Enhancing the Tourist Experience of Jax - Use the River!!

[Noone]

I am Downtown with Mayor Brown.

Will be making a scene and a tactical paddle and having a blast especially around the brand new No Fishing signs that was never before the Jacksonville Waterways Commission. Plan on doing a Vivian Harrell blue bag clean up.

Have a tandem. If you want to see an issue up close and personal that will soon escalate to the Governor, our regional partners, Governmental agencies give me a call. 904-434-0839

It is not required but I would just ask that if you are interested that you write a check for a buck to the City of Jacksonville. Write 2009-442 on the check. Also write Artificial Reef Trust Fund on the check.

Former and current elected officials or if you served for a personal benefit on a Board write a check for $2.00

Last trip out took two others and we caught 3 Reds, 5 catfish,  croakers, Drum, about 20 fish. Kept a 21 inch Drum that we took home for the Jag game. This all happened in less than 3 hours on our St. Johns River our American Heritage River a Federal Initiative.

We Khan Make It Happen.

[Noone]

3 days ago after listening to the fishing shows it was time to make an epoch tactical kayak paddle from another kayak launch that was discussed at a special FIND subcommittee meeting for canoe and kayak launches that was attended by then chair of Waterways  city councilman Don Redman and outgoing FIND commissioner Mike Messiano.

The Duval county school board was an inviting early launch location that had one man fishing and joggers just enjoying the early morning weather. The tide was high and still incoming. I made a couple of casts for some bait but to no avail. The reason for the paddle wasn't so much a fishing trip but another logistical exploration into kayaking safely Downtown. Also I wanted to take it to Hogans Creek and check out the dozens of survey stakes and markers.

It was an easy launch and I brought a Keep Jacksonville Beautiful blue bag for a Vivian Harrell Blue bag cleanup. I started on the Northbank and finished near the Historic Promised 680' Downtown Public Pier Shipyards III. The paddle over was pleasant. Still early in the morning and river traffic is light. After the pier I hugged the piers and going against the tide took it to Hogans Creek.

The massive dredging project that was never before the Jacksonville Waterways Commission had a plover greeting me as I was a 100 yards out from going under Bay St. Into the Maxwell House plant and in the first clump of habitat tree vegetation is a Kingfisher now being flushed and heading up the creek to Washington and Beaver.

It's a beautiful morning about 9 am now and the homeless camp to the left has a fellow sleeping next to the 8-10 drop that if he rolls to his left he is going right into the creek. My paddle by does not disturb his slumber.  Going past the shopping cart depth meter chart you can't even see it. The tides are high and I'm able to touch the bottom of the bridge as I go underneath.

Near Duval St. I flush the kingfisher again and the sound and distinct flight pattern is a welcoming sight. At this time a great blue heron has jumped from a limb and a stark contrast is just entering your thought perspective as these two birds have begun to fly away from you to a spot that is still ahead of you with even more cover and lush habitat that you know will have even more nature greeting you once you make it through this Downtown Destination.

The reflections off the water were mirror like for the whole trip. Farther up a red tailed hawk flew to a branch just 30' from me. Left before I could take a picture. Up around the bend as I get closer to Washington and Beaver the survey stakes are everywhere. I flush the Kingfisher for a fourth time and it has been the one bird that has just been everywhere on the creek. I make it to Washington and Beaver and there is maybe 5" of clearance under the road.

The paddle back was equally as relaxing. The person is moving now because I'm paddling against the current. The river was slowing down and the current wasn't ripping as hard as it was earlier. When I got back to the School board launch the guys were still fishing and everyone was enjoying the outdoors and the River.
Let's continue to provide a spark of enjoyment for all those who want to participate.

Who's next?

[Noone]

I am Downtown.

After attending the first Public meeting of our new DIA in city hall and I hope that they will continue to meet at city hall it was time to take it to one of our greatest natural assets that intersects our Downtown. So on Friday morning I wanted to Make a Scene on our St. Johns River our American Heritage River a Federal Initiative.

The start of this tactical urban kayaking adventure took place at one of Mayor Brown's new kayak launches. The Public boat ramp next to River City Brewing. About 3 or 4 boats were launching when I arrived about 8:30. In fact one of the guys gave me a hand carrying my kayak down because the ramp was full. Rush hour at the ramp. That was nice to see.

The timing and the purpose of this Public Awareness paddle was to continue to gather data that can be taken to Dave Roman, the administration, the DIA, Waterways, Commissioners of FIND,  and any other Govt. agency that will recognize that water related activity on our Waterway will continue to promote Jacksonville as a Destination and not a pass through as it relates to Downtown.

The clouds were ominous and the wind was picking up. It was an outgoing tide and so I did alter my initial trip that I wanted to take especially with the magnitude of the very first Board meeting of our new Downtown Authority. Again, you are immediately paddling so as not to be drawn into the piers of the marina. It can turn from good to bad immediately.

So I began tracking and maintaining a perpendicular coarse beyond the marina to the open river. For me it was a short break as now you want to start tracking across the River. My destination was Berkman Plaza-Plaza at Berkman. Other than the boats launching at the boat ramp river traffic is light.

I take it under Berkman and my goal on this trip was to attempt to listen to Melissa Ross and First Coast Connect on 89.9 fm and see if I could catch a fish then take it back to the boat ramp after the show. The Week in Review and the media round table had me tempted to want to call in especially when they were talking about the armory as a homeless shelter. Has anyone been by to take a look at 601 East Church St. That's next to Hogans Creek?

You can hear the people on the Riverwalk. The calm of an urban Destination Activity that should be shared and not restricted. So fishing under the brand new No FISHING signs that was never before Waterways the show is starting to draw to a close. I've had a couple of bites but not able to set a hook. I'm just using dead shrimp and moving around. The rod bends and I'm moving. The fish is hung up and I'm just being patient with this one. It seems to have worked itself out of the obstruction and when I get it to the kayak it's a 20 inch red. Mission accomplished. Hey Ross! You need to experience this. I know you are a trooper.

With the show over and sitting at the marina at Berkman I'm just staring at SHIPYARDS III. Where on the Northbank can I exit the water safely? I just mention it from a safety point. The show is over and now I'm taking it back to RCB against the current. The tides were such that I'm catching the last of the outgoing. Big difference. It's not ripping but it's a nonstop paddle to get back.

Florida Georgia next weekend. Who wants to start out Florida Georgia weekend with a tactical urban kayaking paddle and listen to Melissa Ross on First Coast Connect?

I am Downtown and why you aren't.

Who's next?

[Noone]

Anybody want to Make a scene Downtown on our St. Johns River our American Heritage River a Federal Initiative in our new DIA CRA zone? Call me 904-434-0839
I'll be making a tactical urban kayaking paddle and it can be easily changed to accommodate a tandem experience for someone who wants to see Jacksonville's own  Downtown NPS. (National Pier Scene.)

I am Downtown and why you aren't.

[billy]

How are things on/around Hogans Creek these days?

[Noone]

I'm All In and why your not.

Last Thurs. after attending pint night at Blackcreek Outfitters which was a benefit for the St. Johns Riverkeeper and the guest speaker was Mark Woods from the Times Union who was giving a presentation on his yearlong exploration of the National Parks for the NPS it was time to make a scene on a Downtown Destination River Activity. Mark's pictures, explanations, and experiences had the standing room crowd attentive to every detail that he brings to his work.

And in that spirit of exploration that's what I did Sun. Morning. In keeping with Mayor Brown wanting to make Downtown a Destination and not a pass through I put in at the school board bldg. It was about 8 am the fog was starting to burn off. Outgoing tide and there were people jogging and a family was fishing on the Riverwalk. I brought the tandem and the purpose of the paddle was to do a 2 bag Vivian Harrell blue bag cleanup and take it to Jacksonville's  own version of the NPS ( National Pier Service).

I started the cleanup on the sandy beach of the adjacent JEA property. the river was calm and light boat traffic. The Jags were playing later on and Khan's yacht was visible on the Northbank. The paddle over wasn't bad and I just tracked for the northern most pier. I hugged the walls of the Northbank and took it all the way to Berkman Plaza-Plaza at Berkman. Going under Berkman I then took it all the way to Khan's Yacht.

The sun was shining. People were tailgating. The train was crossing the bridge. I kayaked around the yacht and people were just enjoying some coffee on the deck. The paddle back going with the current was very relaxed. The trip was just an hour and a half.

Billy, I haven't been on Hogans Creek recently. The reason is I'm just having too much fun just kayaking and fishing right Downtown. Next time your in Jacksonville just let me know and we'll go.

Who's next?

[Noone]

HUGE river announcement made at the end of the DIA/CRA in the USA Board meeting yesterday.

So as soon as the weather breaks who wants to make a tactical urban kayak paddle by making a scene in some of the most restricted Downtown zones on our St. Johns River our American Heritage River a Federal Initiative?

Special shout out to anyone outside of Duval county.

I'm All In and why you aren't.

[PeeJayEss]

HUGE river announcement made at the end of the DIA/CRA in the USA Board meeting yesterday.

Which was?

[Noone]

It wasn't the Shipyards III Pier. Although it could still make the Super Duper back room door 2013 FIND grant application cycle list thanks to Boyer, Crescimbeni, and Love who are demanding another noticed meeting after the disastrous 12/12/12  Jacksonville Waterways Commission meeting.

[PeeJayEss]

It wasn't the Shipyards III Pier. Although it could still make the Super Duper back room door 2013 FIND grant application cycle list thanks to Boyer, Crescimbeni, and Love who are demanding another noticed meeting after the disastrous 12/12/12  Jacksonville Waterways Commission meeting.

So what was it?

[Noone]

PeeJayEss, No disrespect but there were other people there and it would just add so much if someone else posted the HUGE announcement. It should be in the minutes of the next DIA/CRA in the USA Board meeting in 5 days.

Anyone that reads this and wants to make a tactical urban kayaking paddle Downtown this morning on the Northbank that will be fun and an informational gathering expedition and the information obtained will be shared with the DIA/CRA, City Council, FIND, And especially the next noticed subcommittee meeting on our SECRET FIND 2013 grant application cycle that up until this point has been a total destruction of the Public Trust pretty much like last year just give me a call. 904-434-0839.

I am Downtown and why you aren't.

[Noone]

Just had  a cancelation. low tide later in the afternoon. Anyone want to kayak Downtown? Anyone want to write a check for a dollar to the city of Jacksonville for 2009-442 the Artificial Reef Trust Fund. Not required for this kayaking adventure. Obviously sportier conditions. That's when it's nice to know there are more safety zones in place in case conditions are rougher.
2013 FIND grant application cycle still wide open.
904-434-0839
We'll Make It Happen
Happy New Year.

[Noone]

Why is Jacksonville the way it is? And after attending Jacksonville' CoWork Jax and the standing room crowd for there Fastpitch event last night it was time to make another tactical urban paddle to provide a spark that will continue to showcase to the world why Downtown is a Destination and not a pass through when it comes to our St. Johns River our American Heritage River a Federal Initiative in our newly created DIA Zone.

It was a beautiful day to be on the water and I launched from a waterfront Public Access Street end for the first time to begin this epoch adventure. it was an outgoing tide and I was in the St. Nicholas area. My Destination was to take it Downtown to the Northbank Riverwalk and fish under the brand new No Fishing signs that was never before the Jacksonville Waterways Commission.

It was an outgoing tide and you are just paddling from start to finish. The boat traffic was very light and a calm river that made the trip very enjoyable. I made it a point to take it under all the piers as I made my way over to Berkman Plaza, Plaza at Berkman.

It wasn't one of my better fishing outings but I didn't get skunked either. Had two catfish and one trout. The one catfish was quite large I couldn't put both my hands around his head. The trout was about 15"

The Riverwalk was active with joggers and walkers. The trip back with the outgoing tide was very easy. On the Southbank past the JEA parcel on the shore were 4 Great Blue Herons and an osprey sitting on a sign. the Herons were spaced out about 50' apart and as I drifted past each one took to flight in a pattern that you would see at an airport. The low climbing altitude to a northerly location was just graceful and to just see it duplicated over and over was the highlight of this trip.

The positive benefit is that if more access points are provided then more people would be engaged.

[Overstreet]

Noone.............some people like to paddle in the city. Some people like to paddle in the woods. I find Silver River,  Ockalawa river, Crystal River river, Suwannee River, Steinhatchie, and the Upper St Johns to be more relaxing.  Hontoon Island, Blue Springs, Itchnatucky (sp) offer their own adventure and peacefull ness.  The tunnel under the Times Union Building, the creek by the coffee plant, although unique, does not get it for me.

[Noone]

OS and that's fine. Way back when before a DVI Board meeting there were some presentations from kayak outfitters that target and specialize in the remote wilderness locations that are these National, State, Preservation and Public Parks. It is a unique adventure from my perspective on kayaking Downtown. I'm not knocking those areas. I just find it exhilarating when you hear the train and if you happen to be right there in the river when it is just overhead.

And right now I give total props to Mayor Brown. It was exciting to join him today on the OCEARCH and what will no doubt be a huge successful Public, Private, Partnership going forward. congratulations Mayor Brown. The marine programs with the Universities and Colleges in the region will benefit with this extended learning tool.

OS, Ben JCCI, We all need to kayak Downtown before 2025. OS, hope your cracking a smile. I know Ben is. Would love to read about your trips to those other areas.