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REGISTRATION & PAYMENT REQUIRED: Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page. This is a paid event with payment managed through the AOC. Please read the event description carefully for details; you will be given payment instructions after you sign up. Late payments are NOT accepted for this event, in any circumstance.



Okefenokee Swamp Safari: Canoeing & Carside Camping Weekend


The Basics:
Event Type:Adventure
Event Location: SE corner of GA, 18 mi east of Fargo
Date(s) & Time:Fri, May 14 2010  6:00 pm >> N/A  (Carpool Departure: 1:00 pm   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Thu, Apr 15 2010 10:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Fri, Apr 30 2010 4:00 pm
Event Duration:2 Nights & 2 Days thru Sun PM May 16
Difficulty Rating:D2: Easy to Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Charlie Cottingham
Bobby Marie
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Member Cost:$16.00/Person (See Detailed Cost Info Below)

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:20
Minimum Group Size:15
Number Registered So Far: 22 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:

OVERVIEW:  World famous for its alligators, bears, egrets, cranes, waterlilies, cypress trees, carnivorous plants, and other exotic flora and fauna, Georgia's 600-square-mile Okefenokee Swamp and National Wildlife Refuge is truly one of America's "crown jewels."  Our home base for this exciting camping & paddling weekend will be Stephen C. Foster State Park, an "island oasis" near the center of the swamp, easily accessible via paved highways off I-75, where we'll camp Friday and Saturday nights.  Our "headliner adventure" will be a canoe safari into the heart of the swamp on Saturday.  Mid-May is a great time to camp and explore the swamp—usually has mild temperatures, frequent gator sightings, and not too many biting insects.  NOTE: As of May 12 the rangers tell me that as the mosquitoes are not yet a problem at night or during the midday, but can be bad already in early morning or late afternoon.  Be prepared with some high-DEET repellant and perhaps a mosquito-net ($1.88 at Wal-Mart) over a brimmed hat. 

CARSIDE CAMPING AMENITIES:  From midday Friday until Sunday afternoon we'll have exclusive use of the State Park's very nice Pioneer Group Campsite, which offers about an acre of level grassy and partially shaded tent space with convenient parking for our vehicles just a few yards away.  The Pioneer site boasts a covered dining pavilion with about five picnic tables—also running potable water, toilets, and nearby hot showers.  The camping style of this trip is suitable both for those who prefer taking a minimum of camping or backpacking gear and also for those who are happier with their queen-size air mattresses, multi-burner Coleman stoves, and big coolers filled with ice, fresh food and cold drinks.  Because of the excellent Park facilities and easy access to our vehicles we intend to go ahead with the trip rain or shine. 

EXCITING THINGS TO SEE AND DO:  On Saturday we'll offer a 10-mile roundtrip "canoe & kayak safari" from the State Park Marina into the heart of the swamp and back, via beautiful moss-draped canoe trails and waterways. Each participant is welcome to bring their own boat if they prefer or to pair up with another AOCer and rent a canoe from the Marina (just $25 per canoe for up to 8 hours, including lifejackets & paddles).  Along the way there'll be lots of wild alligator sightings, beautiful birds, and photo ops at historic Billy's Island and beautiful Minnie's Lake.  On Sunday morning we'll organize more optional paddling for the group and a short nature hike or two within the State Park before returning home.  Nighttime stargazing should be spectacular both nights, with a thin crescent moon and dark skies in the Pioneer campsite vicinity.

GROUP MEALS PLAN:  Charlie and Bobby will provide all the main ingredients and fixings for a big Saturday evening group dinner at the dining pavilion, included in the AOC trip price.  Our Friday evening dinner (for parties that can arrive by about 8:00 PM Friday) and Sat & Sun breakfasts will be informal shared "pot-luck style" meals, with each camper who chooses to participate simply contributing a small quantity of a particular breakfast or dinner ingredient/item. At about 7:30 Friday Charlie plans to provide a hot charcoal grill for any of you who would like to grill a small portion of chicken, steak, brats, etc. as your personal entree item.  Also if you like, feel free to contribute for either evening meal a small hors d'oeuvre plate, salad, fruit plate, dessert item, etc. of your choice.  (See checklist suggestions below about what gear, food, etc. to bring for these shared group meals at the pavilion.)
Since most of us will be out on "canoe safari" during lunchtime on Sat, we suggest that you be prepared to pack a few snack items, pieces of fruit, water, etc. in a small cooler or daypack to take with you in your boat—also if you stay for lunch on Sunday, be prepared with a few items perhaps from your cooler. 

TRIP SCHEDULE & LOGISTICS:  We'll meet optionally for carpooling at 1:00 PM Friday in the shaded rear parking lot of the Clarion Hotel at I-75 Exit #235—see directions to that lot below, or drive down independently to the Park if you prefer, but WARNING!!: the State Park entrance gates are locked at 10:00 PM each night, so plan to arrive by then.  It's normally about a 5-hour drive from Atlanta (via I-75 and its connecting GA State highways eastward into the Park—see detailed directions below).  Allow more than 5 hrs if departing Atlanta mid-to late afternoon on Friday!  Our main paddling adventure into the heart of the swamp and back will be on Saturday between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM.  Individual carpool groups are free to depart at your convenience for your return home.

"PRE-TRIP PLANNING MEETING" TUE MAY 11, 6:00-7:30 PM, prior to MAY AOC SOCIAL at the TACO MAC at THE PRADO (on ROSWELL RD 1/4 mi SOUTH of I-285 Roswell Rd Exit in Sandy Springs):  If your schedule permits, please plan to join us for this informal "pre-Social" happy-hour planning meeting at the Taco Mac—in its spacious outside seating area if weather permits.  We'll introduce one another, pre-arrange some of our carpooling groups, discuss directions, gear, meals, paddling, and other activities, and address all of your questions and suggestions about the trip. 

FOR MORE ON THE OKEFENOKEE:  Go to the following websites:
STEPHEN C. FOSTER STATE PARK—has good detailed map of Park:
http://www.gastateparks.org/SCFoster

OKEFENOKEE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE:
http://www.fws.gov/okefenokee/ 

WIKIPEDIA:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Okefenokee_Swamp


Required Items to Bring:
CHECKLIST OF SUGGESTED ITEMS TO BRING ON
OKEFENOKEE CAMPING & PADDLING TRIP
* Asterisk indicates "Optional" item.
   Most important items in RED. 

FOR SLEEPING:
 Tent  (or share with a friend)
 Foam Pad,  Blow-Up Pad/ AirMattress, or Hammock
 Sleeping Bag, or Sheets & Blankets, appropriate for weather
 Compact Pillow*

 CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES:  Adjust seasonally, and according to weather forecast.
 2 Pair of Hiking or Running Shorts + 1 Pair light Long Pants
 2 T-Shirts or Synthetic Undershirts + 1 Long-Sleeve Shirt
 2 Pair Each:  Socks & Underwear    Bandanna*
 Light Jacket (per weather)
 Swimsuit* (primarily for Apr.-Oct.)
 RainCoat or Poncho
 Cap or Hat     Sunglasses
 1 or 2 Pair comfortable Shoes (e.g., Hiking Shoes, River Sandals, or "Crocs")

TOILETRY ITEMS:  (Pioneer Campsite has potable water, toilets, and nearby hot showers.)
 High-"DEET" Bug Repellant (esp. April-Oct.)     SunScreen & Lip Balm
 Biodegradable Soap/ Shampoo     Towel & WashCloth
 Toothbrush & Paste
 WaterBag* or "Solar Shower*" for Campsite
 Headlamp or Flashlight + Extra Batteries

FOR COOKING & MEALS:
 Misc. Breakfast Items to Share  + Items for "Potluck" Group Dinners, etc. + Lunch Items for your Daypack or Canoe Cooler.
 Washable Hard Plate, Insulated Cup (ideally "spill-proof" with lid), and steel Dining Utensils
 Large Cooler with plenty of ice, perishable foods, and your favorite beverages. (Suggestion:  Pre-freeze plastic jugs of water or wine-box bladders for long-lasting ice + bonus ice water!.)

If you have, bring the following, otherwise your fellow campers will likely have enough for everyone:
 Large Covered Pot,  Frying Pan,  Griddle (all preferably Non-Stick for easy cleanup),  Spatula, Spoons
 Portable Stove    Fuel & Lighter    Lantern

Trip Leaders will bring the following:
 2-Burner Propane Stove & Fuel
 Saturday Dinner Ingredients, Burner, Propane, Pots & Supplies,
 Coffee, Sweeteners & Creamers for Group + large Percolator,
 Matches & "Strikers," Napkins, Paper Towels, Aluminum Foil, Garbage Bags, a few ZipLoc Bags, Plastic Dishwashing Tubs, Dish Detergent & Scouring Pads, Salt, Pepper, Misc. Spices, Margarine, Sharp Knives,
 Binoculars & Star Charts for Stargazing,

FOR CAMPFIRES,  COMFORT & LEISURE, ETC:
 1 or 2 Packaged "FireLogs"*     Kindling & Newspapers*   Saw, Hatchet, etc.*
 Compact Fold-up Chair*  About 50 Feet of Light Nylon Cord* (for clothesline, etc.)
 "Action Packer"-type Covered Box* w/latches for keeping items protected from critters & rain.
 Cards & Games*             Reading Materials*
 Any lightweight Musical Instrument* that you play   Frisbee*, Ball, etc.
 Small Radio, IPOD, or CD Player* (We usually volunteer to bring)  plus CDs 

FOR PADDLING, HIKING, PHOTOGRAPHY, STARGAZING, BIRDWATCHING, ETC.:
 Kayak or Canoe + Lifejackets & Paddles if you have one and it's convenient to bring.  State Park canoe rentals are just $25 for 8 hrs. 
 DayPack  (e.g: with Compass, Maps, InkPen, Knife, Matches, Mini-Flashlight, Tissues, SunScreen, LipBalm, Bug Repellant, Mini-1st-Aid Kit, Plastic Survival Blanket--also for picnic)
 Suggested Lunch Items for Pack and/or small Cooler:  Box-Beverage, Gorp, Apple, Cheese, Sandwich, Chips, etc. Charlie & Bobby will provide some nice surplus lunch items from a recent AOC trip: Fruit cups, trail mix bars, etc. 
 Camera,  Extra Film,  Spare Camera Battery,  Tripod*     Binoculars*
 Nature Guides* to Birds, Trees, Stars, etc.

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

How to Get There:
Event Directions:
FROM ATLANTA to STEPHEN C. FOSTER STATE PARK (About 300 miles total, or about 5 hours if I-75 traffic isn't too bad):

1) Take I-75 South ~85 miles toward Macon. (If your point of departure is the East or NE side of Atlanta you may wish to connect to I-75 via I-285 and I-675.)
2) At I-75 Exit #177 bear Right to take the I-475 Bypass southward around Macon.  In about 20 miles I-475 will merge back into I-75 South, just south of Macon.
3) Continue southward on I-75 South for another 150 miles and get off at Exit #5, "GA-376, Lakes Blvd" (just 5 miles N of the GA/FL state line).
4) Turn Left (eastward) onto GA-376 and follow it about 10 miles to its end at GA-135. (En route, a portion of GA-376 will be concurrent with US-41—at the end of this stretch you'll bear left to stay on GA-135.)
5) Turn Left onto GA-135 and make an almost immediate Right turn onto GA-94.
6) Follow GA-94 eastward about 31 miles to Fargo, GA (passing thru Statenville and two other small communities en route).
7) In Fargo turn Right onto US-441, and go just 1 mile, crossing the Suwannee River bridge.
8) Turn Left onto GA-177 and go about 17 miles to Stephen C. Foster State Park.
9) The Pioneer Campsite entrance will be on your Left, just inside the second State Park gate.  If you reach the main RV campground or cottages you've gone too far.  WARNING: Both Park Entrance Gates (separated by about 6 miles) are locked at 10:00 PM each night so by all means plan to arrive by then.  (They're not reopened until about 7:00 AM)
PARKING:  Park in the designated parking lot near the Pioneer Campsite entrance path but be sure to allow plenty of room for all other vehicles to get in and out.  The driver of each vehicle will need to purchase and display on your rearview mirror a National Wildlife Refuge parking pass ($5)—available from the Park Marina/Office. As "pioneer campers" it will be OK for us to get and display these when we rent our canoes Sat AM.  These parking pass for all visitors to Stephen C. Foster State Park (and the Wildlife Refuge) are good for one week after issuance.
Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):580Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 1:00 pm
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $232.00 using a reimbursement rate guideline of $0.400 per mile. The total amount should be divided by the number of people in the vehicle, including the driver. This is a guideline, not a rule, for drivers but the cost should not be higher unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Notes:
For this trip ideally be prepared to depart from Atlanta no later than about 3:00 or 4:00 PM so you can safely arrive before the Park's entrance gates are locked, at 10:00 PM).
...Another option would be to spend Friday night in a motel off I-75 in S. GA (e.g., in Waycross or Fargo) and plan to join us at the Pioneer Group Campsite early Saturday AM.  The Park entrance gates are unlocked at about 7:00 AM.
Important information for paid events in which payment is managed through the AOC:

     - Payment must be received by the payment due date and prior to participation in the event.

     - Some paid events require a minimum number of registered participants. If that number is not met, the event will be canceled and refunds will be issued to those who have already paid.

     - Third-party vendors often require damage deposits. Each registrant agrees to be liable for and required to reimburse the Atlanta Outdoor Club for any withheld deposits due to the actions of or damages caused by that registrant.

     - No partial payments. All registrants must pay the posted Member Cost regardless of any agreement you may have with any party involved in the event.

     - Read the event description carefully for additional information, and contact the trip leader(s) with any questions.

* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.

Cost & Payment:
Member Cost:$16.00/Person
Non-Member Cost:$21.00/Person
Cost Includes:Two nights "Carside Camping," Sat evening Group Cookout Dinner, and Hot Shower pass for Sat or Sun.  (For our big Saturday "Swamp Safari" bring your own kayak or canoe, or partner up with another AOCer to rent a reserved canoe from the State Park: $25 for 8 hours.)
Payment Cut Off:Payment must be received by the AOC on Fri, Apr 30 2010.
Make a Payment:Click here for the details. PLEASE PAY AFTER YOU HAVE SIGNED UP BELOW.

Cancellation/Partial Attendance:   Please review the AOC cancellation policy.
*Note: *NOTE: It is your responsibility to get the payment in on time. Please allow two days for processing a PayPal transaction and one week for a check. No checks will be accepted after the Apr 30 payment deadline.

CANCELLATION POLICY: If you cancel on or before Apr 30, full payment will be refunded less a $5 administrative fee. No refund after Apr 30 unless someone replaces you and pays in full, and then you will receive a full refund less a $5 administrative fee. No partial payment for partial attendance. If the trip leader cancels the event, full payment will be refunded. If you do not cancel your attendance or fail to show up for the event, you are still responsible for full payment.