2023 Retreat Canoe Trip Essentials
Peaceful Paddle Into Gilchrist Blue Springs
This year's AEC Leadership Retreat is only six weeks away! If you're wondering what it's like to paddle down the Santa Fe River, here's the short answer:
It's the perfect trip for someone who's never done it and everyone else!
This peaceful paddle sets the perfect tone for our week together. It's time to unplug, be present and reconnect with wonderful industry peers. Cell phone service is intermittent and paddling with your iPhone in your hand is impractical anyway. :-) Here's the highlights video from last year!
We'll start at the Santa Fe Canoe Outpost and exit at Ginnie Springs:
• Santa Fe Canoe Outpost (Start)
• Poe Springs Park (Morning Break)
• Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park (Lunch)
• Ginnie Springs (Exit and Explore)
How will we get there?
We’ll depart Tuesday morning at 8am from Lake Swan Camp via motor coach, and arrive at the Santa Fe Canoe Outpost by 9am. It's the same rustic and friendly starting point as last year. Our river journey is less than 10 miles long with a total time of about 5 hours. Over all, about 3 hours of paddling with breaks about every hour. The river flows at a leisurely 3mph. We could practically sit still, and float the entire way in three hours. But since we're taking breaks and paddling short distance upstream into springs, we’ll have to paddle a bit. We’ll arrive at Ginnie Springs around 2pm with time to explore before the 3pm departure back to Lake Swan Camp.
What’s it like paddling in a canoe or kayak?
A bit wobbly if you've never done it before. A canoe or kayak is easier to balance when moving (like a bicycle). After a while, the routine of paddling and observing takes over and quiet calm settles in. Everybody gets a life vest. If you're an uncertain swimmer, go ahead and put it on.
What will we eat?
Healthy food, snacks and bottled water. I'll bring useful outdoor essentials, including first aid kits.
What's the weather like?
Year round water temperature is 72°F in the springs. Slightly warmer on the river. Cool, but not cold. Warm but not hot. Morning lows around 60° and highs around 80°. Rain is unlikely during our morning trip, and more likely in the heat of late afternoon and evening.
What's the river like?
The Santa Fe River is slow moving, and occasionally swift in shallow areas (not whitewater rapids). The river is the color of dark tea, and you'll quickly notice how the river reflects the sky vault in mirror-like fashion. But the springs are remarkably clear. We’ll be paddling as a group with lots of time for chatting, relaxing, and catching up. If I hear anything about Worksets, Phases, Design Options, Filters, and by-god-help-me Project North vs True North...someone’s getting splashed. :-)
What are we likely to see?
Ancient moss-draped cypress trees and tall pines. Things that live in the woods and water. Birds, turtles, fish, deer, squirrels and maybe racoons and feral pigs. Don't get too close and try to touch the wildlife - use your zoom lens. Everything should run away from people. Animals that don't run away are the ones you should worry about.
What are we not likely to see?
Snakes, alligators, and big crowds of people.
What will we hear?
We'll be surrounded by quiet and nature. Echoes of primal bird song. The ebb and flow of buzzing cicadas. Leaves rustling on the banks from camouflaged wildlife. The best way I can describe it is to treat the river like a library. Speak in hushed tones as voices travel hundreds of feet across the surface of water.
What should we bring:
Rain Poncho
Lightweight Clothing
Long Sleeve and Short Sleeve Shirts
Sunglasses
Wide Brimmed Hat
Sunglasses
Eyewear Strap
Water Shoes / Flip Flops
Sunscreen
Waterproof Camera Case w Strap
20L Dry Bag
What should we leave behind?
Anything with deep, sentimental value you can’t replace.
Will I get wet?
Probably. If you don't want to get wet accidentally, ask for help getting out of your canoe or kayak. Before getting out, it’s always a good idea to test the depth with your paddle. The water near the springs is remarkably clear and just because you can see the bottom doesn't mean it's shallow. I once tested the depth of a clear river presumed to be about 8" deep moments before stepping off my paddle board. The water was over 3' deep!
What should I wear?
Light clothing and UV protection. Wear layers when it’s cool in the morning and shed as it gets warmer. Thin, light, fast drying, and long sleeve shirts are good for sun protection. Polarized sunglasses are good for taking the glare off the water. Get a floating strap for your glasses and sunglasses. Bring a few extra contacts. A small / 20L dry bag keeps clothes gear dry (and floats if you leave a bit of air before closing). Thin water shoes or flip flops help protect your feet over rough terrain in and out of water. A camera case with a strap for your phone or camera is a good idea. Unless the water is spring clear (and even then), if you drop your phone you won't see it again (except on Find My Phone). But take heart: We should be able to call your phone and leave a nice group voicemail to help future archaeologists piece together life in the early 21st century.
Kind regards -
Phil Read - CEO Read | Thomas / phil@readthomas.com