Lazy Labor Day Float

Tell me more!
Join the AOC for a fun, relaxing river trip on the spring-fed waters of the Santa Fe! 

We had such a great time on the 4^th of July that we just HAD to go back.  If you want to find out why, read John's short but excellent novel on the topic here:  http://www.atlantaoutdoorclub.com/events/archivedetails.asp?eventid=1669

What's the plan?
Look forward to lots of outdoor fun, including a few days of paddling up and down the river, playing in crystal clear springs, diving from a 12-foot platform, short hikes at the campground, fireside fun, and competitive events like chicken fights in the river & springs.

On Friday, we will carpool down to northern Florida (6 hr drive), where we will camp at Blue Springs Campground, adjacent to the Santa Fe River. 

There will be two carpools leaving; one Friday morning, early, and one Friday afternoon.  Please be sure to let us know which carpool you are interested in joining, and be sure to let us know if you have an SUV/similar and if you can drive.  An SUV can easily carry 3-4 people, plus gear.

Friday:
Carpool one plans to head out of the city either before or after morning rush hour and grab our campsites.  Carpool two will follow and either setup in the sites we've already nabbed or will get sites on arrival.  While we hope, plan and intend to get sites that are next to each other, we can not guarantee that this will happen.

If we arrive early enough and there is interest, we can try to get to the Itchetuckne for a float down a crystal clear river.  Not real likely, since they limit the number of people on the river and we'll be arriving pretty late, but it might be worth a shot!  Otherwise we'll hang out in the springs or at the campsite & just have good old AOC fun that night!

Saturday:
Saturday morning, we will meet up with the outfitter and load our canoes with enough gear for a leisurely water day trip, (think camera, water, cooler, dry bag, floats, adult beverages, etc.)  We will float down river a few miles, stopping along the way to play in the water and have fun.  Knowing our group, we might just have to have a race or two.  Since we'll have both canoes and kayaks, we'll all take turns.  We will stop and visit more springs and parks.

Those who brought snorkeling gear can enjoy it, but the water is so clear, everyone can have fun just swimming.  After a day of fun, we will head back to our camp.

Sunday:
We'll start the day with a lazy breakfast, then head downstream to Ginny Springs, which is kind of famous as the "Party Place" on the springs.  Be sure to bring your cameras to capture the unique wildlife.

Monday:
Time to go home!  Boooo!  We'll have another lazy breakfast... no need to worry about the canoes; the outfitter will come and get them!  Or, if we have the energy, we can load up our cars, then paddle downstream a few miles to a take-out.  The outfitter will pick us up and take us back to our cars at Blue Spring, or at the outfitter.  We plan to start the drive home around 1 or 2 PM.

Where are we staying?
We will be staying in relative pioneer camping luxury at a family campground called Blue Springs.  There are a few clear springs here and the water is a cool 72 degrees year round.  Alcohol IS permitted (and responsible drinking encouraged), but no glass!  Also, since this is a "family campground," we're going to try to get at least one campsite far away from the other sites.  We'll hope that some people will want to stay in the "Party site," which is where we'll probably all end up at the end of the night circled around the campfire and hanging out.  One of the trip leaders will bring a radio for tunes on the river or campsite, and we HOPE one of AOC's talented musicians can join us!  The campground does provide two police officers as night time security.  They are very laid back but we'll have to watch the noise... at least a little bit! 

What are we eating?
Whatever you can bring and keep cool and get cooked!  Each campsite will have a grill, and firewood is available as well.  At this time, we are NOT planning on any group meals, but that's up for debate.  For instance, if everyone pitches in, we can probably make it happen!  But for now, plan on bringing enough food for yourself for 3 full days. 

Please indicate in the Notes:
1.  Would you like to contribute to a group meal (either dinner, breakfast or both.)
2.  What items would you bring to share and for which meal?

Keep in mind everyone will be expected to bring one snack item to share for the weekend.  (Bag of chips, salsa, carrot sticks, etc.)

What Else?
As far as what else to bring... Read over both the required and recommended items.  If it's on the required items list, it's for a good reason.  Bring it.  This is pretty much a car camping trip.  You can bring all the comforts as long as you can get them in your carpool.  Don't over do it though; remember you will be sharing space with someone else. 

Cancel on or before Aug 17th, you will receive a full refund less a $5 administrative fee. No refund after Aug 17th unless someone from the waitlist replaces you and pays in full. You will then receive a full refund less a $5 administrative fee.