying a beautiful view of the river. After lunch, we'll make our way leisurely back upstream (very slow current) to the launch site.

This stretch of the river is relatively deep, so there can be a number of motor boats. Fortunately, it's also a wide channel so motor boat encounters are more of a passing annoyance than a Mexican standoff as often happens on the smaller streams.


Questions or reservations: e-mail - riverguide2000@yahoo.com , or call   (386) 454-0611


 

 

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