PARADISE FOUND KAYAK TRIP

We will pick everyone up ying 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. Afterwards we will encourage everyone to explore the grounds and hopefully end up at the river for an evening swim with a possible moonrise.

Day two:

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 oating this amazing treasure, stopping for the occasional swim, snack, or water ght. If we can get an early start we might get lucky and spot a Florida bear, bobcat, beaver, or river otter.

Blackwater river Kennedy Bridge to Cotton Bridge (11 miles)
http://www.dep.state..us/gwt/guide/designated_paddle/Blackwater_guide.pdf

Day three:

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.

Blackwater River Cotton Bridge to Bryant Bridge (11.5 miles)

Day four:

Juniper Creek (6 miles) http://www.dep.state..us/gwt/guide/designated_paddle/ Juniper_guide.pdf then riverside picnic lunch. Afternoon paddle of the Blackwater River Bryant Bridge to Blackwater State Park. (8.5 miles)

Day five:

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 it’s sparkling clear waters towards the Gulf of Mexico owing 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.

Coldwater Creek Highway #4 to the Wagner Bridge. (11 miles) http://www.dep.state..us/gwt/guide/designated_paddle/Coldwater_guide.pdf

Day six:

Coldwater Creek Wagner Bridge to Highway #191 Bridge. (8 miles)

Meals and Accommodations

We will be staying at The private and remote Adventures Unlimited Schoolhouse Inn. The Inn was once the School House in Fidelis, Florida. The school was transformed into an Inn at about 15 years ago. Each room has hardwood oors, high ceilings, large windows, and is furnished with antiques. Each room is air conditioned and four of the rooms have gas re places. Rooms are double occupancy.

Our meals will be prepared and served in the screened in separate cabin known as the BBQ cabin. This gives us great views, great weather, and a fantastic way to share a meal together.

All meals, all ground transportation, van support, kayaks, all kayaking gear, lodging, 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.