Exposing Hogans Creek

[Noone]

Here's some photos of the cleanup Saturday Morning, I would have put Noone in the top photo, but really Kelly was much more pleasant on the eyes. Don't worry buddy, you won't see me in any of the shots either, I mean digital camera's only allow for so many pixels. I didn't bring my boat either... the Titanic sank some time ago. Giving credit where it is due, we DID encounter a young (homeless?) man who was cutting through the woods and asked us what we were doing, when we told him he rolled up his sleeves and joined us... So our thanks to Henry too.

OCKLAWAHA

Ock,
Just crossing the river and trying to tie things in with the Navy ship coming to the Southbank. What has happened to the momentum that was happening with Hogans Creek?

I'll always remember you standing on Bay St. and the biggest smile on your face as our flotilla was taking it back to the casket factory. That sounds like a drop dead endorsement for promoting our vibrant Downtown.

I know we didn't stop there instead we took it to the back of a fire station and police station at Washington and Beaver through an urban waterway dotted with homeless camps. That 3 year old had a blast.

The bottom line point is that a kayak launch at Duval St. That can happen NOW. would provide a small cluster that could then paddle over to the Adams and be part of a bigger cluster. What Lake talks about pedestrian traffic the kayak would provide the waterway traffic that can join a permanent fixed cluster whether on the Northbank or Southbank.

Just a heads up but a special shout out to Jerry Spinks and Emily Lisska and the Jacksonville Historical Society for allowing the use of their parking lot for the 2nd time for this Sat. 9/17/11 cleanup from 9-11 participants will get a t-shirt after at RAM Riverside Arts Market. And a special thanks to Vivian Harrell. I love it when Vivian says that Hogans Creek is not a fluff site.

[Noone]

Who's next. Watching all the morning news shows and people that are reporting on the river and seeing the beautiful conditions is having me load up a kayak and I'll be taking it to Hogans Creek.

Has anyone heard from Gaffney? I've been totally ignored. How about you? 

The same can be said for Don Redman Dist. 4 Redman is worse because he is Chair of Waterways, The Promised 680' Downtown Public Pier (2010-604) is in his district. Redman is leading the conspiracy to deny Public Access and economic opportunity to our St. Johns River our American Heritage River a federal initiative.

Pending legislation for Springfield 2011-560. Represents MILLIONS of dollars and Dist. 7 is being totally thrown under the bus as well as the entire city of Jacksonville.

[Noone]

Yesterday was the day to break out the Pink Caddy Yak on Hogans Creek. It was the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure.

Beautiful day. Put in behind the Jacksonville Historical Society and Casket factory under Duval St which can be a future FIND project for a canoe and kayak launch. As I'm paddling out you could hear the yells from the participants in the walk/run event above.
 
It was an outgoing tide water clarity was good. Lots of bird activity which was nice to experience. Shopping cart depth meter chart is showing two wheels exposed. A plover is now darting around in the concrete chunk banks that is now the Maxwell House plant. Paddle out to the River under Bay St. and the walkers and runners are waving and yelling as I pass underneath and continue on into the St. Johns River our American Heritage River a Federal Initiative.

I take it back in and anchor in the Maxwell House area so that I'm able to face Bay St. and see the participants going by. I brought a Pink fishing pole and was making some casts. Didn't catch anything. The tide was heading out and in fact for those who came and looked over the rail especilly the kids you could hear them saying look at the garbage on the bottom. And that is true. Paddling around the flats are exposed and its apparent to see the debris littered around.

Taking it back the shopping cart depth meter chart is almost showing the handlebar. Its low. After I loaded up I then went over to RAM and enyoyed the River from another vantage point. Another district. Another Zone. Another Venue. Another Access point.

Who's next?

[Noone]

Who wants to get ready for future events like kayaking with the Mayor.
Great conditions this morning. Who wants to Make It Happen?
Who wants to make a scene on a Downtown Waterway Destination?
904-721-3321-h
904-434-0839-c
Lets reorganize how we Preserve, Access, Promote, and Celebrate our St. Johns River our American Heritage River a Federal Initiative.

[Noone]

Who's next?

Public/Private Partnership.

Special shout out to 501-c wannabees.

Who wants to be a 501-c?  I'm serious.

FIND is GOOD - Jacksonville is LOST
Jacksonville Waterways Commission meeting in two hours.

[north miami]

Duval Street Overpass is ideal Public Hand Launch site near ready to go,no fuss.

The adjacent downstream cove perfect trash loading exhibit.

[fieldafm]

Noone
What are you doing Friday morning?  Care to paddle?

[Noone]

Field and the three amigos. I can't wait to paddle again with you. And if we have to we'll crawl to the launch site. Capt., PeeJayEss I'm thinking about you guys to.

Mike, Have you done a site inspection of Chelsea St? Check it out immediately. Report back. I'll meet you there and then treat you to Robert's Eatery. You were the winner of the $10 gift certificate at the Hogans Creek cleanup. Call first 485 0273.

As for Hogans Creek I want to but Dave Roman with the administration has given me some kayaking assignments that I need to check out. And I'm excited. Did anyone read Littlepage yesterday? The Waterways access issue needs some tweaking. I believe he gets it. There are still some HUGE, HUGE just MONSTROUS issue of the interpratation of the legislature and the Commercial Working Waterfront as it relates to Commerce in what will be our Downtown Independent Authority.

Be concerned.
Keep score.
The Historic Promised 680' Downtown Public Pier is a piece. The USS Adams group is supportive.
The state of Florida is watching.

I want to say
"VISIT JACKSONVILLE"
          not
"DON"T VISIT JACKSONVILLE" 
Will post more about the city council meeting 12/13 and Waterways 12/14 on another thread.
I miss Jerry Spinks.

[Noone]

Will be Making a Scene on a Downtown Urban Waterway Destination today. Will be sharing this Downtown Destination that Mayor Alvin Brown continues to promote. Lets do it. Call me. PM me.

Will report to Dave Roman and everyone else. Can't wait to go kayaking with the Mayor.

Jacksonville Khan Make It Happen.

 

[Noone]

Hogans Creek! I miss you.

Today in Downtown Jacksonville you have to ask. Who is going to put out the WELCOME MAT if you want to Promote, Celebrate, Preserve, and Access our St. Johns River our American Heritage River a Federal Initiative in our Urban Core?

Chamber of commerce day and I took it to a natural kayak launch under Duval St. behind the Old St. Lukes Hospital and next to the casket factory. Conditions were ideal. Outgoing tide. The debris is back  not at elevated levels that we have experienced before. The shopping cart depth meter chart is showing two wheels exposed. See a kingfisher and his flight and presence just follows me out through the Maxwell House Plant.

Great paddling conditions. Outgoing tide so it was a good paddle to the brand new Waterways NO FISHING signs from the Hyatt all the way around to Berkman Plaza. Paddled by the Historic Promised 680' Downtown Public Pier and was saying to myself WTF ( Whiting, Trout, Flounder)

Entered with room to spare under the brand new NO FISHING signs. Did not see one person out on the Riverwalk and not even 1 boat in the 50 slip marina. What an experience to enter a vast cavern in the heart of our Downtown.

It wasn't long and I had a fish on. I have to give props to Captain Roger Bump and his fishing tips so I'm sharing this one with him.

I couldn't stay long but I'll definitely be back.

Now going back with the tide I'm just flying through the water. Take it under the pier and the birds are startled because you are just so close to them and they don't see you coming. The shopping cart depth meter chart is now showing the handlebars. The kingfisher hasn't left and its good to see that he is still there.

Did a good 1 full Vivian Harrell blue cleanup bag of the area then took it back to the house.

Who's next?

Special shout out to any media outside of Duval County.

Commissioners of FIND

Mayor Brown lets keep the kayak momentum going. Your getting props in my book.

Members of the Jacksonville Waterways Commission.

Anyone with the Recreational Fishing Alliance.

Board members of the St. Johns River Water Management District

Anyone on the Jacksonville city council. Councilman Love you have seen Hogans Creek and get pats on the back.

Tera Meeks
Kelly Boree
Paul Anderson
Daniel O'Byrne
Mark Middlebrook
Lisa Rinamon
Susan Grandin
Bonnie Barnes
Dave Roman

Jacksonville Khan Make It Happen.
   

[Noone]

Metrojacksonville - You rock.

Yesterday I took an out of town guest kayaking in our Core Exchange District which includes our St. Johns River our American Heritage River a Federal Initiative.

I so much wanted to take this visitor under the Times Union building. But given the conditions and the tides you have immediate safety concerns and decisions that come into play. It was a high outgoing tide and we are in Brooklyn just sitting at the light and just blocks away from Stoneawall and Chelsea St. He's a big guy and I'm thinking will he make it under the pipes before we go through the tunnel. He is here to VISIT JACKSONVILLE. I turn to him and say we're not attempting it.

I mention RCB but with a high outgoing tide and even though its just him and I we're not attempting it.

Another location which would have been the marina ( which I have yet to try myself) but just thinking out loud. We put in and then paddle where? We are not attempting it.

Finally I said enough driving around. I'm taking you to an historical launch location that is behind a piece of Jacksonville's history that played a big part of the fire of 1901. So going over the Duval bridge we are looking at the arena and to the right is the old St. Lukes Hospital and next to the casket factory. I get out my Emily Liska sign and we are launching in a natural sandy beach location. Emily I need to give you a call.

Remember its a high outgoing tide, overcast and windy conditions. The sheltered creek is a good option. As soon as he is on the water. I hear him say "WOW a PELICAN! Not even close. I wasn't about to correct him and wipe that smile and grin that he kept throughout the rest of our paddle through Jacksonville history.

An easy paddle out. The shopping cart depth meter chart is under water. Very relaxed paddle and when we get to Bay St. We see that the yellow buoys are now barricading our exit out to the river. May have been JEA or some group with the city welding and using torches on the bridge. Not the Bay St. one but the other bridge next to the river. Anyone have any idea whats going on?

So we take it back to the Maxwell House plant and just take a break. His phone rings and he's telling the caller you are not going to believe where I am. I'm in a kayak sitting on a creek in Downtown Jacksonville. I'm literally smelling the coffee. The aroma was strong.

We take it back and I point out the shopping cart depth meter chart because two wheels are now exposed.

We had fun.

Who's next? 

[fieldafm]

Vivian mentioned there was a small group of people who were going to do a cleanup today at the Beaver/Washington launch spot... wish I was in town to see how they did. 

[Noone]

Field, Good stuff. Any follow up report?

Kayaked Hogans Creek yesterday. Awesome conditions. Put in behind the Jacksonville Historical Society under Duval St. out going tide. Shopping cart depth meter chart is showing two wheels exposed. The tire in the mulberry tree is gone but it has now been replaced with a cd hanging in the branches. ( I'm ready to rock N roll)

Entering the Maxwell House part of this Downtown Urban Waterway Destination that is not a pass through but a vibrant part of Jacksonville's history is extensive scaffolding on the Maxwell House building. Spot a plover. That bird is exciting to watch.

Continue under Bay St. and the other bridge is now gone and the pilings are left. Has this been reported anywhere else in this community? Huge construction project. Did some fishing. Took it back and the shopping cart depth meter chart and the water level is just above the handlebars.

Paddled by some homeless camps. Everyone was in a good spirit. Took it back to the rapids of Hogans Creek and turned around. Whenever I'm on the creek and I'm at that spot in those conditions I always think of Doug and his son Jacob. At this spot there is a kingfisher that was darting around on various trees. It is always exciting to see the kingfisher the symbol of the St. Johns Riverkeeper. Tried for a pic but he just kept flying off.

Took it back to the sand launch under Duval St. and then did a Vivian Harrell solid blue bag cleanup. Left it at the designated pickup location and will be contacting Vivian today. Vivian is the best. St. Johns River cleanup is coming up and I hope that we will be able to do it again on Hogans Creek. I know I'm crossing my fingers.

Who's next?
   

[Noone]

In the world today across the pond was the Royal Wedding of William and Kate. In Jacksonville paddling Hogans Creek an urban Waterway within our Downtown Jacksonville Overlay Zoning District was myself and sharing this adventure was the Executive Director of the Jacksonville Civic Council, Don Shea.

Don was there before me and was ready to go. The weather was breaking at the right time for our trip to be a success. I just want to inject right now our thoughts and prayers with all the families who lost loved one with the storms that ravaged the southeast. The overcast clouds that were associated with that storm system were clearing out and the winds were diminishing.

It was an outgoing tide and the birds were moving early primarily because we were going at a pretty good clip and they knew we were coming. We swiftly moved past some of the campsites and the garbage that was starting to collect after the recent rains was more pronounced. I was pointing to Don some of the potential access points that could open this waterway immediately.

We made our way past the shopping cart depth meter chart and both wheels were fully exposed. I mentioned to Don if funding is needed to open this waterway can you imagine the naming rights for that shopping cart. We both enjoyed a good laugh.

Continuing on, we paddled adjacent to  the Maxwell House plant and did enjoy the smell of the morning aroma of coffee. when we popped out into our St. Johns River our American Heritage River the water had a slight chop. the outgoing tide allowed for a floating break that just carried us out to visually see what can be a vibrant piece of our Downtown. If you are allowed to participate. Yes, the Promised 680' Downtown Public Pier was in view

The current is continually moving. We see a big catamaran heading north. All of a sudden some nice gusts are greeting us as we make our way back. Its still an outgoing tide we are paddling hard and as we make our way to the shopping cart depth meter chart the wheels are exposed. I show Don the tire that is hanging in the Mulberry tree.   

My hats off to Don for taking the time to see for himself as have so many others what should be on the short list of things that need to happen so we can tell everyone to "Visit Jacksonville."

Who's next?

So much has happened in a year.

Yesterday I was Making a Scene on a Downtown Waterway Destination River Activity and instead of launching at Washington and Beaver I was launching at the new kayak launch at the city marina at Metropolitan Park. The once inviting location at Washington and Beaver has been replaced with brand new No Trespassing signs.

So on Sat. morning after listening to the fishing shows Iwanted to take it Downtown. I want to say I'm All In. My original intent was to put in at the city marina and then paddle all the way to the Hyatt, Berkman Plaza-Plaza at Berkman. It was an outgoing tide and once you leave the shelter of the marina you are immediately in the open waters and strong currents of our St. Johns River our American Heritage River a Federal Initiative.

So immediately I'm paddling against the current. There were two boats in the marina. I brought my fishing poles and it was one of those trips where the fishing was more a secondary purpose. Another personal observation is that river traffic in this part of the river is not under the no wake zone. On a beautiful weekend there were so many boats that you just lose count. I mention this for the benefit of the novice kayaker and the reality that if you are not skilled or prepared this can be dangerous in my opinion.

So anyway I'm paddling toward Dowtown against the current and I make it to the entrance to Hogans Creek. The demolition and the widening of the creek appears to be finished. (Never before Waterways) It has been a long time so I decide to take it in.

Still an outgoing tide the water levels are some of the lowest I've ever seen. What is noticable is the vast widening that has taken place. The vegetation on one side that provided a canopy for some birds in stark contrast to the rocky bank that now is on the other side. I am seeing more plovers. small birds that dart between the rocks and their flight just inches above the water and that bounce in there step.

I take it through the Maxwell House plant and there is a ladder leaning against a palm tree as the palms are all being trimmed. Super low tides and there is still garbage around. I take it by the shopping cart depth meter chart and the cart is almost 3/4 exposed. I'm talking very low tides.

Continue on and Make it by the launch under Duval St. next to the Casket factory and Old St. Lukes Hospital. Its about 11 am the sun is bright and the low exposed banks are just filled with fiddlers. You go past patches of spartina grass and you just have to say to yourself what will be a true restoration project as we open this Waterway? I'm already missing Dana Morten.

I continue on and finally make it to the rapids of Hogans Creek. There is no way I'm continuing on unless its a Doug Skiles I'm not quitting maneuver. Doug the water was so low that instead of rapids it looked like falls. I turn around and take it back. What is really sad to report is that during this trip I didn't see one species of heron. Not one.

The trip back to the marina was easy. Still an outgoing tide. I said hello to a man that was fishing when I started. He said he caught a couple of croaker. I got to the marina and decided to fish under the brand new no fishing signs. Caught a trout. Small one.

Who's next?

[billy]

Was in town early last week. Brought kayak, but sadly, had no time to use it.
Went over near Adams Street Bridge, and walked over from Union Street to creekside. Someone had dumped a load of
old brick debris almost on the bank. Water seemed to be flowing fast, looked low.