It’s time to paddle Raccoon Creek!
Date: Saturday October 19, 2019. 8:30am
Meeting Location UPDATED-SHUTTLE CHANGE!!! Due to the heavy traffic typical of the Covered Bridge Festival, we are trying something new with the shuttle this year. I’m hoping to arrange for a large kayak trailer to make this happen and help us all get out on the water quicker (and off at the end of the day).
We will meet at the takeout location in Bridgeton (festival parking area just North and East of the Bridgeton Bridge all the way back and closest to the creek – Coordinates are 39.650046, -87.174601) From there we will load boats onto the trailer and shuttle up to the put in, probably with the vehicle hauling the trailer plus one to carry boaters. This cuts our shuttle in almost half the time because we will be against traffic (our hope).
Sponsor: Toni Harris 317.319.7534
Gear Needed: Boat, PFD, paddle, Please wear appropriate layers for the weather, trash bag or two to help clean up as we go. Please bring water and some water tight snacks for our lunch stop in Mansfield (or bring cash to purchase food at the festival).
WEATHER: Forecast is currently Friday Partly Sunny Hi 64/ Lo 44 Saturday Partly Sunny Hi 71/ Lo 50 with winds ranging from 5-10mph from the SE and less than 10% chance of rain (until Sunday morning…then rain chances go up during the day)
Weather looks to be beautiful both Friday night and all day Saturday for the paddle. It will be chilly in the morning but once the sun pops out and we get moving in our boats, will warm up nicely so be sure to dress in layers that can be easily peeled off and stowed in your boat. Please bring a water bottle or hydration pack to keep hydrated during the day.
…please dress in layers and wear proper protection for head, hands and feet!
Purpose: To continue the Annual Fall Colors Paddle in honor of Dwon and Joy Miller who are lifetime members of HCKC and have made significant contributions to the continuance of the sport. The Millers come still to the Covered Bridge Festival every year to enjoy the beautiful Indiana Fall Colors even though they aren’t on the water with us anymore.
Plan: See updated information above in RED in the meeting location
We will have safety boaters along with the trip and our residence Swiftwater Rescue Instructors Richard Clapham and John Gates will be setting up at any potential locations to assist with paddlers having issues.
Lunch stop will be in Mansfield, IN and then if time allows we will continue on to Bridgeton near the Bridge to conclude the approximate 10 mile trip.
CAMPING: For those of us wanting to camp overnight, Friday night will be chilly but great for a campfire. Saturday we will be hosting a warm meal (either Spaghetti or Chili) so even if you don’t want to overnight, please consider joining us for dinner!
We will be staying in the Primitive Camping area so no electric, but there are pit toilets and water source nearby. Currently there are several open camping spots near where we are located (P19)
Camping Fees for Raccoon Lake SP: For cars, trucks and campers, the entrance fee is $7 per vehicle for in-state plates and $9 per vehicle for out-of-state plates, seven days a week including holidays. For pedestrians, bicycles, buses and passenger vans, the entrance fee is $2 per person. When staying overnight, you will be required to pay the entrance fee the first time you enter and your receipt will serve as your in/out pass the remainder of your stay. In-state annual entrance permits (AEPs) are $50. Out-of-state annual entrance permits are $70. Golden Hoosier permits are $25. Campsites can be reserved online or by calling the camp office at 765-344-1884. We may have room for one tent on our site so let us know if you’d like to join us!
