PADDLING CENTRAL FLORIDA’S MAGICAL WATERS

Day 1 — We will pick up everyone who is flying in at the Pensacola International Airport at noon. We have a favorite lunch spot in town that’s on our way to the lodge. After lunch it is a 30-minute shuttle to our lodge. Once everyone settles in, we will have a little dry land paddle instruction, introductions, tour of our lodge, happy hour, and dinner. Afterward we will encourage everyone to explore the grounds and hopefully end up at the river for an evening swim with the chance of a possible moonrise.

Day 2 — The Blackwater River has exceptionally clear and pure water. This, added to its white sand bottom, make it one of the most popular rivers canoed in Florida. So much so that the Florida legislators proclaimed the nearby town of Milton as the “Canoe Capital of Florida.” We will take our time mostly floating this amazing treasure, stopping for the occasional swim, snack, or water fight. If we can get an early start, we might get lucky and spot a Florida bear, bobcat, beaver, or river otter. (11 paddling miles)

Day 3 — We travel deep into the wilds of the Blackwater forest. For most people, this is the most aesthetically pleasing landscape on the river. Enormous cedar trees line the bank and shade our course, multi-colored bluffs twist to hug the curves of the lazy water, and wildlife peeks its heads out to investigate our presence. (11.5 paddling miles)

Day 4 — Early morning start today because we lots of awesome paddling spots to visit. Our first paddle will be on the seldom-visited and deeply remote Juniper Creek. Our kayaks will glide over clear water with a tinge of red. When the sun finds its way through the canopy, it will reflect on the almost glowing white sand river bottom. As we float downstream, the forest will close in on us, almost forming a green tunnel. At the take out, we will have a riverside picnic before driving the short distance to a fast moving section of the Blackwater River. (Juniper Creek: 6 miles. Blackwater River: 8.5 paddling miles)

Day 5 — The Coldwater Creek begins as a spring very near the Alabama-Florida border at an elevation of nearly 300’ above sea level (this is a mountain to Floridians). It then winds its sparkling clear waters towards the Gulf of Mexico, flowing through the Blackwater Forest. Paddlers enjoy the swiftness of the current and the beautiful sugar sand beaches. The remoteness of the river adds to the quietness, stillness, and to the amount of viewable wildlife. The creek maintains a 76-78 degree temperature year round. (11 paddling miles)

Day 6 — Beach day! I love the rivers that make up the panhandle; however, what most people love about this area are the enormous white sand beaches and clear gulf waters. We will pack up everything we need in the morning and head out to Gulf Islands National Seashore. Lots of history, scenery, and sunshine. Dinner will be at a local seafood restaurant.

Day 7 — For those looking for a bit of excitement, our lodge offers a thrilling zipline course over the tree tops and across the river. For everyone else there is leisurely morning strolls through the forest, may be a swim, or just a quiet paddle before packing up and heading to the Pensacola Airport. Drop off is at 1 p.m. Lunch will be our last meal together.

All meals, all ground transportation, van support, kayaks, all kayaking gear, and two local Adventures in Florida guides.

Kayaking experience is not needed. However, like most water-based outdoor activities, participants should be in good shape and strong swimmers.