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May and June Activities
MAY 8, SATURDAY, 8:45 a.m.
Southeastern Outings Weekday Hike
Where: Pinhoti Trail from Pine Glen Campground to Sweetwater Lake
Details: This
will be a more ambitious weekday hike for Southeastern Outings. Beginning
at Pine Glen Campground,
this 5.6-mile out-and-back hike, located near Heflin, Alabama, is mostly flat
with Shoal Creek guiding your way over rolling hills to Sweetwater Lake, a
large, pretty lake that makes a great place to hang out and relax before the walk
back.
The trail is lovely and all along Shoal Creek so there should be good potential for wildflowers. For most of the way, the trail skirts Shoal Creek, and at 2.3 miles a bridge takes you over the seasonal stream. After you walk another 0.3 miles, you’ll cross a dam spillway and skirt the left side of Sweetwater Lake. At 2.8 miles, the path crosses a peninsula where a camping area provides the perfect place to hang out before the walk back. From Pine Glen to Sweetwater Lake is almost flat: about three quarters of the way through, you have a slight rise of about 100 feet over a mile, then a slighter descent, then a short, meager climb up to the lake. In short, easily doable. The trail is well-marked through there. The trail is good for all skill levels, is primarily used for hiking and is easily accessible.
All participants on this hike shall have made a good faith attempt to be vaccinated against the Covid 19 virus provided that the vaccine is available to them.
Optional
dinner after the hike.
Please meet at 8:45
a.m. in the Leeds Highway 78 gravel parking lot. We
plan to depart from there at 9:00
a.m.
Info. And Leader: Francis Rushton 205/290-5557 or ferushton@gmail.com
MAY 15, SATURDAY, Meet 9:45 a.m.
Southeastern Outings Kayak and Canoe Trip, Locust Fork River
Details: A fun Southeastern Outings kayak and canoe trip on Section 1 of the Locust Fork River in Blount County. This stretch, which several of us have canoed and kayaked many times previously, is fairly easy and without classified rapids. Along the river we’ll see lots of wildflowers and stop to investigate islands and beaches.
Novice canoeists are welcome and may come on this trip, but each one must be partnered with an experienced canoeist in their canoe.
Please note that for this trip you may rent one person sit-upon plastic kayaks and paddles for $30 each at the put-in from River Beach Outfitters. Rental fees include shuttle service. Also the outfitter will charge a $15 fee for all private boats, be they canoes or kayaks, used on this outing. If you wish to rent a kayak from the outfitter, please notify Dan Frederick, seoutings@bellsouth.net or phone 205/631-4680 BEFORE May 15 to reserve your boat. Dan will then inform the outfitter how many rental kayaks he will need to provide to SEO people for this trip. Please note that the outfitter has only 70 one-person kayaks for rent, so be sure you call to reserve early. Once all their solo kayaks are reserved for May 15, there will be no more kayaks available to rent!
This outfitter does not have canoes to rent. However, Dan Frederick’s daughter, Aree, currently has two canoes which she is offering to rent to people who want to canoe on this trip and who do not have their own canoes. The charge for renting a canoe from Aree is $50 per boat. Southeastern Outings will pay the $15 per boat shuttle service fee for people renting canoes from Aree. Again, please notify Dan Frederick, seoutings@bellsouth.net or phone 205/631-4680 BEFORE May 15 to request a rental canoe if that is what you want. We will do our best to fulfill your request.
Please do NOT just show up at the meeting place on May 15 without making an advance reservation with Dan Frederick!! And if you have made a reservation to participate and then decide to cancel, please be absolutely sure to call and notify the trip leader. Don’t just tell your friend if you intend to cancel!!
Life jackets are required and must be worn. You are responsible for finding your own boat. Bring your own, borrow one, paddle with a friend, or rent from the outfitters listed.
Please bring with you in the boat your picnic lunch, something to drink and a towel. Put your belongings in a waterproof dry bag in the boat. Wear old, thick-soled shoes you don’t mind getting wet (old sneakers work well). Also bring at least 6 feet of sturdy cord to tie up your canoe if you don’t already have rope attached to your own canoe. If you have further questions, please call the trip leader.
For more essential information about this trip, please see Note for Kayak and Canoe Trips at the end of this calendar.
Please meet at 9:45 a.m. at the Cleveland Chevron Service Station. We plan to depart from there at 10:00 a.m.
Reservations Required: You are required to contact Dan Frederick by email seoutings@bellsouth.net or call 205/631-4680 if you plan to come on this kayak and canoe trip. Please advise your name, telephone number, skill level, whether you are bringing a canoe or kayak and whether you need a paddling partner. You may leave a message on Dan’s answering machine if you wish.
If you want to come on the May 15 SEO kayak and canoe trip AND you are renting a boat from the outfitter at the site of the trip, in this instance you are required to call or contact ONLY the trip leader and notify him that you are coming! Dan will inform the outfitter how many rental kayaks he will need to provide to SEO people for this trip.
Info. and Trip Leader: If you have further questions, please contact Dan Frederick, seoutings@bellsouth.net or 205/631-4680.
MAY 20, THURSDAY, 9:45 a.m.
Southeastern Outings Leisurely Weekday Cahaba Lily Walk
Where: Hargrove Shoals, Cahaba National Wildlife Refuge, along the Cahaba River in Bibb County
Details: Please come with us on a THURSDAY to see the largest display of blooming Cahaba lilies in the world, acres and acres of them spread out over the water in the river. These lilies are a sight to behold! In places, it often looks like it has snowed on the river in May.
Over seven miles of the Cahaba River lie within the Refuge boundary. The rolling uplands surrounding the river are forested with mountain longleaf and loblolly pines. Mixed upland hardwood species line ravines and the river's edge.
The largest known stand of the imperiled shoals lily (known locally as the Cahaba lily) also occurs within the Refuge. During May and June, this beautiful plant blooms, and people come from across the region to view this magnificent display of nature. Eighteen people participated in a previous Southeastern Outings-sponsored weekday Cahaba lily walk in 2017. We were pleased with the turnout then. For your information, in addition to this Thursday, May 20 event, Southeastern Outings has also scheduled an additional Cahaba Lily walk to this area on Saturday, May 22, 2021.
The hike is about five miles round trip. Rated easy. Wear sturdy footwear you don’t mind getting wet and dirty. Old sneakers work well. You’ll want to put on your river shoes so you can walk out into the shallow parts of the river to stroll through and touch the lilies which grow only in the water. You’ll also need to wear your river wading shoes to wade through Caffee Creek in order to be able to walk to where you can view the largest stand of lilies at Hargrove Shoals.
Bare feet, flip-flops, slip-ons and thin-soled “beach shoes” are not acceptable!! You may wear your sturdy river shoes for the entire trip if you wish. Please bring picnic lunch and your drink. Two hiking poles are strongly recommended to provide additional stability when wading in the river.
Meet 9:45 a.m. at the McDonald’s Galleria. We plan to depart from there at 10:00 a.m.
Info. and Trip Leader: Dan Frederick, 205/631-4680 or email seoutings@bellsouth.net
MAY 22, SATURDAY, 9:45 a.m.
Southeastern Outings Cahaba Lily Walk, Hargrove Shoals along the Cahaba River in Bibb County
Details: Please come with us to see the largest display of blooming Cahaba lilies in the world, acres and acres of them spread out over the water in the river. These lilies are a sight to behold! In places, it often looks like it has snowed on the river in May.
Over seven miles of the Cahaba River lie within the Refuge boundary. The rolling uplands surrounding the river are forested with mountain longleaf and loblolly pines. Mixed upland hardwood species line ravines and the river's edge.
The largest known stand of the imperiled shoals lily (known locally as the Cahaba lily) also occurs within the Refuge. During May and June, this beautiful plant blooms, and people come from across the region to view this magnificent display of nature. There is even an annual Cahaba lily festival that draws thousands of visitors to the area in May.
Well-behaved, properly supervised children age 7 and over welcome.
The hike is about five miles round trip. Rated easy. Wear sturdy footwear you don’t mind getting wet and dirty. Old sneakers work well. You’ll want to put on your river shoes so you can walk out into the shallow parts of the river to stroll through and touch the lilies which grow only in the water. Bare feet, flip-flops, slip-ons and thin-soled “beach shoes” are not acceptable!! You may wear your sturdy river shoes for the entire trip if you like. Please bring picnic lunch and your drink. Hiking poles are strongly recommended to provide additional stability when wading in the river.
Please meet at 9:45 a.m. at the McDonald’s Galleria. We plan to depart from there at 10:00 a.m.
Info. and hike leader: Dan Frederick, 205/631-4680 or seoutings@bellsouth.net
MAY 29, SATURDAY
Southeastern Outings Dayhike and Beautiful Creek Wade
Where: Quillan Creek, Sipsey Wilderness, Bankhead National Forest
Details: This outing will be exciting, scenic and lots of fun! Those who participated in this outing in years past found it to be one of the most beautiful natural areas we have ever seen anywhere! There are numerous (about twelve) beautiful, small falls in Quillan and various side creeks. We can actually walk up and right through an extensive, gently sloping cascade easily. Quillan Creek is located in a heavily-forested area with hemlock trees and high banks alongside.
Participants on this hike must: be able and willing to walk at least 4 ½ miles off trail over rugged terrain including wading 1½ miles in a creek which is sometimes knee deep, wear hiking boots and long pants to hike to and from the creek, and bring and wear shorts or swim suits and wading shoes for the creek wade. Sturdy foot protection is required. Old sneakers work fine, but please no bare feet, flimsy beach shoes, flip flops or loose slip-ons! Please don’t come if you are unwilling to get wet! Also please do bring a large plastic bag with twist tie or large Ziploc bag in which to put your wet shoes and also bring a hand towel to dry your feet before putting your socks and hiking boots back on for the walk out. Hiking poles are strongly recommended!
Please bring picnic lunch, drink, and daypack. A change of clothes (dry underwear also advised) to be left in the car is also recommended. Rated moderately strenuous due to the entire hike being off trail, some elevation gain, and the need to walk in the creek a good portion of the time. Well-behaved, carefully supervised children age 10 and over welcome.
Please come with us May 29 and help count waterfalls.
Reservations Required: If you wish to participate in this outing, you are required to call Dan Frederick, 205/631-4680 or email seoutings@bellsouth.net by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 27.
Please do not try to reserve a place on this outing after 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 27. When you contact Dan, please be sure you leave your phone number and email address. This outing is limited to 10 people in order to comply with U.S. Forest Service regulations. We hope the limitation will not prove to be a problem. At a later date leader will advise meeting time and place only to those who are confirmed for this trip.
JUNE 5, SATURDAY, Meet 9:45 a.m.
Southeastern Outings Kayak and Canoe Outing, Big Wills Creek near Gadsden, Alabama.
Details: This will be Southeastern Outings’ tenth kayak and canoe trip on Big Wills Creek. This is a scenic stretch of river located in a very rural area. This stretch is fairly easy and without classified rapids. Along the river we’ll see wildflowers and stop to investigate islands and beaches. Forty-six SEO people participated in this very popular outing in 2015.
Novice canoeists are welcome and may come on this trip, but each novice canoeist must be partnered with an experienced canoeist in their canoe.
Please note that for this trip you may rent canoes and one or two-person (tandem) sit-upon plastic kayaks and paddles from Big Wills Outfitters.
Here is the schedule of outfitter charges:
1. solo kayaks each $30
2. canoes and tandem kayaks $50 each
3. shuttle fee per boat for owned rather than rented boats $10
Rental fees include life jackets and shuttle service. Also the outfitter will shuttle for a fee all private boats used on this outing. If you wish to rent a boat from Big Wills Outfitters, please call the outfitter BEFORE Saturday, June 5 at 256/538-3226 to reserve your boat. Tell the outfitter you are boating with Southeastern Outings. Please note that the outfitter has only 5 canoes and 57 one-person sit-upon kayaks and 5 tandem (2-person) sit-upon kayaks for rent, so be sure you call to reserve early. Once all their boats of one type or the other are reserved for June 5, there will be no more boats of that type available to rent!
If you rent a boat from this outfitter, the outfitter will take you and your rented boat to the put in, and you will take out at the outfitter’s property so you will never need to transport your rented boat at all. Life jackets, paddles and shuttle fee are included in the rental boat fee for those who rent boats from the outfitter. You may bring your own canoe or kayak on this trip, but you must pay the outfitter to shuttle your privately-owned boat. For more information about the outfitter and photos of the creek, please visit their website www.facebook.com/bigwillsoutfitters
When we arrive at the outfitter’s, you will sign a waiver, pay your shuttle or boat rental fee, use the restroom, and then eat lunch in the picnic area at the outfitter’s. After you finish lunch, the outfitter will transport ALL the boaters and their boats, both rented and owned, to the put in. We will then paddle down the creek to the take out, stopping as often as we want to.
Well-behaved, properly supervised children age 10 and over welcome.
After the canoe and kayak trip we are hopefully planning to go to a restaurant in Gadsden for dinner. Our going to dinner depends on what time we finish boating. If you would like to have dinner with us at the restaurant after the kayak and canoe trip, please bring a change of clothes. A changing room is available at the outfitter’s.
Reservations Required: You must contact Dan Frederick, email seoutings@bellsouth.net or call 205/631-4680 if you plan to come on this kayak and canoe trip. You may leave a message on Dan’s voice mail if you wish.
Please meet 9:45 a.m. at the Applebee’s in Trussville. We plan to depart from there at 10:00 a.m. For more essential information about this trip, please see Note for Kayak and Canoe Trips below.
Info. and trip leader: If you have questions or would like additional information about this outing, please call or email Dan Frederick, seoutings@bellsouth.net or 205/631-4680.
JUNE 12, SATURDAY, 9:45 a.m.
Southeastern Outings River Float, Picnic, Swim on the Locust Fork River in Blount County near County Line and Trafford
Details: Easy river float on the Locust Fork River. Have fun swimming and just sitting in the pools in the river. We will be floating from Vaughn’s Bridge to the location of the previous Dean’s Ferry Bridge. Please bring a picnic lunch, drink, towel, sunscreen and something to float on such as an inflatable vinyl float or air mattress. Please see river float note below for information about floats.
You must be able to swim to participate in this outing! Wear swimsuit and sturdy foot protection. Old sneakers work well. Bare feet, flip-flops, slip-ons and thin-soled “beach shoes” are not acceptable!
Well-behaved, properly supervised children age 8 and up able to swim are welcome, but parents are responsible for all risks to their children. Please bring a friend or several if you wish.
Because parking at the take out is available for only 3 or so vehicles, we want people to carpool as much as possible from the meeting place in the morning.
Meet 9:45 a.m. at the Hayden/Corner Park and Ride. We plan to depart from there at 10:00 a.m.
Info. and Trip Leader: Dan Frederick, email seoutings@bellsouth.net or call 205/631-4680
JUNE 16, WEDNESDAY, Meet 8:45 a.m.
Southeastern Outings Canoe and Kayak Trip probably with dinner after
Where: Terrapin Creek near Piedmont, Alabama
Details: Please plan to come on a relaxing kayak and canoe trip on Terrapin Creek in Calhoun County near Piedmont, Alabama. The section we will paddle is relatively easy with one class I classified rapid (which you can portage around if you prefer). This is a scenic stretch of creek located in a very rural area. Twenty-four Southeastern Outings people participated in this popular outing on May 18, 2019.
Please note that for this trip you may rent one person sit-upon plastic kayaks for $25 each from Terrapin Outdoor Center. Rental fees include shuttle service, paddles and life jackets. Also the outfitter will shuttle for a $10 fee per boat all private boats used on this outing. If you wish to rent a boat from Terrapin Outdoor Center, please call the Center BEFORE June 16 at 256/447-6666 to reserve your boat. Please be sure you tell the Center you are boating with Southeastern Outings. Please note that the outfitter has only 100 one-person sit-on-top kayaks for rent, so be sure you call to reserve early. Once all their kayaks are reserved for June 16, there will be no more kayaks available to rent!
This outfitter no longer has canoes to rent. However, Dan Frederick’s daughter, Aree, has a few canoes which she may offer to rent to people who want to canoe on this trip and who do not have their own canoes. Again, please notify Dan Frederick, seoutings@bellsouth.net or phone 205/631-4680 BEFORE June 16 to request a rental canoe if that is what you want. We will do our best to fulfill your request.
After the canoe and kayak trip we are planning hopefully to go to a restaurant in Jacksonville for an optional dinner. If you would like to wash up and/or have dinner with us at the restaurant after the kayak and canoe trip, please bring a change of clothes and a towel. Outfitter has four changing rooms. Two are changing rooms only with no toilets or washbowls, and two are restrooms with washbowls, toilets and running water, but no showers.
Reservations Required: You must email seoutings@bellsouth.net or call Dan Frederick, 205/631-4680 if you plan to come on this outing. Please advise your name, telephone number, skill level, whether you are bringing a canoe or kayak or you wish to rent a kayak. You may leave a message on Dan’s voice mail if you wish. If you want to come on the June 16 kayak and canoe trip AND you are renting a boat from the outfitter at the site of the trip, you are required in this instance to call the BOTH the outfitter to reserve your boat AND ALSO contact Dan Frederick to notify him that you are coming! Please do not just show up for this outing at the meeting place without making advance reservations! And if you decide to meet us at some place other than the meeting place specified in this announcement, please notify Dan in advance and directly of this fact.
Meet 8:45 a.m. at Leeds Highway 78 gravel parking lot. We plan to depart from there at 9:00 a.m. For more essential information about this trip, please see Note for Kayak and Canoe Trips below.
Info. and Trip Leader: If you have further questions, please call Dan Frederick, 205/631-4680 or email seoutings@bellsouth.net.
JUNE 19, SATURDAY, Meet 9:45 a.m.
Southeastern Outings River Float, Picnic, Swim on the Locust Fork River from Taylor’s Ford through Cornelius Falls in Blount County near Royal, AL
Details: Easy river float on the Locust Fork River. Float in the river from Taylor’s Ford through Cornelius Falls and below. We’ll float downstream to the widest waterfall on the Locust Fork River. Enjoy eating your picnic lunch sitting on the rocks overlooking the waterfall. This is one of the prettiest lunch spots we have ever seen in Alabama. As we float we’ll also view sheer cliffs that rise high above the river. So enjoy a flowing river, high rock bluffs and a gorgeous waterfall—all along a nearly uninhabited stretch of this river. Bring a picnic lunch, drink, sunscreen and something to float on such as an inflatable vinyl float or air mattress. See Float Note below for additional information.
Please bring a towel, your picnic lunch and drinking water. Wear swimsuit and sturdy footwear you don’t mind getting wet and dirty. Old sneakers work well. Bare feet, flip-flops, slip-ons and thin-soled “beach shoes” are not acceptable! You must be able to swim to participate in this outing!
Have fun swimming in the pools in the river and just sitting in Cornelius Falls. Well-behaved, properly supervised children age 8 and up able to swim welcome, but parents are responsible for all risks to their children.
Please bring a friend or several if you wish. Meet 9:45 a.m. at the Cleveland Chevron. We plan to depart from there at 10:00 a.m.
Info. and trip leader: Dan Frederick, email seoutings@bellsouth.net or call 205/631-4680
JUNE 26, SATURDAY, 8:00 a.m.
Southeastern Outings Kayak and Canoe Trip on Richland Creek, Upper Section, near Prospect, Tennessee
Details: The section we will paddle is easy with few obstructions. This is a scenic stream located in a very rural area. This will be our third trip for Southeastern Outings on this creek. Note, though, that this will be the first time we will have paddled on this Upper Section of Richland Creek. Our two previous trips on this creek have been on the lower section. We used this outfitter on several previous kayak and canoe trips and found the quality of their service to be outstanding!
Novice canoeists are welcome and may come on this trip, but each one must be partnered with an experienced canoeist in their boat.
You are required to bring and wear a mask in the car shuttle taking you from the outfitter’s to the start point and from the end point back to the outfitter’s. You may also wear a mask if you wish at other times during the day.
If you want to rent a kayak or canoe, please call Elk River Adventures
931-468-2444 to reserve your rental boat. When you call to reserve your boat, please be sure to identify yourself as coming with Southeastern Outings on June 26. Please note that the outfitter has 27 canoes, 20 one-person sit-upon kayaks, 18 one-person sit-in kayaks and 5 tandem sit-upon kayaks for rent, so be sure you call to reserve early. Also, very importantly, if you are renting a kayak please be sure to inform the outfitter and Dan whether you want to rent a solo or tandem kayak, and if solo, whether you want to rent a sit in or sit upon kayak. Once all their boats of a particular type are reserved for June 26 by Southeastern Outings people or anyone else, there will be no more boats in that category available to rent from that outfitter!
Boat rental charges are:
Solo kayaks $30
Tandem kayaks $45
Canoes $50
If you rent a boat from this outfitter, the outfitter will take you and your rented boat to the put in and meet you at the take out, so you will never need to transport your rented boat at all. Shuttle fee, paddles, and life jackets are included in boat rental fee for those who rent boats from the outfitter.
You may bring your own canoe or kayak on this trip, but you must pay the outfitter to shuttle your privately-owned boat.
Shuttle charges are:
Owned kayak $15 per boat
Owned canoe $25 per boat
The outfitter will give everyone a 10% discount off their rates if we bring 15 or more people in our group.
Children able to swim and age 10 and over are welcome.
After the kayak/canoe trip we plan to go for dinner at an excellent restaurant in Athens, Alabama. If you would like to have dinner with us at the restaurant after the kayak and canoe trip, please bring your things to clean up with and a change of clothes.
Please meet at 8:00 a.m. at the Hayden/Corner Park and Ride. We plan to depart from there at 8:15 a.m. For more essential information about this trip, please see Note for Kayak and Canoe Trips below.
Reservations Required: You must call Dan Frederick, 205-631-4680 or email seoutings@bellsouth.net if you plan to come on this kayak and canoe trip. You may leave a message on Dan’s voice mail if you wish.
If you want to come on this SEO kayak and canoe trip AND you are renting a boat from the outfitter at the site of the trip, you are required to call BOTH the outfitter to reserve your boat AND ALSO contact the trip leader, too, and notify him that you are coming!
If you are planning to meet the group initially at the outfitter’s instead of at the designated meeting place near Birmingham, please tell Dan Frederick in advance that you are planning to meet the group at the outfitter’s.
Info. and trip leader: If you have further questions, please call Dan Frederick, 205-631-4680 or email seoutings@bellsouth.net.
Note for Kayak and Canoe Trips
The kayak and canoe outings listed in the announcements above are suitable for beginner/novice canoeists and kayakers, but each beginner canoeist must paddle with an experienced canoeist. Life jackets or personal flotation devices are required and must be worn. Bring your own boat, borrow one, paddle with a friend, or rent a kayak from the outfitter(s) listed.
Please bring in the boat your picnic lunch, something to drink, and a towel. Put your belongings in a waterproof dry bag in the boat. Wear old, thick-soled shoes you don’t mind getting wet (old sneakers work well). Also bring at least 6 feet of sturdy cord to tie up your boat if you don’t already have cord attached to your own boat. If you have further questions, please call the trip leader.
When you make your reservation with the trip leader, please be absolutely certain to provide ALL of the following information:
1. Whether you want to kayak or canoe
2. Whether you are renting a boat and what kind or bringing your own boat (kayak or canoe)
3. Your name
4. Your telephone number or email address
5. If you are also making a reservation for someone else coming with you, please give the NAME of that person. Don’t just say, “My daughter, my friend, my wife”.
6. If you are canoeing, please give your skill level.
7. If you have already selected a canoe partner and you are making a reservation for your partner, too, please give the name and skill level of your partner.
8. Please do NOT just show up at the meeting place without making an advance reservation!!
9. If you have made a reservation to participate and then decide to cancel, please be absolutely sure to call and notify the trip leader 1 ½ hours or more before the event departure time. Don’t just tell your friend if you intend to cancel!!
10. If you have made a reservation for a friend whom you have invited to come on this trip and your friend is not coming, you must notify the leader of this cancellation 1 ½ hours or more before the event departure time! No-shows cause considerable logistical complications for the leader and for the outfitter!
River Float Note
Substantial, fabric-covered, inflatable, vinyl, rectangular floats like you use to ride the waves at the Gulf work best. This year trip leader Dan Frederick finally has 60- inch floats for sale for $15 each ONLY at the start of the river float. We regret that at this time we have been unable to find a source where we can buy more of the 72-inch canvas-covered floats. Please pay either with exact change or a check made out to SEO. First come, first served.
Since we have been unable to locate a source for the 72-inch canvas surf riders for the past 5 or so years, recreational vinyl tubes and truck tire tubes may also be used as your flotation device on this trip
Inflatable boats and spring floats are not permitted on SEO river floats! A spring float is a flotation device consisting of an inflatable outer oval with a small, few inch diameter cross-section and a large mesh interior. Those spring floats are meant for floating in swimming pools and on lakes in still water, not for floating the Locust Fork River. They are difficult to steer and therefore unsafe for use on Southeastern Outings river floats.
Please bring a picnic lunch, drink, towel and sunscreen. Pack these items in 2 plastic garbage bags with twist ties, one bag over the other or put your things in a canoe dry bag. Then put the bag or bags in your daypack and strap the pack to your back. This keeps your things dry and prevents them from floating away.
Here is an alternative to carrying your lunches, water, towel and sunscreen in a pack on your back. You can bring with you four 6-7 foot lengths of sturdy cord. Place your pack with your things in it in the middle of the foot of your float. Lash the pack to your float with two of the cords, one passing around the float and through the top of the straps and the other passing around the float and through the bottom of the straps of your pack. Pass the other two cords over the top of your pack and under the float and tie them down tightly. Then lie on your float with the pack sort of between your knees with your feet splayed out at the bottom corners of your float. Using this method eliminates your having to float down the river for several hours on your belly with a pack on your back, and it also gives you the option of turning over and lying on your back in the slower-moving sections of the river in order to change your body position and float more comfortably. If you are an adult, this method of fastening your pack to your float works only if you are using a 72-in long rectangular float. Either method of transporting your pack is satisfactory and acceptable. But I learned that people like it when you give them choices. In any case, your lunches, etc. should be double bagged (or placed in a waterproof canoe bag) inside your pack.
Most of you are already familiar with the stay-at-home
orders issued by the Governor of Alabama.
The Governor stated, “A person may leave his or her place of residence to participate in outdoor activity so long as the person maintains a consistent six-foot distance from other persons.
Notice of Southeastern Outings Precautionary Measures Concerning Covid 19 Virus
Southeastern Outings assures all our outings participants that we strongly desire to protect your health during this critical time. You may make your own decisions about what to do to protect yourselves, but the following measures are what we strongly suggest. We recommend taking the following measures.
We ask our participants to maintain a reasonable social distance, usually 6 or more feet, between yourself and other people. We recognize that this may not always be possible, but we encourage you to keep some distance from others as much as possible.
We will have outing announcements, but we ask you to try insofar as possible to maintain a distance of six feet between yourself and others while the announcements are given. Dan will try to project his voice effectively in such instances, and please, please do not converse with others while announcements are being made.
Optional potluck dinner parties will be cancelled until further notice.
In any case, of course, if you have flu-like symptoms (fever, aches or pains in the joints and respiratory system problems) please stay at home and do not come on outings with us! This is just common sense.
We want to point out that walking in the woods outdoors where there are not many other people present is considerably safer at this time than being in crowds of people or in heavily populated public places. Participating in our events will give you opportunities to be in the outdoors, get some beneficial exercise, and do something you enjoy with other people while still allowing you to easily and conveniently maintain safe social distancing.
