Suwannee River Wilderness Canoe Trail

[Firedog]

Due to scheduling issues, we rescheduled to the end of March:It's on, 3 nights on the Suwannee River. Heading down Saturday March 26th. Putting on the river on the 27th, 28th, 29th, heading back on the 30th.
Day 1, We will put in at White Springs, Fl paddle 11.7 miles to Woods Ferry River Camp. Day 2, 18.4 miles to Holden Creek River Camp. Day 3, 13.2 miles to Suwannee River State Park. Day 4, head home.
If anyone is interested let me know. We had originally planned for another Okefenokee trip but low water levels won't allow it.
Here's a few links full of info.

http://www.floridastatepa...wilderness/RiverCamps.cfm
http://www.srwmd.org/docu...eation/CanoeMap070609.PDF
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/suwannee/
Video:
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/a6d1dkqCc1E&rel=0" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/a6d1dkqCc1E&rel=0</a>

[wildkat]

The Suwannee is awesome. Many years ago we canoed from the bridge right below Big Shoals and camped somewhere along the way. The next day it stormed all freaking day..we were emptying the canoes out with beer cans we cut open, literally raining cats and dogs. We were sick and tired of the rain and came across Spirit of the Suwannee park and luckily a girl was working the little shop and she gave us a ride along with all our gear to Suwannee river state park. The ranger working the state park let us move all the picnic tables from underneath the pavilion and we setup camp under there. The state park was awesome.. hot showers and even laundry. We stayed at the park one additional day and finally got back on the water and finished at Dowling park.

Wow..time to go back some time soon. I hear they have built screen huts along the way to camp in??

Have a great time!

[Firedog]

Thanks for the report. They have shelters to sleep in or you can camp on the ground. You are welcome to hang with us. We could probably use a guide.

[Rob]

The Suwanee River is a great river to canoe down. I still own a home that is three miles from the Suwanee River just about where the SantaFe river joins the Suwanee south of branford Fl. Sometimes late in the summer in drought seasons the river is all but dried up in areas above the town of Branford. However in normal conditions it is a beautiful relaxing float down with banks laden with spanish moss draped cypress trees, occasional gators sunning on the banks, and egrets and herons fishing the sloughs and banks. Early spring is a good time to go to avoid droves of late night mosquitos and deer flies. The dark "tea" like color of the water is actually caused by tanins that leach from the roots of the cypress trees. Hope you have a great float! Be safe........

[squidbilly]

Wow, only a month away, I'm getting psyched about this trip!   I'll be using my wife's boat- Dagger Blackwater 10.5.  Anyone else planning on going?

[Firedog]

I checked the weight on the Blackwater. It is 295 lbs. that should be fine for your weight since we are on flatwater.  Just for good measure. I would figure up how much weight you would be carrying and put the boat in the water with that weight in it to see how it handles loaded. Just if you have never paddled it loaded before.
I have a guy, (Taozenqi ) from hammock forums that is flying from New Mexico into Tampa and coming up to go with us. He asked me to go ahead and reserve the platforms just to be safe. I am going to do that Monday.
I too am getting excited about the trip. i keep looking for info and run across some cool stuff. It should be a great trip.

[squidbilly]

Yeah, I should be OK on weight. I'm going light as possible. But thats a great idea to load it up and see how it handles. I may do that this weekend.

Wow, someone flying in from New Mexico !

[Firedog]

Suwannee River Excursion
March 26-30
Itinerary

March 26
Travel and gather at Stephen Foster State Park, White Springs, FL,   Arrange shuttle
http://www.floridastateparks.org/stephenfoster
Camping reserved  at SFSP. 1 Group camping site, Carter group camping area. ($5/person)
March 27
Group decision, put in at Big Shoals Put in or White Springs Put in. (7 mile extension)
17.8 miles (if starting at Big Shoals Putin)
Arrive at Woods Ferry River Camp.  Camping reserved for 2 platforms.
http://www.srwmd.state.fl.us/index.aspx?nid=229
March 28
Continue down river to Holton Creek River Camp.  18.4 miles
Camping reserved for 2 platforms.
http://www.srwmd.state.fl.us/index.aspx?nid=169
March 29
Continue down river to Suwannee River State Park.  13.2 miles
http://www.floridastatepa...suwanneeriver/default.cfm
Camping reserved for 2 Campsites. ($24/site)   Arrange shuttle
March 30
Packing up to head home.

[wildkat]

Wow that will be a good one. Should have 80's during the day and perfect conditions at night.
Take lots of pics.

[Firedog]

Still have some vacancies if anyone wants to go.

[melonhead]

If only I had graduated last semester.....hop efully yall do more group trips in the summer before it gets too too hot.

Please take bunches of pictures!

[dogwood]

Man, i would definately love to go with you guys some time - sounds like a blast!  Just don't have the time this year...