Paddle
Florida along the Peace River
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January 14 through 17, 2011 – Journey Details
Friday, January 14, 1
– to 5pm
After
checking in at the Ft. Meade Recreation
Dept. park on we will meet at 5:30, before
dinner, to
go over the weekend trip. We will camp
overnight in Ft. Meade. At approximately
halfway through each of the three days'
paddle, a Paddle Florida catered rest stop
will provide opportunity to refresh and
recharge.
Saturday, January 15
After breakfast,
the group will paddle 13 miles to
Paynes Creek State Historic Site in Bowling
Green, where paddlers will set
up camp and relax before dinner
and Saturday night's program.
This
state park facility has a fascinating history:
During
the 1840s, tensions between the settlers
and Seminole Indians prompted authorities
to establish a trading post in Florida's
interior, away from settlements. Built
in early 1849, the post was attacked and
destroyed by renegade Indians that summer.
In late 1849 Fort Chokonikla was built
nearby as the first outpost in a chain
of forts established to control the Seminoles.
The Seminoles never attacked the fort,
but the Army was nearly defeated by mosquitoes.
Today, nature enthusiasts and hikers can
enjoy walking along trails through the
park's natural areas. A museum at the visitor
center depicts the lives of Florida's Seminole
Indians and pioneers during the 19th century.
Sunday, January 16
We will breakfast and afterwards paddle
10 miles to Hardee County's Pioneer
Park in Zolfo Springs, where paddlers
will rest and prepare for dinner and
the Sunday night entertainment program.
Monday, January
17 (Martin Luther
King, Jr. Day)
We will paddle 19 miles
to the boat ramp in Gardner, again stopping
roughly halfway through for our famous
Paddle Florida lunch stop. From Gardner,
paddlers and their boats will be transported
back to Ft. Meade for a final gathering
and departure.
Many have said that this
is the prettiest part of the Peace River,
more primitive and pristine than lower
portions, and with a compelling history.
At 42 miles, everyone will feel a sense
of accomplishment having covered this distance
over the three-day weekend.
Paddle Florida along the Peace
River Canoe Trail.
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