Exposing Hogans Creek

[ElectJill]

Thanks Stephen.  I have enjoyed reading - it was time to sign up!

[votetappouni]

Hogans Creek paddling with Noone was great!  Thank you so much for introducing me to this hidden treasure - just waiting to be discovered. With a little work this would be a great place for folks to access the St. Johns.

Also thanks for the intro to Robert's Eatery. 

I wish that I could be there for the clean up on March 19 and hope that there will be another one soon.

Thank you for all that you do to keep waterway issues in the forefront.

Jill-
Welcome to the Candidates Kayaking Club!
Michelle

[north miami]

In a field of great District 14 candidates I found Jill Dame to be particularly astute on river and tributary matters along with a host of other qualifications, attributes.

                                   Elect Jill Dame!

[Noone]

Who's next?

Congratulations to Marc, Michelle, Jill

Fantastic tides in the morning leading up to the city wide River Celebration March 19Th especially at Hogans Creek behind the Jacksonville Historical Society.

Elected officials and those running in the spring elections go to the front of the line. Any news media outlet outside of Duval County.

Special shout out to Patricia Northey, Volusia County and Chair of thr St. Johns River Alliance and an update on 2010-856 and the impact of this legislation on a potential state designation of a paddling trail.

Tera Meeks.
Terry Lorince
Daniel O'Byrne and Stephen Joost
Paul Anderson

Anyone on The Jacksonville Civic Council Creek Committee give me a call
904-434-0839
If we have to we'll anchor up the yacht and paddle in. I'm serious.

Not only a local issue but a state issue.

Be concerned and keep score.

[Noone]

Show and Tell.

That is what happened this morning when I had the pleasure of sharing a Downtown jewel of an urban waterway in Dist.7 with city council candidate for District 14 Jim Love.

Jim had called the day before to move the start time up. No problem. It was early. Jim arrived on time and with an eagerness in his eye that he wanted to see for himself what will continue to grow and become not only a local issue right now but after May a statewide reality check as it relates to economic opportunity and access to our Waterways.

The tides were perfect. It was a high tide and the water was above the grass line so we were able to slip in and have a pleasent launch. Slight wind with overcast skies in this sheltered creek in the early morning with the canopy becoming denser with the green vegetation was like opening the morning blinds and allowing the light to slowly penetrate in.

It had the feeling of a revelry paddle as we made our way out to our ST. Johns River our American Heritage River. The smell of a smouldering overnight fire.  Again the birds in the morning rookery being pushed toward the Maxwell House Plant. There was still floating debris but the visual repulsion of what it had been can only be truly appreciated by those who have been participating over the months to clean it up.

As we rounded the bend and I pointed out the city property Jim became adamant about how this area needs to be opened up and used now. I couldn't agree more. Again my hats off to all those who have participated especially in the March 19 River Celebration behind the Jacksonville Historical building because underneath that FDOT overpass and at a high tide it had a post card look to that site.  

We continued on and had to look hard to see the shopping cart depth meter because the wheel was a good 5-6 inches below the water. ( I'll admit. I'm still excited that's it's still there.) We were in great shape. And the tire is still hanging in the tree. As soon as we hit the rocky terrain we spot a plover.

We continue to make our way out to the river and the tide has just started to make the gradual reverse of its flow. This was apparent because  we were greeted by a flock of seagulls that were flying all around us and it was because a man had thrown slices from a loaf of bread and we were paddling through the middle of it. It made for a nice entry into the river.

The conditions were good and we paddled out and I showed Jim the Promised 680' Downtown Public Pier and imagine if it was opened now we could paddle down get out of the kayak, read the paper get a cup of coffee and share a vibrancy that could happen right now. Instead there is no access so we turned around and made our way back through the flock of seagulls that were still congregating above the water and scouring for the floating pieces of bread. We said a good morning to the man who was obviously enjoying a morning ritual that I'm sure that he has done before and taking a moment to catch our Downtown as its waking up and the sound that is being heard are the seagulls not behind a shrimp boat but surrounding us as we paddled through. That was special.

Going back the tide has made the change the shopping cart depth chart wheel is still inches below the surface. People are up.  WE are standing on the bank and the blue Heron flys up right across from us on the other bank. His stature is diminished because of the tall grassy vegetation is up around his body. We  then talk about the "What IFS" Jim does listen. I know that I could have talked and showed him reports and studies for hours. Jim is fired up. Where is the passion in the current city council members especially in Dist.4 and 7?

Jim, My hats off to you for wanting to make it happen and to see for yourself an issue that very shortly may be elevated throughout the state of Florida.

Jim's yard sign is hanging at Roberts Campaign Headquarters 904-485-0273 next to Jill's. That's OK My Hogan sign is hanging next to Brown. Had the sausage dog with the slaw, onions, and a coke. I'm good. Talk to Robert about 2010-856.

So Who' next?

Anybody with the Chamber of Commerce and Show and Tell?

Anybody in the May elections go to the front of the line.

Any Board member of the St. Johns River Alliance.

Any Board member of the St. Johns Riverkeeper.

Anybody in the news media.

Any governmental body outside of Duval county that will want monetary assistance in raising FIND matching dollars that will assist your community in Public Access to our St. Johns River our American Heritage River that will also create economic opportunity and jobs gets top priority too.  
 

[Noone]

Show and Tell

Making a Chamber of Commerce scene on an urban Waterway in the heart of our Downtown Jacksonville Overlay Zoning District was Dist.7 owner and  entrepreneur of Robert's Eatery was Robert himself.

After listening to some of the morning fishing shows on the radio and the frustration and disappointment that they were expressing about how our city doesn't promote our Waterways I was fired up and wanted to echo those same frustrations. Robert has been mentioning for some time that he wanted to see this jewel of a Waterway himself especially after Marc McCollough a former candidate for Dist. 7 had seen it for himself months ago. So I called Robert 904-485-0273 and we were on the water within an hour and a half. That is how fast we made it happen.

Today's paddle was special for me on a number of fronts.

1st) I just received my order of Fried Chicken Nuts (not really....it's gourmet peanut candy) from our own Pearl. I hope that everyone gets an order in at friedchickennuts.com You go girl.

2ND) I was sharing the day with Robert who along with I will be effected by 2010-856 in its present state without any amendments.

So today's paddle started out with tastetesting Pearls Fried Chicken Nuts. They are GOOD!!! I downed almost half the bag before we even got on the water. I also brought a couple of fishing poles.

The tide was already making the turn out. It was a beautiful calm late morning the creek was glass. It was apparent that after all the heavy rains that the debris just flows into the creek. Unfortunately we weren't a 100 yards in and there is a new Winn Dixie shopping cart in the water.

The trip out was pleasent and Robert would comment about the potential. There were homeless on both sides of the banks in the usual areas. Its all over Jacksonville. We continued to enjoy the quiet paddle toward the Maxwell House plant and Robert would say that this is what Jill Dame saw. I said yes and Jim Love, Michelle Tappouni, Marc McCollough and so many others that aren't running for office. And so many more will also see it.

We made our way past the shopping cart depth meter and a wheel was 1/4 exposed. The tide was ripping out so we didn't have a lot of time left. We continued on and popped out into the river. We ventured out a couple of 100 yards and took in the skyline of our Downtown. There was a strong aroma of coffee and we entered back up into the creek and anchored up as the coffee engaged our senses. Also I broke out the fishing pole and put a fiddler crab on a jig head and just tossed it out there. This was also a good time to break out and finish off the rest of the Fried Chicken Nuts. We didn't fish long and wanted to get back before the water ran out of the creek and the fun factor diminishes unless your part of team Skiles. LOL. Doug I do owe you and Jacob a sausage dog and coke at Robert's.

We made the trip back with the shopping cart depth meter and the wheel 3/4 exposed. For Robert and all of us that have visited him over the months and when the conversation turns to Hogans Creek we will all be shaking our heads and asking why isn't anything happening.

Anyone running for office in the May elections call Robert at Roberts Campaign headquarters and he will proudly hang your yard sign on his tent. At-Large?

All I've got to say is "Who's Next?"     
   

[ElectJill]

Noone:
I'm delighted that you got Robert out on the water and had such a great day. The weather today was perfect. You are truly an ambassador for Hogan's Creek.  Thank you.

[Noone]

Jill,
Thanks for the kind words. He does ask about you. But do call first. 904-485-0273. I hope that any At-Large candidates in the May 17 will bring their yard sign to be hung at Robert's Campaign Headquarters. We are talking about the issues and 2010-856 is an active piece of legislation. Ask Robert about Hogans Creek he has had the weekend to reflect on it as have many of us.

What needs to happen?

Who's next to see Hogans Creek for themselves?

[Noone]

To preserve, protect, promote, restore and celebrate the St. Johns River as an American Heritage River in recognition of its ecological, historic, economic, recreational and cultural significance, so that the PUBLIC may gain a greater appreciation and understanding of the Rivers importance to the Quality of Life for current and future generations is the mission statement of the St. Johns River Alliance.

Today I had the distinct pleasure of sharing an urban waterway tributary that leads to our St. Johns River our American Heritage River with Dist. 1 city council candidate Lindsey Brock. Rock with Brock it was an awesome trip.

We started by meeting behind the fire station on Washington and Beaver and just looking at the clarity of the water as the floor of the sandy or silted bottom was filling with water. And its clean because of the monumental efforts of the metjax team that made it happen. (Pats on the back to all of you) It was an incoming tide. The vastness of this flat reflective sand with the overhanging sun provides a view of the incoming fish and crabs that adds to the excitement that this is a thriving ecosystem that will only get better as everyone will be allowed to participate. After seeing schools of baitfish and blue crabs dancing along the sandy bottom we took off to Roberts Eatery. 904-485-0273. My only question is who will be the 1st At Large Jacksonville city council candidate that will have their yard sign hanging on his tent. It has to represent votes. It just has too. In some races that may be all it takes to get my vote.

The time spent at Robert's was so special. We didn't need to rush because we started our trip with the incoming tide so we knew it was like waiting for the bathtub to fill up before we got in. Robert has experienced Hogans Creek so when he asked if we had finished and told him that we haven't started yet he shared with Lindsey that it would be fun and it was.

When we returned the water was just right. The paddle out was stealth. It was obvious right away as an ibis, egret, or heron (Need to get the bird book out) dropped a bomb just off our port side.  As we continue to paddle its almost impossible to escape the continuous visual debris fields of floating garbage.

In past trips I saw more bird activity but in this trip the water was the center of excitement. Lindsey who has a lot of experience in river issues and that's a plus in my book was commenting on the bait fish and the no ticable swirls in the water.

I didn't mention this before but I'll mention it now there is a big mulberry tree which Lindsey identified and when I was with Robert a few weeks back that were coming into bloom. So anyway we are approaching the shopping cart depth meter gauge and we have one wheel exposed with an incoming tide and an added bonus is that there are mulberry trees on both sides as you approach this part of Hogans. I was so excited about the mulberry trees that I didn't notice if the tire was still in the tree.

We continue out and Lindsey just comments on the Maxwell House plant and of coarse we are just smelling the aroma that is permeating our space on the water.

We pop out into the River and make our way out to the point that you can not only see our Downtown but the Promised 680'Downtown Public Pier. Of coarse that's just me sharing my fears of not being allowed to participate.

The trip back going with the tide and the shopping cart depth chart still showing the wheel now 1/4 exposed made for a nice paddle. The baitfish, the shrimp, the swirls is making this more of a potential fishing report thread then a sightseeing paddle.

Lindsey Brock is an amazing individual that has made things happen in his District. Heck with the city council race I want to kayak Hogans Creek with Lindsey again and see if we catch any fish.

So 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?

[Noone]

Today I saw the gator of Hogans Creek. He is definately there. After attending the committee meetings and speaking with Gaffney and Redman you just have to feel so sorry for the people of Jacksonville. The Public trust has just been totally crushed.

It was a very low tide and more of a visual exploration of looking at potential kayak launches that could open immediately right now regardless of who the next Mayor of Jacksonville is. A plumbing company was working on the building up at Beaver and Washington. Its happening.

Continue to be concerned and keep score.

[Noone]

In less than 24 hours after attending a meeting called Downtown in-depth being put on by ULI North Florida & Downtown Vision, Inc one of the keynote speakers who was an inspiration to me with his responses was now checking the depth of Hogans Creek as we enjoyed a paddle on our urban waterway in the heart of our Downtown Jacksonville Overlay Zoning District.

Tom Chatmon Jr. a former Jacksonville resident and successful businessman is the current Executive Director of the Orlando Downtown Development Board. I met Tom at the Omni and we were off. As soon as I got to Beaver St. is was then a straight shot to an urban waterway destination. We put in at Washington and Beaver right behind the fire station and police station. Its private property but I couldn't wait to show him the potential Public Access points.

The tidal conditions were perfect. Incoming tide. no humidity. Tom situated his 6'6" frame into the tandem kayak and we were off. It seemed that the herons were around us  right in the beginning and the whole trip. It was a relaxed paddle out and the lush green vegetation and canopy seemed to balance the floating garbage that was a constant silent reminder as we (Jacksonville) continue to try and put our best foot forward.

The sun was shining and we are just making our way out to our St. Johns River our American Heritage River. As our slow paddle catches the activity on both sides of the banks the homeless population is still apparent. We comment on one spot and it must have been laundry day because the clothes were hanging in the bushes. We continue on watching the water activate with life and energy.

I'm showing Tom the fence line that is the barrier to all the parking that you could possibly hope for. Under the FDOT overpass and looking up from the creek is the Jacksonville Historical Society and the old St. Lukes hospital next to the casket factory. We pause and do some what ifs.  At this part of the paddle the lush vegetation is replaced with the industrial openness of concrete shorelines.

We make our way past the shopping cart depth meter chart and we have one wheel fully exposed and another is just 1/4 from going under. The tide is coming in so we are in great shape. I mentioned to Tom that when I took Don Shea I said "Don if we need funding for this we can sell the naming rights to that shopping cart." Tom was laughing and I was laughing again too.

So here is the highlight of the paddle. We are approaching the Maxwell House Plant and there is a gator off our starboard side sliding into the water. WOW. And it was the little one not the bigger one that I saw a couple of days earlier.

We continue on and are going under Bay St. and pop out into our vibrant Downtown. We make our way out to where you can see the Promised 680' Downtown Public Pier. At the same time here comes the River Taxi and its heading to the stop by the Chart House almost on cue. I just point out from our vantage point that the taxi can then just swing out and drop off passengers at the pier and you have just immediately connected the Southbank with the Northbank. That was done for Super Bowl XXXIX.

We make our way back and we are talking to some of the workers that are at the Maxwell Plant and they not only mention the gator but just tell us if we were an hour sooner we may have been able to see a manatee. That would have been awesome.

We wished them a good day and just enjoyed the paddle back. I'm so excited that Tom took the time to see for himself and listen to a concern from a citizen that  an activity that we just shared could be shared by all.

Who's next?    

[Noone]

Making a scene on a Downtown urban Waterway destination which is our St. Johns River our American Heritage River destination within our Downtown Jacksonville Overlay Zoning District in Dist. 7 which leads to historic Springfield was ME. No One.

After my last paddle and sharing a fantastic informative, entertaining, visual, stimulating, challenging, political, Public/Private, engaging, historic, local, international, everlasting, brief kayak paddle with Tom Chatmon Jr the Executive Director with the Orlando Development Board I wanted to desperately get back on Hogans Creek and report back to the citizens of Jacksonville, the people of the world and report back on why we want to say

"Visit Jacksonville"
  Or  Don't Visit Jacksonville." 

Tides were perfect in the morning and this excursion started about 9:30 am. Instead of starting at Beaver and Washington st. This trip utilized what should be as our community moves forward a fantastic partnership with the Jacksonville Historical Society. An identifiable strip of access allowed for a cool launch location. As I was pulling in a homeless camp was immediately visual across the other side. Two JSO police cars were parked close by. I unloaded my kayak and fishing poles and before I started my trip I broke out a bag of  Fried Chicken Nuts (not really...its gourmet peanut candy) Its made by our own Jacksonville treasure. Pearl-YOU ROCK! Order a bag. I got a case.  Has anyone visited Roberts Eatery?

Before I embark on my paddle I walked up to the two police officers and told them of my plans. The first response was did I have my tetanus shot? "Yes" was my response back but the real reason that I wanted to get out there was to see if the wildlife is active and prevalent so we as a community can market our vibrant Downtown to the world. I wanted to see a manatee and gator.

It was an out going tide. Nice light breezes. I brought a couple of fishing poles and had some dead shrimp. Secretly I'm preparing for the Field fishing tournament challenge. Putting in at this location makes for a short paddle out to the river. I pass the homeless site where there was a congregation of people standing there when I arrived but were now gone. A couple of 100 yards up was the shopping cart depth meter chart completely under water. I'm in good shape.

At this part of the River you are flanked by Kraft Foods and the Maxwell House Plant. Its private property and unless you are in a watercraft you would then be trespassing if you then stood on land. This part of the Creek opens to a nice pond flanked by chunks of concrete that creates its own ecological landscape.

Upon entering this space I immediately had the feeling that I was entering an ambush. At first I thought it was JSO. On the bridge with binoculars was a blue uniform. I encountered two others on the parking lot side of Kraft. Someone yells to me that there is a 10' gator in there. Cool. I haven't seen it. I can see a 4 footer maybe 5'. I anchor up and I'm talking to one of the security guards. I'm realizing that its not JSO but probably the security for the plant. There is a cane pole with a piece of chicken suspended above the water with a hook and line attached to a pipe. A permit has been issued to get this gator.

I'm glad that I was doing this trip solo. In total contrast to the previous trips with Tom Chatmon Jr. from Orlando, Don Shea, Executive Director, of the Jacksonville Civic Council. Jill Dame, and Jim Love both candidates for Dist.14, Lyndsey Brock, Dist.1, Michelle Tappouni and Marc McCollough both former city council candidates.

Lets literally kill this potential tourist attraction so I continued on and decided to anchor up under Bay St. and see if I could catch a fish. Under this shaded and protective structure I'm just watching the active boat traffic that is passing north and south in the river. I'm eating more of my Fried Chicken Nuts. They are GOOD! I was there about 10 minutes and the piercing of the mirror slick calm of the water surface and heading into Hogans Creek is a Manatee. The broad nose and face of this stealth sea cow had cut through the surface about 8 feet off my port side. The whiskered face is still out of the water getting a good breath and the back swell indicated that it wasn't a real big one. I'm just saying how cool is this.

I pull up my anchor and poles. And I wanted to follow it back in. I get back to the pond where the gator is and there is the manatee again breaking the surface for a breath of air. WOW! The cane pole is just there to catch this nuisance gator. (Yeah Right!)   

"TOURISM" ?

I've had enough. I paddle past the 4' gator that is on a concrete chunk just 10' from my port side. I continue on The shopping cart depth meter chart is showing two wheels exposed. The tire is still in the Mulberry tree. Maybe this is what we truly want to market about our Downtown. I arrive at the  the FDOT launch site. I get out and the two JSO officers are still there. I go up and give them a report. I didn't catch any fish but I did see a gator and manatee. Really! Really! I wished them a good day. Very light clean up and I'm taking it back to the house.

As soon as I got inside I was on the phone with FWC and a nuisance gator permit had been issued. It is perfectly legal.

My question would be how many nuisance gator permits have been issued for Maxwell House over the years?

Who's next.

Any media outlet out Duval county gets top priority.

Any print media outside of Duval County call me 904-721-3321 that's my home number.

Bativac- This is another reason why I'm voting Mike Hogan for Mayor.

Be concerned, keep score.

[JaxNative68]

 There is no reason to be so malicious in your response to Noone just because he does not have the same political view as yourself during the current election.  I know you get very offended and turned off by people whom don’t agree with your own opinions, but take your horse blinders off - the last time I checked, the first amendment has not been repealed from our Constitution.  Your disparaging comments reflect poorly on the candidate you currently endorse.  If you truly respect him, speak as though he is involved in your public conversations.

[Noone]

Making a scene on a Downtown Urban Waterway Destination within our Downtown Jacksonville Overlay Zoning District was another proponent of River Access to our St. Johns River our American Heritage River and a supporter of the JMM Aaron Ricker.

Recent posts on this forum and Aaron's call to Action from a request for groundswell support  to assist in a neighborhood project in giving back to the community is the domino reason why we made it happen on Hogans Creek yesterday.

There is an infectious, sustained prolonged fever, a pit in the stomach and pangs of starvation, plague like stretches of creek that is an Urban disaster zone that is a draw for those who will continue to resuscitate this Waterway Destination.

When Aaron arrived and before we even picked up the kayak I had already ate 1/2 a bag of Fried Chicken Nuts (not really.... its gourmet peanut candy) There GOOD! Shared some with Aaron and we were off. Before we even got to the creek we stopped at the Streetcar pole? old railroad yard light? Whatever it is were excited.

Underneath the FDOT overpass in the shaded shelter and looking at the vastness of all the parking that we are surrounded by we prepare to embark on another exciting journey into an always changing ecological and urban waterway discovery. The tide was still heading out and it was very low. I pointed to Aaron about 300 yards to the north an Oak tree with over hanging limbs and that there is a nesting rookery right there with two green heron chicks. We'll check that out on our return trip.

We caught this waterway as its flow was filtering back to the main artery which is the 310 miles of our St. Johns River. The water clarity was good and the debris field on the bottom was the most pronounced  that I have seen. We made our way past the shopping cart meter depth chart and it was almost unrecognizable because of that recent rain the leaves, sticks, and other debris gave it a curvature that it looked like a beaver mound instead of what it really was. As we made our way through the Maxwell House Plant there is a sandbar that is created and in the future I'd like to picnic at that spot. Imagine calling for delivery?

We continue on and we are just taken in by the beauty that surrounds you. The water is calm. The outgoing tide is like you are on the standing conveyor belt at the airport and the history of Maxwell House is in your senses as you drift by.

We encounter another sandbar that is occupied with another wading bird. Need to identify that one. Shout out to Jean Schubert (We need to kayak Hogans Creek.)

We are under Bay St. bridge and just glide out into the St. Johns River. We paddle out and are able to see and I share the concerns of the Promised 680' Downtown Public Pier. Its about noontime and I'm telling Aaron that if you watch WJXT in the morning news broadcast, noon and night that they pan the river. At this very moment we may be part of their broadcast. The only other boat that was moving was the river taxi as it was leaving the Chart House location.

On the way back in we encounter a man that informed us that if we were just an hour earlier we would have seen a manatee and a calf existing the creek. I believe him. He also shared with us that they got the gator that was in the creek. According to my email to and from FWC it was 6.5'

We are now catching the incoming tide and the sandbar that was by the Bay St. bridge is covered with a couple of inches of new flowing water. The larger sandbar that is hidden from public view is still expansive but narrowing. The baitfish are everywhere. We make our way up to the shopping cart meter depth chart both wheels fully exposed and there is another foot before you even hit the first wheel. The bicycle tire is still in the Mulberry tree. People will want to VISIT JACKSONVILLE just to see these two tourist attractions.

With an overhead bright sun and the inflow of water the reflections that allow for a clarity in this window of opportunity because the depth of the creek is still shallow. At the same time the muddy banks are blanketted with fiddler crabs by the thousands.  

We are now floating past our original starting point. the water level and now catching the incoming tide has made for an effortless opportunity just to float by and point out to anyone why you would not only want to VISIT JACKSONVILLE but visit this urban waterway destination.

As we approach the rookery the baby green herons have grown considerably. To have watched them and to have shared them with other visitors besides Aaron over the weeks has been to say the very least rewarding and exciting. The initial puffs of feathery plumes in a stick basket that is a nest. To two emerging chicks with their feather plumes being slowly replaced by more permanent feathers and just maintaining their balance on the limbs that are just within the perimeters of the nest that they are not ready to leave from their sight. Yesterday with Aaron as we approached this tree the chicks were still there but the baby plumage was gone and now instead of just moving and hiding in the immediate branches that were above the nest they are now using the whole tree. What a treat.

We continued on and the fiddlers on both sides of the banks retreated in unison as we continued up toward Washington and Beaver. We didn't make it because the rapids of Hogans Creek were just receiving the inflow of water and a school of baitfish was in the middle and just surrounding us.

We made our way back and then just when you think the adventure is over. A call to Robert at Robert's Eatery and we were headed over to 26Th and Evergreen. All of us can appreciate the opportunity that exists in this community. But as we were eating our lunch I asked "Will we be allowed to participate?" And right now my answer is "No."

So Who's next?

Any print or news media outlet outside of Duval County.

Any commissioner of FIND

Anyone with Visit Jacksonville.

Anyone with the Jacksonville Waterways Commission.

Anyone that is with the St. Johns Riverkeeper.

Anyone in the new administration.

Any elected officials outside of Duval county.  
 
Somebody-Make it Happen.