Nature   

This will be a slow-poking exploration, geared toward inquisitive paddlers who are more interested in learning wild lore than covering distance. Unlike our other paddle tour/classes, this one will only cover a couple of miles in total, allowing time to drift, observe and learn about the river's plants, animals, archaeology, history and other wild lore.

If you want to see more of the river and learn a bit less of its wild lore, I recommend one of the other great courses offered in this catalog. Difficulty: Easy paddle, going downstream and then returning against a light current. Skill level: Good for beginners.

There is a $6 Park Fee the day of class. The trip lasts approx. 2.5 hours.

Meeting time (at launch site):  Kayaks are provided. After registering for the class, participants should call (386) 497-4214 during the week prior to the trip to discuss any special needs or requests and confirm an email address for launch site directions. Lunch not included in price.

On this easy, 2-2.5 hrs. tour we'll follow broad, winding channels through an array of broad marshes and shrubby islands, viewing the myriad plant and animal species those rich ecosystems support.  In addition to an interesting history, this tour is a birders wonderland.  Most years, in spring and early summer months, we pass a large rookery of assorted waders and water birds. 

After registering for the class, all participants should call (386) 497-4214 during the week prior to the trip to discuss equipment needs and confirm an email address for launch site directions.

Note: Participants will meet at the launch site at 10 a.m. Kayakers will receive an email a day or two prior to the trip to discuss specific launch directions.

William Bartram called it the Great Alachua Savanna. We know it as Paynes Prairie. On this chapter of our "Bartram's Florida" series, we'll take a 3 mile stroll onto the wetland savanna made famous by the young explorer in 1774. The talk will include a brief overview of the prairie's rich history from Lars Andersen, author of "Paynes Prairie: A History and Guide."

Note: Meeting time at park is 10 AM; There is a $5 Park Fee payable at the entrance day of trip. The trip duration is 1.5 - 2 hours long. Difficulty: Easy, two mile stroll on easy (mostly flat) terrain. Since this is an out-and-back hike, participants who can't do the entire hike are welcome to turn back at any time.
Skill level: Good for beginners.

Paddling Withlacoochee River, it is soon clear why it was designated, in 2006 as an "Outstanding Florida Waterway." On this 3 - 3.5 hour paddle, we will pass through habitats ranging from extensive, open marshes loaded with water birds of all sort and deeply shaded river hardwood forests that, in places, form a nearly complete over-canopy.

This wealth of history, archaeology and wild plant and animal lore we discuss on this tour makes it one of our favorites. Please meet at the launch site. The trip lasts appx. 3 - 3.5 hours. This is an easy, out-and-back paddle that ends at the same site from which we launch. The gentle current is easy to paddle against on the upstream portion of the trip. Skill level: Good for beginners and pros alike.

Meeting time (at launch site): Kayaks are provided. After registering for the class, participants should call (386) 497-4214 during the week prior to the trip to discuss any special needs or requests and confirm an email address for launch site directions. Lunch not included in price.

Unlike other coastal regions, where civilization crowds shoulder-to-shoulder along the shore, like lemmings amassing for their mythical plunge into the sea, nature still rules in the Cedar Keys area of Florida's Big Bend. It's a low, wet country where the "shore line" defies definition, ever-changing, shrinking and expanding, with the ebb and flow of tides.

Difficulty: Open water is easy if calm weather. Moderate if it's breezy. We won't go if the forecast is too windy (or inclement in any way). Skill level: Good for beginners. Meeting time (at launch site): 10 AM

After registering for the class, all participants should call (386) 497-4214 during the week prior to the trip to discuss equipment needs and confirm an email address for launch site directions. Lunch is not included in price.